Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice

Rating:
Summary: excellent resource
Review: This book is an excellent resource for those interested in Online Searching. I am a graduate student in Library Science and have found this book to be a valuable tool for learning to use online databases, such as Dialogue and Lexis-Nexis. Very helpful. I recommend this book for academic librarians and others interested in internet searching.

Rating:
Summary: Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice
Review: Walker (SUNY-Albany) and Janes (Univ. of Michigan) have sensibly chosen one widely used online retrieval system, DIALOG, to illustrate their discussion of the principles and techniques of online searching. The reader who closely examines the numerous reproductions of DIALOG printouts will have a strong conceptual foundation on which to build real searching experience. The only obvious limitation is, of course, that not all searchers use DIALOG, but the authors have largely done a good job of generalizing their lessons. The major portion of Online Retrieval consists of a comprehensive treatment of hands-on searching techniques with attention given to Boolean logic, controlled vocabulary and free-text searching, display formats, and ways to minimize expense of time and money. Additional topics include the reference interview, evaluation of search results, and establishing and managing an institutional search service. One chapter briefly describes Internet. A few oversights slightly weaken the value of the text, e.g., typographical errors in the DIALOG examples might confuse readers, and references to DIALOG bluesheets occur prior to Chapter 10 where they are more fully described. Overall, however, this book is recommended, particularly to students who would benefit additionally from an experienced instructor's elaboration and clarification of the text.--