Decision Points: Boolean Logic for Computer Users and Beginning Online Searchers [Paperback]

Janaye M Houghton (Author), Robert S Houghton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 1999 | ISBN-10: 1563086727 | ISBN-13: 978-1563086724

Teach students valuable information retrieval skills and build information literacy with this excellent guide and activity book. Along with a simplified explanation of Boolean logic and how it is used for online searching, it offers reproducible worksheets that lead students through decision-making and powerful strategic techniques of search process. These skills help online searchers make decisions and gain access to the desired person, place, or thing; off-line, they can be used to narrow a topic and search through library information with focus and direction. They can even be used in everyday situations, such as choosing pizza toppings. A must-buy for school libraries and computer labs, this book can also be used by classroom teachers and for independent instruction with older students and adults. A great tool for working through the cobwebs of online searching.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?Provide[s] a unique approach to the development of searching strategy and information management skills in this day of information overload. Specifically designed for young people, the simply presented concepts are equally useful to adults.?-Christian Library Journal

Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (February 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563086727
• ISBN-13: 978-1563086724
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,535,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars The principles remain unchanged, but the text is hopelessly outdated, January 26, 2011

By 

Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Decision Points: Boolean Logic for Computer Users and Beginning Online Searchers (Paperback)

The principles remain unchanged, but the text is hopelessly outdated

This book is intended to teach the basics of Boolean Logic to young people.

The principles of Boolean Logic remain unchanged, but the examples in this book are hopelessly outdated. Most of the websites listed are long gone. Google isn't even mentioned.

And most search sites no longer require the user to have a solid understanding of Boolean Logic - which is most unfortunate, because Boolean Logic is key to understanding how computers work and how you can become a better researcher.

The text, as noted, is oriented toward young people. I found it dull (which is probably likely since I haven't been in a child in a lot of decades) and condescending. The latter quality, I think, would be picked up quickly by kids.

Fortunately, there are other texts available that are more current. Whether they provide young people with enough to get them interested in this valuable subject is unknown. I don't think this book does.

Jerry