The Information Specialist's Guide to Searching and Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web [Hardcover]

Ernest Ackermann (Author), Karen Hartman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

The Internet and the World Wide Web have profound effects on the way we find information and do research - due to the increase in the amount of information provided by these facilities and the diversity of tools we have at our disposal for finding that information. This work employs an interactive approach that blends concepts with learning activities. It covers basic browser usage, e-mail, and discussion groups; discusses such Internet staples as FTP and Usenet newsgroups; presents and compares numerous search engines; and includes models for acquiring, evaluating and citing resources within the context of a research project. The emphasis of the book is on learning how to create search strategies and search expressions, how to evaluate information critically, and how to cite resources. All of these skills are presented as within the context of step-by-step activities designed to teach basic Internet research skills to the beginner and to hone the skills of the seasoned practitioner.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Ackermann (computer science, Mary Washington College, and author of numerous books pertaining to programming and the Internet) and Hartman (Simpson Library, Mary Washington College) refreshingly steer clear of the particulars of Internet technology in this straightforward treatise on searching and research. There is no mention of Java, CGI, or TCP/IP. Instead, the focus is on search engines, Boolean operators, web site evaluation, and Internet resource identification. Roughly half of each chapter consists of step-by-step exercises in defining and resolving a research problem. The authors stress techniques and principles but also indicate some of the best sites for seeking various kinds of information. The instruction occasionally flags, e.g., when it fails to explain the extremely exclusive nature of the Boolean NOT operator. More often, though, the text is thorough and reliable. The illustrations, Netscape Navigator 4 screen reproductions, are clear but often too tiny for comfortable reading. (Throughout the text, Navigator 4 is the assumed browser, with variations for version 3 and Internet Explorer 4 given when appropriate.) Useful appendixes, a glossary, and a chapter on citation styles round out an accessible and informative work. (Updates and previews are available at .) This guide is essentially a textbook that would be optimally used in a hands-on classroom setting by computer and Internet novices, but experienced Internet librarians will appreciate its detailed, methodical approach. Motivated students and public library patrons may also find it useful.ADean C. Rowan, Whittier P.L., CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This is a terrific introduction to the internet as a research tool.
–Library and Information Science Manual

This is the best book for learning how to research on the Internet....
–Journal of Government Information --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 444 pages
• Publisher: Fitzroy Dearborn Pub (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157958117X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579581176
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,494,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best I've read so far on doing research on the Internet., March 5, 1999

By 

Anna Gisela Diaz (Guaynabo, PR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Information Specialist's Guide to Searching and Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web (Paperback)

Contrary to other books, this one has none of the hype regarding Internet as a research tool. It points out strengths and weakeness on subject areas and provides useful exercises for practice. Covers all the important areas and tools. It is a must in any librarian, cybrarian and information specialist library.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift for every Information Literacy Specialist!, August 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Information Specialist's Guide to Searching and Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web (Paperback)

We presently teach the Internet in our InfoPaths: Pathways to Information programme. This is our information literacy programme to both the general public and librarians. The information in this book is presented in a simple and clear manner. We found the summary and screen dumps useful not to mention the step by step guide to doing hands-on exercises. Certainly the authors knew what every information specialist needed! This book has become our "bible" and has been referred to often. Highly recommended.

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Internet Business, October 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Information Specialist's Guide to Searching and Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web (Paperback)

Learn how people are taught to search and research the Internet effectively if you want the public to visit your website. Simple and easy-to-read and not in technical language; obviously written by people who teach the subject.This is an excellent supplement to articles and guidance material aimed at Internet marketing.