Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice [Paperback]

Geraldine Walker (Author), Joseph Janes (Author), Carol Tenopir (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563086573 | ISBN-13: 978-1563086571 | Publication Date: August 15, 1999 | Edition: 2 Sub

Designed to assist beginning searchers, whether they are students or practitioners, this text offers a comprehensive introduction to online systems that primarily provide information in the form of bibliographic citations. Walker and Janes give basic how-to information on the use of online systems, discuss topics for which there are no accepted paradigms, and present alternative points of view within a framework of previous research. Expanding on their immensely popular and critically acclaimed first edition, the authors have added extensive new material addressing Internet search and retrieval techniques as well as the more traditional Dialog and Lexis-Nexis services. Invaluable as a textbook for students in online retrieval courses, practicing librarians, and online searchers in library settings, this book can be used as a quick reference tool and as a handy guide for in-service training. Information seekers who want to perform their own searches for bibliographic information using an online sea

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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.
- Dean C. Rowan, Whittier P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

?Geared toward the needs of students and library and information professionals who are interested in improving search skill techniques through practice examples.?-JASIS

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited; 2 Sub edition (August 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563086573
• ISBN-13: 978-1563086571
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent resource, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice (Paperback)

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.