Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice Second Edition

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.

From Book News, Inc.
Beginning online searchers will find the basic how-to information needed to work effectively. The authors cover topics ranging from modems, telecommunications, communication software, search databases, and thesaurus structure to management issues and the Internet. Offering a solid background in search techniques, this work covers those systems that primarily provide material in the form of bibliographic citations. It discusses alternate points of view within a framework of previous research, approaching topics and issues for which there are no accepted paradigms. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Review
A successful textbook that should serve library school students well as an introduction to searching electronic databases.Journal of Documentation

Book Description
This comprehensive introduction gives basic how-to information on the use of online systems, discusses topics for which there are no accepted paradigms, and presents 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.

About the Author
The late GERALDENE WALKER was Assistant Professor, School of Information Science and Policy, University of New York at Albany. JOSEPH JANES is Assistant Professor, School of Information and Library Science, University of Washington, Seattle.


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Gives an overview of the search for information in computerized settings, and outlines the different types of systems and information that are available for computer searching. Explains search protocols, controlled vocabulary searching, free text, and searching other kinds of databases, and discusses evaluating information. Also covers running a library search service, and starting your own search service. Includes boxes where contributors comment on and sometimes disagree with each other's opinions. This second edition reflects the importance of the Internet, and highlights similarities and differences between systems like DIALOG and the search engines available on the Web. Walker is affiliated with the University at Albany. Janes is affiliated with the University of Washington. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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