2nd Edition

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

By Ernest Ackermann, Karen Hartman Copyright 1999

    Written by a professor of computer science and a reference librarian, this guide 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.

    Preface 1 Introduction to the Internet and the World Wide Web 2 Browser Essentials 3 Managing and Using Information from the Internet and the Web Contents 4 Using the World Wide Web for Research 5 Directories and Virtual Libraries 6 Search Strategies for Search Engines 7 Using Search Engines 8 Specialized Databases 9 Searching Library Catalogs 10 FTP: Searching Archives, Downloading Files 11 Finding Email Addresses, Phone Numbers, and Maps and Driving Directions 12 Searching Email Discussion Group Archives and Usenet Newsgroup Archives 13 Evaluating Information Found on the WWW 14 Citing Web and Internet Resources 15 Putting It All Together: A Sample Research Project

    Biography

    Ernest Ackermann, Department Computer Science, Mary Washington College. Karen Hartman, Director, James Monroe Center Library, Mary Washington College.

    "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