Abstract
Online Information Hunting posits that online searching is replacing traditional libraries because the proliferation of multidisciplinary subjects makes it financially difficult for traditional libraries to store a wide variety of materials in highly specialized fields. This is especially true because a large percentage of library materials are infrequently or never requested by users. Online searchingeliminates much of the expense of collecting and storing hard copy materials that are in low demand. However, author Goldmann laments the fact that informational retrieval services have been tailored for use by librarians rather than by the end users, the subject experts. He believes, nonetheless, that his Subject Expert Searching Technique (sEST) produces the highest quality online search when used by the professional or expert in a particular subject area. After establishing a rationale and need for the Subject Expert Searching Technique (sEST) in chapter i, the author does not actually explain this online searching method until chapter 10. However, since the search strategy is the core of the book, it will be explained first. This strategy is based on a two- or three-concept search. A subject expert will decide before going online on two or three key concepts to search. The subject expert will then develop a list of terms or synonyms for each of the concepts. The subject expert searches for each of the concepts and related terms using an OR search command. The computer database will list the number of "postings" or "hits" it finds for each concept and its synonym terms. A search is then conducted using the AND operator to find references that refer to both key concepts or their synonyms. This usually significantly limits the "postings" from hundreds or thousands to less than a hundred. A subordinate clause, or third key concept and its synonyms, is then used to further limit the number of findings when it is used with the AND operator to apply to all three key concepts. Further specification can be provided by using the NOT operator to exclude "postings" if they contain specified "noise" terms. The book includes a brief discussion and demonstration that searches can also be conducted for names or citations. And finally, the Subject Expert Search Technique is spelled out in a step-by-step fashion in chapter 14, the last chapter in the book. Clearly, the search procedure explained in the book and outlines above could be of value to the subject expert or professional new to online database searching. It does provide a rational way to search more efficiently and effectively. This book has a number of deficiencies. Chapter 2 involves the definition of three concepts: information, knowledge, and data. Unfortunately, the author provides his own highly idiosyncratic definitions of these terms, which do not appear tied to anything else in the book. There are several chapters in which one finds only five or six pages of text, which appear to be primarily extended "laundry lists." For example, chapter 3, "An Overview of Online Systems," informs the reader that online systems are composed of three elements : producers, online services, and files. The remainder of this chapter consists of assorted and loosely connected charts and graphs. Online Information Hunting provides a number of searches from various online services, some of which are annotated. Most of theseare helpful. In some cases, however, one finds entries such as ".exs t16e/6-7" without any annotation or explanation. One also finds terms such as "master-index file" that are not explained in the text or even listed in the index. The book has no glossary. A book written for novice online users, as indicated on the cover, should more carefully and completely explain and document search and other key terms and concepts. The author, who is an engineer, uses scientific, engineering, business, or medical examples for many of the online searches presented. A smaller proportion of the searches uses subjects or files or both that would be directly relevant to social scientists. Online Information Hunting is strikingly similar in format and content to Online Research and Retrieval With Microcomputers, published by Goldmann by the same press in 1985. In his introduction to Online Information Hunting Goldmann states that the "content of the book has not aged and most of its material is reproduced in this new book with only minimal amendments and up- dates" (p. xix). The later book omits one earlier chapter on "The IBM Pc and Information Gathering" and substitutes one new chapter on "Academic E-Mail Networks." More extensive revision and the updating of information on available databases, their users, and searching commands would have strengthened Online Information Hunting. Overall, Online Information Hunting presents a step-by-step strategy that utilizes a two- or three-concept technique to assist professionals in doing their own online searching. This book can assist the professional who is a novice online searcher organize his or her search before going online. This can result in a less costly, more efficient, and more successful online search. Despite weaknesses in several chapters, and in documentation, the book would be of value to professionals new to online searching. Unfortunately, many important topics, including menu and command modes of online searching, are not included. Although this book presents more information about online searching than the typical guides provided by online services to subscribers, much new and valuable information could have been provided in the underdeveloped early chapters in the book. (Reviewed by Larry Hall, Spring Hill College)
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