The Oxford Guide to Library Research - Couverture souple

Mann, Thomas

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0195123131 ISBN 13 : 9780195123135

Editeur : Oxford University Press Inc, 1998

Synopsis

Let a general Reference Librarian at the Library of Congress show you the best ways to find the information you need. With all the changes in information storage and retrieval, anyone doing research today may feel unsure of the most efficient ways to use the library. Through clear explanations of nine fundamental methods of searching, Thomas Mann provides an overview of little known but powerful strategies used by librarians and information specialists. These techniques can be applied profitably to almost any area of research, from discovering business records or government documents to unearthing manuscripts in archives or finding genealogical Web sites on line. Chapters explain how to take advantage of controlled vocabularies, browse library shelves systematically, construct keyword searches, use published bibliographies, and even make personal contacts with knowledgeable people. Throughout, Mann enlivens his advice with real world examples, positing along the way some energetic and reasoned arguments against those theorists who have prematurely announced the demise of print. Against the trendy but mistaken assumption that "everything" can be found on the Internet, Mann asserts the lasting value of physical libraries and time tested research strategies, while acknowledging the complementary applications of computer technology. All formats-including books, journals, newspapers, microforms, audiovisual materials, primary documents, bibliographic databases, and digital libraries on the World Wide Web-are considered for their unique advantages, as well as for their limitations. Required reading for students, scholars, information seeking professionals, and laypersons, The Oxford Guide to Library Research offers a rich, inclusive overview of the field, one that can save its readers countless hours in the search for information.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

With all of the new developments in information storage and retrieval, researchers today need a clear and comprehensive overview of the full range of their options, both online and offline, for finding the best information quickly. In this third edition of The Oxford Guide to Library Research, Thomas Mann maps out an array not just of important databases and print sources, but of several specific search techniques that can be applied profitably in any area of research. From academic resources to government documents to manuscripts in archives to business Web sites, Mann shows readers how best to exploit controlled subject headings, explains why browsing library shelves is still important in an online age, demonstrates how citation searching and related record searching produce results far beyond keyword inquiries, and offers practical tips on making personal contacts with knowledgeable people. Against the trendy but mistaken assumption that "everything" can be found on the Internet, Mann shows the lasting value of physical libraries and the unexpected power of traditional search mechanisms, while also providing the best overview of the new capabilities of computer indexing. Throughout the book Mann enlivens his advice with real-world examples derived from his experience of having helped thousands of researchers, with interests in all subjects areas, over a quarter century. Along the way he provides striking demonstrations and powerful arguments against those theorists who have mistakenly announced the demise of print. Essential reading for students, scholars, professional researchers, and laypersons, The Oxford Guide to Library Research offers a rich, inclusive overview of the information field, one that can save researchers countless hours of frustration in the search for the best sources on their topics.

Revue de presse

"Mann's exceptionally intelligent, succinct, and practical guide will become essential for novices as well as experienced scholars. He adroitly combines up-to-date expertise in electronic sources with reassuring mastery of traditional methods."--Robert Parks, Robert H. Taylor Curator of Autograph Manuscripts, The Pierpont Morgan Library

"Of great use and enlightenment to anyone with a scholarly, professional, commercial, or recreational interest in research into any field, and also to both students and practitioners of librarianship. This is the only book that combines (very successfully) elements of reference work and of the organization and retrieval of knowledge and information. It is highly accessible to the general reader as well as being the authority for those in library and related fields wishing to add to their skills and understanding."--Michael Gorman, President, American Library Association

"This insightful, timely work deserves a place in every researcher's toolkit. Thomas Mann expertly assesses the myriad resources available to scholars in the digital age, while at the same time arguing for the continuing, crucial role of the library as the repository of all human knowledge."--Paul LeClerc, President of the New York Public Library

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press Inc
• Date d'édition: 1998
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0195123131
• ISBN 13: 9780195123135
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 336
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Messaggerie Libri; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; Italie