Librarian's Guide to Online Searching: Cultivating Database Skills for Research and Instruction

This groundbreaking textbook and guide for library school students and librarians will help you―regardless of experience level or environment―learn the ins and outs of working with online databases, the best tactics for effective research online, and the methods for conveying these search skills to others.

Experienced librarian and instructor Suzanne S. Bell presents methods for effectively searching across disciplines and interfaces in this updated guide, the first edition of which was a pioneer in the field of online research and methodology. Extensively revised and updated throughout with additional features, fresh content, and the latest in web-based resources, the book focuses on two broad themes: effective searching of library databases and mentoring your library patrons to do the same.

Each chapter includes discussions, concrete examples, exercises, and points to consider on such topics as the design of online databases, strategies for indexing, and tips for teaching users both online and in person. Arranged by content, the guide showcases the most popular databases in areas ranging from science to statistical data to the humanities, providing you with helpful search examples along the way. The updated content―some based on reader feedback―includes virtual interviews, dealing with public speaking anxiety, and coverage of a variety of new databases available for research.

• Features discussions of databases by discipline, including social science, science, medicine, and humanities, covering both bibliographic and numerical databases

• Provides readers with a toolkit of fundamental search skills to increase research effectiveness

• Presents advice and techniques for both virtual and in-person teaching

• Offers a companion website with additional information and exercises

• Includes new "Additional Resources" sections for each database chapter, providing exposure to more database names and vendors, as well as a new section on discovery services