Researching Online for Dummies (with CD-ROM) | 
 enlarge | Authors: Reva Basch, Mary Ellen Bates
Category: Book
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $6.98
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Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 1416167
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2nd
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 408
ASIN: B00005TNX4
Publication Date: February 15, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Although this Dummies book is in the typical informal and irreverent beginner's style, even the most competent searcher will find it invaluable. Author Reva Basch has written the gold standard for books about online research. Wired magazine calls her "the ultimate intelligent agent" for a very good reason. Basch doesn't just give you information on search engines and how to use them. She takes you into the mindset of a professional Net cybrarian, sharing the essential truth about online research. (There is a huge difference between surfing and searching.) In chapters such as "Thinking and Working Like a Researcher," you learn what to do when presented with 42,178 hits--or worse, no hits at all--when using a search engine. Even when you hit pay dirt, Basch explains the importance of evaluating the information you find to make sure it's relevant and accurate. Basch covers specialty search engines, subject-based catalogs, reference sites, online libraries, and for-pay information services. She takes you to the places where the experts hang out in newsgroups, mailing lists, and online conferencing systems. One especially helpful chapter deals with the mysteries of researching government, medical, and sci-tech information online. The discussion then moves to business-related research, online publications, and many other resources. Then she reveals that sometimes you have to go offline to get what you need and includes helpful print sources. This terrific volume concludes with the famous Dummies "Part of Tens," including Ten Timeless Truths about Search Engines and Ten Clarifying Questions for Better Research Results. The accompanying CD-ROM has three bonus chapters: "Life Choices," about using the Net to find information on finding a college, a car, a job, and other necessities; "Recreational Interests: Hobbies, Interests, and Leisure-Time Pursuits"; and "Ten Simple Tune-ups for Streamlined Searching." A bonus section on Boolean searches contains one of the better discussions of that misunderstood subject. --Elizabeth Lewis
Product Description
The avalanche of information crowding the online world can be intimidating and overwhelming, or it can be a boon to online researchers. Now you can safely navigate the World Wide Web for all kinds of research projects, large or small, at work or at home -- with Reseaching Online For Dummies, a fast, fun, and friendly guide to do-it-yourself online fact-finding. From the basics of online research through topics like choosing the right search engine, power searching tips and tricks, and finding the best -- and the best-hidden -- online resources, you can get up to speed quickly and easily with the sage advice and proven techniques in Reseaching Online For Dummies. Plus, the book's bonus CD-ROM includes both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator Web browsers, along with an arsenal of Internet tools, utilities, and plenty of insight into researching colleges, job opportunities, online shopping, and pursuing hobbies of all interests and inclinations.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Very informative September 12, 2007
You can fine everything you want, just learn from the book how. I have a very good opinion of the book but they need a new version up to date.
An informative introduction to online research May 11, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
In "Researching Online for Dummies," Internet research specialist Reva Basch walks readers through the intricacies of conduction research online. She expertly addresses all the basics, including search engines; online indexes, directories, and portals; web-based reference tools; mega-sites; guru pages; and web rings (to name just a few!). Basch also describes more obscure, oft-overlooked (but equally valuable) online tools, such as online collections; virtual libraries; government and corporate sites; and gated information services. Additionally, "Researching Online for Dummies" includes a discussion of specialized research needs; for example, business, government, medical, technical, and scientific research. There's even a mention of professional research services.
"Researching Online for Dummies" is an accessible and informative introduction to the inexhaustible supply of resources that the `Net has to offer. However, it's not just for newbies - experienced computer geeks will find it helpful as well (I know I did). Perhaps the most pressing problem with this guide is that it's a bit out of date. The latest edition was published in 2000, and as the online world evolves at a lightning pace that would stun even Darwin, much of the specific information is obsolete. Though it's still a good introduction to the general principles underlying online research, many of the specific tools discussed are no longer. You may want to wait for a 3rd edition before shelling out your hard-earned money. Until then, see if your local library carries the title.
- Kelly Garbato
Author & ePublisher, "13 Lucky Steps to Writing a Research Paper"
Peedee Publishing / Hot Dog!, LLC
FROM A ROOKIE'S PERSEPCTIVE December 4, 2000
14 out of 16 found this review helpful
As a novice web surfer, Resaerching Online for Dummies (like me) by Revea Basch and Mary Ellen Bates was just what the doctor ordered. From the world behind the web to thinking and working like a researcher, Basch has provided the basic information necessary for understanding what the web is and what it does and does not do.Before reading this book I thought a search engine was something a mechanic used to find the infamous "clunk" noise no one at the car dealership can hear. However, it wasn't long before I found my self saying things like "maybe I should try excite." Or, "I bet I can use GO to get what I need." Is this OK to post in public? But, by the time I read the chapter on specialty search engines I felt like I was cruising the inormation superhighway like no one had ever done before. Dot com this and dot com that. As I continued through the text I did find myself becoming a little annoyed at the pejorative nature of the writing. I guess that's why the title is Researching Online for "Dummies." This minor distraction aside, Basch has done an excellent job of making sense of this hypertechnical computer lingo. One thing is for sure. "I won't leave my home page without it."
 The best online reference for new or seasoned researchers July 19, 2000
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I've been researching online since 1994 and I found something that I didn't know on almost every page of this book. It is informative enough to keep a seasoned researcher entertained but simple to use for a first time web searcher.I may have to have my copy hard bound somewhere to keep it from falling apart through overuse.
A must-have and handy reference for all regardless skill lvl September 11, 1999
Readable, entertaining, informative, and valuable. What more can you ask from any book? Unskilled researchers wanting to learn something from the subject will find an excellent overview of the necessary skills, tools, and resources, an online researcher needs. Skilled searchers will find a handy reference containing thought provoking ideas. The only problem with the book is due to the etheral nature of the Internet...several examples in the book no longer work as described. Newbies may become disconcerted when following along and finding invalid sites or differences between what the book shows and says and what is experienced on the "real" (?!) internet. To her credit, the author gives ample warning that this may happen. It is the only book of its type that I keep within arm's reach.
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