Publisher's Synopsis
This volume is aimed at anyone who needs to find and use information and has had to face the bewildering number of resources available. This book provides a systematic approach to how to go about finding answers by introducing readers to the elements and principles of information resources; information gathering techniques; the organization of information; and the retrieval patterns of different types of resources such as articles, documents and computer databases.;On an obvious level, "Finding Answers" looks at selected major sources of information available in both print and non-print formats including: bibliographical; biographical; statistical; business; legal; and governmental.;This book examines the role of libraries, databases, associations and institutions, governments, and experts as points of resource, thereby enabling researchers to decide on the kinds of materials necessary to answer questions and to make connections. Here can be found several approaches to information resources: the resource tools themselves (the different kinds and how to use them); the search strategies (how to determine your needs by focusing and locating resources on both a general subject-oriented and a more specific need-to-know basis); the knowledge of disciplines (kinds of resources available in the key areas of business, law, government, society, technology, and culture); the parameters for establishing routines to research current events, people, places, statistics, consumer data, businesses, and government agencies.;The book should help researchers develop expertise in specific subjects by helping them: master general search techniques and research methods, and how these may be applied with respect to a particular subject; know about the major organizations, government departments, associations, and contact networks for that subject; know about the specialized trade press for that subject; and know about the particular resource and information centres for that subject.;"Finding Answers" does not merely survey the main sources of information, it guides researchers to identify their needs in order to develop effective search strategies for the information they want.
