An examination of the role of the intermediary in the online searching of chemical literature

There are different levels in elaborating a search strategy. The ideal formulation requires good knowledge of the relevant subject area, of the online system being used, and of the relevant files. A number of sample questions in the chemical field are taken up, and it is shown why some questions can be answered only by a skilled online intermediary searcher, whereas other searches can be performed satisfactorily by either the skilled online expert or by the end user.