At present there are many confident and experienced Internet searchers. There are, however, also those needing a gentle but thorough introduction to the Internet. Although there are quite a number of publications on searching the Internet, the growing pressure to use the Internet as a research tool in business and work‐related decisions, as well as in daily life, justifies yet another publication. The distinguishing factor of Internet Research is its emphasis on the research process, the link to basic electronic search principles, and even the reference to the ongoing importance of print‐based sources. As Fielden explains, “I do not think that the process of research at the college level is easy to understand, and I believe that everyone engaged in research can improve their methods and results”. His approach to Internet research is further reflected by declaring it an ongoing process of effort, critical reflection and improvement: “But research is so named because it is all about searching over and over again for the best results. The ‘re’ in research suggests the thoroughness of the process – one search is never enough”.
Internet Research covers all the core issues one might expect, such as basic methods of research using the Internet (including research steps and the nature of research problems), history of the Internet, basic techniques of online searching, evaluating the quality of Internet resources and search engines. It also deals with research theory and suggestions for maximising search results, the improvement of search skills and issues of scholarly communication. The fundamentals of electronic searching are taken as point of departure, and reference is also made to the use of printed resources. A fair amount of detail is offered on issues such as keyword searching, the use of alternatives, combination of search terms and the limitation of searches. The structure of Web documents and metadata are also dealt with as background to the use of search engines. A basic introduction is offered to subject resources for key disciplines. It might, however, be a good idea to draw students’ attention to the usefulness of key organisations and societies in these disciplines as resources for more detail or the latest information. Internet Research concludes with three brief but useful appendices on the writing of a research paper, citation techniques, and the authoring of Web pages. It also includes an excellent bibliography, but a rather basic index.
To keep readers up‐ o date with the latest developments, Fielden undertakes to maintain a list of all the links mentioned in the publication on his personal Web page. Additional Internet addresses will be added as necessary.
Internet Research is marked by a conversational, easy‐to‐follow style and the logical, well‐structured presentation of facts. Although it may appeal to a larger audience, the publication is in particular aimed at tertiary students who envision utilising the Internet for their studies. Internet Research is highly recommended for this target group. Potential buyers of the publication should, however, first compare it with other, similar sources that they may already have in their collection.
