Systematic Searching: Practical ideas for improving results - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1783303735 ISBN 13: 9781783303731

Publisher: Facet Publishing, 2019

Synopsis

In resource poor, cost saving times, this book advises information professionals on how to search more efficiently.
The book brings together expert international practitioners and researchers to highlight the latest thinking on systematic searching. Beginning by looking at the role of the information specialist as an expert searcher, the book then examines the current challenges and the potential solutions to more effective searching in detail. Systematic Searching blends theory and practice and takes into account several different approaches to information retrieval and information-seeking behaviour with special focus being given to searching for complex topics in a health-related environment. The book does not presume an in-depth prior knowledge or experience of systematic searching and includes case studies, practical examples and ideas for further research and reading to ensure the book is accessible to all.
The book is divided into three parts:

• Part 1: Methods covers theoretical models of information seeking and also systematic searching practice, including search filters and controlled vocabularies
• Part 2: Technology covers new technologies for retrieving evidence such as social media and the semantic web, as well as using text mining to support the development of search strategies
• Part 3: People considers the future of the information specialist as an expert searcher and explores how information professionals could develop their skills and find new roles.

The book will be essential reading for library and information service providers and information specialists, particularly those in a health-related environment. It will also be of interest to students of library and information science, practitioners conducting complex searches in settings including social care, education and criminal justice, systematic reviewers and researchers. 

About this title

Review

'This book certainly fulfils the editors' purpose and aim. It marks the stage that this field has reached, and each chapter offers tantalising ideas about the future. I can wholeheartedly recommend this readable and excellent book for novices and veterans of systematic searches.'- Eli Harriss, Knowledge Centre Manager and Outreach Librarian, Bodleian Health Care Libraries, CILIP Health and Libraries Group newsletter * CILIP Health Libraries Group newsletter *

About the Author

Paul Levay is an Information Specialist at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). His research interests are in developing search methods to support Health Technology Assessments and public health guidelines. He has previously held posts at the National Police Library and the Greater London Authority. Paul is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
Jenny Craven is an Information Specialist at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Previously, Jenny worked at the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM) at Manchester Metropolitan University; she worked on practical information related projects, with a particular focus on improving access to information for people with visual impairments. During this time she was on the standing committee of the IFLA libraries serving persons with disabilities group, and ran a series of workshops in developing countries for the FORCE Foundation charity on providing accessible library services. Her role at NICE involves supporting the information needs for a variety of programmes across NICE. She also works on internal projects to improve service delivery, the evaluation of information skills training, and to explore methods for the effective retrieval of information. She is the editor of two previous Facet Publishing books, Web Accessibility: Practical advice for the library and information professional (2008) and Access, Delivery, Performance: The future of libraries without walls (2009).

Edition details

• Publisher: Facet Publishing
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1783303735
• ISBN 13: 9781783303731
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Levay Paul, Craven Jenny