Rave Review
of
Real World
Research Skills
by CHOICE
(Am. Library Assn.)
The following review
appeared in the September 2007 issue of CHOICE, Vol. 45
No. 01:
REFERENCE
Social & Behavioral Sciences
45-0041
ZA5110 MARC
Garvin, Peggy. Real world research
skills: an introduction to factual, international,
judicial, legislative, and regulatory research.
TheCapitol.Net, 2006. 103p index ISBN 1587330938,
$30.97
This is a resource for those who want to learn how to go
beyond Google or Yahoo! for the latest
information on hot topics. Independent information
consultant Garvin and TheCapitol.Net share
highlights from their popular Washington-based training
sessions stressing "how to think before you begin your
research; how to work on unfamiliar topics; what to
search for; and how to evaluate the results." In
addition to reviewing all the usual suspects for federal
information, including legislative, judicial, and
executive branch sources, the author provides valuable
tips on private research sources such as think tanks,
policy shops, trade associations, libraries, specialty
presses, and even how to locate relevant state
government and international organizations. She admits
that online research cannot answer all questions, and
indicates when e-mail or phone calls may provide the
latest information. She also stresses the importance of
verifying information. As with other guides featuring
numerous Web sites, this one is likely to become dated
quickly. FirstGov (CH, Apr'01, 38-4192), for
example, recently became USA.gov.
Accordingly, interested libraries should purchase this
volume soon. It is a valuable tool for a wide
variety of searchers interested in polishing their
information gathering skills.
Summing up:
Recommended. All levels."
--- J. J. Harrison, Michigan State University
Reprinted with permission from CHOICE, copyright by the
American Library Association.
Real World Research Skills: An Introduction to Factual, International,
Judicial, Legislative, and Regulatory Research
By Peggy Garvin