Product Description

"I keep this book beside my computer all the time. It's astonishing how often I rely on it to guide me in making efficient, accurate research inquiries." - Bruce, Lawyer

"I thought I knew my way around a search engine, but the tips in here improved my research strategies ten times over." - Rachel, college student

The Research Virtuoso is an easy and thoroughly up-to-date guide to seeking, sourcing, and sorting information on any given topic. From card catalogs to Internet blogs, readers will find explanations on every kind of research tool available today and step-by-step advice on how to use them.

- At the library: How to make effective use of extensive print, audio, and video resources, as well as librarians. - On the internet: Secrets to finding reliable, credible, and specialized websites, including accessing metasearch engines and the deep web.

Each chapter breaks down the search process into manageable steps and offers hands-on suggestions for collecting data while maintaining a critical perspective. Along the way, examples from an ongoing sample research project illustrate how it's done, plus interesting tidbits discuss the changing role of technology.

Complete with time-saving tips, recommended websites, and droll cartoons to keep things light, The Research Virtuoso is a passport to the rich possibilities of the information age. No one should log on without it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #785837 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 88 pages

Review
An ideal quick study to get that essential information... may save you hours of chasing information down dead-end e-streets. (Jeff Nelson Buzz Magazine 20060608)

Time-saving tips and practical ... make this an indispensable guide to gathering data. (Our Choice 2007, Canadian Children's Book Centre 2007)

About the Author
Toronto Public Library is North America's largest and busiest library system. In 2004, 20 million virtual visitors logged into its online resources.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Foreword

Imagine signing out your own librarian. Imagine a knowledgeable guide who shows you how to find the best reliable information on the Internet, in the library, and beyond. Imagine a specialist who keeps in touch with the latest trends and resources, just so you can benefit from them. In The Research Virtuoso, Toronto Public Library brings you some of a librarian's expertise in a compact guide so that you too can be a research superstar.

In September 2005, Research Ate My Brain -- the Toronto Public Library's research handbook for teens -- was released in bookstores across North America. When Annick Press approached the Library about collaborating on a follow-up book for older readers, it was a natural next step.

The Library sees every day that the thirst and quest for information is not limited to any age group. The text, sidebars, and rips in this book can be used by researchers of all ages and applied to any research task -- whether for school, business, or personal interests.

In addition to consultation with TPL users and staff, the Library gathered valuable input from instructors and librarians from academic institutions. The Library would like to thank Ab. Velasco for his hard work in researching and writing the manuscript.

With The Research Virtuoso, the librarian steps out from behind the reference desk and joins you in discovering exciting worlds of knowledge.

Josephine Bryant City Librarian, Toronto Public Library

Customer Reviews

Just because you use Google doesn't mean you know how to search
Like most people, I use Google everyday and thought I knew how to search pretty well. (It reminds me of how people who take a lot of snapshots often think they know fine photography.)

This book, which was a text for a class, took me to another level in my search effectiveness.

If you are a student or use research professionally, this book might help you, too. For starters, it made me aware that some of the best sources aren't indexed by Google. When you do find those sources, you'll probably encounter an old-school search engine that requires you to use boolean logic.

You could probably find all this information on the web without this book and save the $10 but it wouldn't be as nicely tied together. Another way to look at it -- for ten dollars you'll learn about half of what I learned in my much more expensive college class.

A Small Book Gift suggestion
Here is a very clearly written small gift to offer a high school student. I always read gift books before sending them off. That gives me the benefit of 2 for 1 savings (I'm cheap) and I often pick up a few tips. In the case of The Research Virtuoso I will order one for myself. My skills in research especially as altered by the internet, need honing. Approval rating among recipients runs high.