Science & Technology on the Internet PLUS [Review]

  	
  	
  	
  


	Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship  	Fall 1996  


	DOI:10.5062/F4QZ27ZG


    

A Review of Science and Technology on the Internet   PLUS

    
Flora Shrode
  University of Tennessee  

Science and Technology on the Internet PLUS. Gail Clement.   (Internet Workshop Series Number 4) Berkeley, CA: Library Solutions   Press, 1995. 228p. $60.00. (ISBN 1-882208-13-7). LC 95-236072. Supplement   to Crossing the Internet Threshold  
    Designed to support readers' instruction efforts with   adaptable slides and text, this book is useful both as an educational   tool for librarians who are already somewhat familiar with the Internet   and as a guide for developing instructional sessions.  It supplies well   organized, clearly stated explanations of Internet tools and their   potential uses in scientific work.  The PLUS edition includes disks   containing PowerPoint displays of overhead figures which are printed also   in the text and which may be useful for workshop presentations.  The   book's contents are organized into instructional modules and fact sheets,   and the author explains how a trainer can use the book to lead a workshop   including a lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.  Each module   offers exercises designed to demonstrate tools and applications, and   modules list suggestions of internet sites to visit for further   exploration.  Fact sheets provide expanded explanations of major internet   tools such as MOO, FTP, URL, and WAIS.  The sheets describe the purpose   of these applications and provide examples of their use, as well as   stating which exercises in the modules are relevant to demonstrate   particular tools.  The fact sheets include also sources for further   information, both in the form of readings and internet tools to browse or   try.      A section on how to find subject-specific resources explains   search methods which can be applied to the 'Net based on its  functional   and subject arrangements.  URLs are supplied for several major sites.  A   section devoted to selected readings offers a bibliography of articles,   books, and publications for further information.  

    Intended for readers who are familiar with the 'Net and who want   to learn more about sci/tech uses, Science and Technology on the Internet   PLUS is most appropriate for instructors who want guidance about how to   present the subject to others.  The text begins with fundamental   communication activities, such as conferencing and finding individual   colleagues, and progresses to more broad and formal applications such as   news groups and reference tools.  Clement describes the range of search   and retrieval methods and offers informed and realistic discussion of   electronic publishing.  Learning the contents of the section on   electronic publishing should enable trainers to give sound advice to   scientists and engineers regarding aspects of e-publishing such as   validity, availability, authority, reliability, and relative prestige of   the format. Clement makes valuable comparisons between electronic   publication and traditional print tools and explores some implications of   future scenarios which could unfold as electronic publishing becomes more   widespread.  

    Author Gail Clement's experience as Sciences/Information Services  Librarian at Florida International University and in scientific research  gives her a valuable perspective that lends credence to her approach to  the topic of the Internet.  Her work with scientists is evident from  realistic examples she suggests which seem applicable to scientists'  interests.     

  
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