Genomes and Databases on the Internet [Review]

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	Issues in Science and Technology   Librarianship
	Spring 2003

	DOI:10.5062/F4CF9N25



      

    Book Reviews
  Genomes and Databases on the Internet: A Practical   Guide to Functions and Applications
      Victoria Shelton
  George Mason University
vshelton@gmu.edu        


    

Rangel, Paul, and Jeremy Giovannetti. Genomes and  databases on the Internet: a practical guide to functions and  applications. Horizon Scientific Press. 2002. ISBN 189848631X.  224p. $125.00. 
    The book provides a valuable review of biosciences Internet resources  ranging from databases and genomes to analysis tools and publications. It  is aimed at the researcher "who is aware of a few web offerings...but is  tepid in their approach to the expanse of the web."    A brief introductory chapter describes the basics of navigating the web.   The rest of the book is divided into four parts: Molecular Databases  (covers all databases pertaining to DNA, RNA, and proteins); Genomic  Research (analyzes databases dedicated to the human genome and genomes of  plants, fungi, vertebrates, invertebrates, insects, organelles, bacteria,  and viruses); Online Analysis Tools (explores various software  applications that can be used in genomic and proteomic research), and  General Resources (examines the useful Internet resources that contain  useful links, bibliographies, and lab supplies).

    The authors review the resources in informative helpful ways explaining  scientific information in an easy-to-understand manner and including query  examples. The book would have been more valuable if the authors had  analyzed the merits and demerits of the reviewed resources in a more  depth. 

    Stylistically, this is enjoyable reading. The writing is clear; the  organization is lucid. Features include an index, a short abstract at the  beginning of each chapter, and further reading sections at the end of the  chapters. In addition, the book contains useful graphs, charts, and  tables.

    The book will provide valuable information for biosciences professionals,  as well as the librarians who work with them.

    

  

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