Internet Today!: Email, Searching and the World Wide Web

Citation

Meaden, K. (2001), "Internet Today!: Email, Searching and the World Wide Web", New Library World, Vol. 102 No. 7/8, pp. 296-299. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2001.102.7_8.296.2

There are key topics to look for in publications relating to effective use of the Internet, ranging from introductions to the World Wide Web and using a browser, through e‐mail, Internet searching, Telnet, FTP and Gopher to Web publishing tutorials and social and legal issues. This book boldly attempts to cover all of these, and therefore is appropriate as a reference manual to meet the diverse needs of a range of customers who can “dip in” to it as required. It should also be borne in mind that the pace of Internet development renders most publications on the subject out of date almost instantly. Consequently, the “today” of the title should really read “of 1999” although the majority of the content is still accurate and of relevance.

The text is designed for the use of college students within the liberal arts, humanities and physical sciences fields and provides comprehensible introductions to the topics step by step. Descriptive information is interspersed with progressive practical exercises that build on skills learned in both the relevant and preceding chapters. One of my only concerns with this approach emanates from the page design. The layout has a tendency to be fairly crowded, attempting to offer explanatory text, activities and images simultaneously in several columns. The result can be termed overwhelming, although those who are new to the subject will probably also find this style confusing.

The main introductions to using a browser and electronic mail use two Netscape products, Navigator and Communicator, which was surprising given the general popularity of Microsoft Explorer. It is thus worth bearing in mind that if these products are not installed locally, customers using this text might find the transition to another browser confusing.

The section dedicated to finding information on the Web is particularly useful from an information and library perspective, focusing as it does on the types of information most likely to be found on the Web and evaluating the resources discovered. A search strategy for Internet usage is also provided in the form of an easy‐to‐use flow chart. Search engines, directories and virtual libraries (subject gateways) are explained and examples of these tools are cited. This is where the lack of currency is most clearly demonstrated, with the search tips concentrating on the use of Boolean and proximity operators for maximising usage of search tools when the majority now cloak these options within user‐friendly menu systems. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on US resources is also clear in this section – all the links are to the US versions of the search tools (increasing access time) and none of the valuable Resource Discovery Network resources are listed under Virtual libraries.

The creation of Web pages is covered comprehensively and exercises are provided for the purposes of reinforcement. The design, again, tends to confuse and this is one of the few chapters that deviates from the style of integrating explanations and practical work. However, this is possibly the chapter in which such a structure would be most appropriate.

The final, discursive chapter on social issues, legal issues and Internet security provides a sound introduction to the topics and raises awareness of them to those who are new to using the Web.

Internet Today is aimed at those who have no previous experience of the Web and offers information on a diverse selection of relevant topics. Consequently, it will probably meet the needs of a wide audience who will find the practical exercises of particular use. The design tends to distract from the content which is a shame as the text is both informative and helpful.