Information Retrieval: Einführung in Grundlagen und Methoden (Information Retrieval: Introduction to Basic Principles and Methodologies) 4th ed.

Citation

Voigt, K. (2006), "Information Retrieval: Einführung in Grundlagen und Methoden (Information Retrieval: Introduction to Basic Principles and Methodologies) 4th ed.", The Electronic Library, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 109-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470610649308

The book entitled Information Retrieval: Introduction to Basic Principles and Methodologies (German title: Information Retrieval, Einführung in Grundlagen und Methoden) is the 4th completely revised edition of the book with the same title published in 1998 for the first time. In this new addition the author Dr Eleonore Poetzsch revised and updated the existing parts and extended the book by a section on subject‐specific information retrieval. In this part the topics information on economy and industry as well as scientific and technical information are looked upon. Besides this new section the basics of information retrieval as well as the methodologies of information retrieval are treated. Under the topic basics of information retrieval the steps of a search (preparation, results, post‐processing of results), the prerequisites of a search, the different types of databases, introduction of several hosts, search aids, retrieval languages, costs of online searches etc. are explained. The second section of this reference work treats the methodologies of information retrieval (command‐oriented searches, windows‐oriented searches and host‐specific web searches).

The sections of this textbook comprise a chapter that is entitled “repetition of the subject”. The main target group for this textbook are students in information sciences. The readers can repeat the contents of each chapter and determine their standard of knowledge. Each chapter and sub‐section is completed by precise questions for homework, which should check and intensify the subjects taught. A list of printed references as well as compilation of electronic references is given at the end of this book. The references are a choice of relevant publications which are selected by the author Prof. Poetzsch as being of high relevance for teaching and hence as a supplement for the subjects taught. The comprehensive list of electronic references comprises the most important – but not all – links given in this textbook. The book is complemented by an index, which helps the reader to find the topics of interest.

This reference work illustrates in a clearly structured description of the vast topic. The author seems to put a strong focus on the explanations concerning the host DataStar, DIALOG and STN International which is especially the case in chapter 2 “Methods of Information Retrieval”. It is not clearly elucidated why the retrieval languages for DIMDI (GRIPS CCL), GBI, FIZ Technik (AOS=Advanced Online Search System) and GENIOS (TRIP CCL) are not explained on such a broad basis as it is the case for DSO, DIALOG and Messenger.

As this is already the fourth completely revised edition of this book in seven years the urgent need for such a reference work is clearly demonstrated. Such a textbook is in this form unique not only on the German market but also on the international scene. It is written in German. The main target group are students in information science. For other interested parties like scientists who want to get a deeper insight into the topic of information retrieval this book is an excellent work of reference. There is no denying the fact that a translation into English would enhance the readership a great deal. A glossary of used terms and abbreviations would contribute to the value of this reference work. Another aspect which might be considered in a future edition is the topic of information quality.

Let us hope that the author will frequently update this book so that all interested parties, not only students will be able to find the relevant information wanted in the vast field of science and technology including life sciences and medicine.

The book is complemented by two German textbooks from the same author, first Information on Economy and Industry (German title: Wirschaftsinformationen) at the Verlag für Berlin‐Brandenburg, Potsdam and second Scientific and Technical Information, Online. CD‐ROM. Internet (German title: Naturwissenschaftlich‐ technische Information, Online. CD‐ROM. Internet) published at the E. Poetzsch Verlag, Berlin. These standard textbooks have also been published in a new and completely revised edition in 2004 (Wirschaftsinformationen) and in 2005 (Naturwissenschaftlich‐technische Information).

Further information on the author of this book is available at: www.e‐poetzsch.de