Super Searchers Go to the Source. Twelve Information Experts Share Their Secrets for Integrating Primary Research Techniques with Powerful Online Strategies

Citation

Cronau, D. (2002), "Super Searchers Go to the Source. Twelve Information Experts Share Their Secrets for Integrating Primary Research Techniques with Powerful Online Strategies", Online Information Review, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 429-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir.2002.26.6.429.7

For the most focused, current, and in‐depth information on any subject, nothing beats going directly to the source – to the experts. This is primary research, a hands‐on technique that traditionally involves telephone and in‐person interviewing, direct observation, and the use of public records and source documents. Today, savvy primary researchers combine these tried and true methods with the power of the Internet and online services to uncover hard‐to‐find information faster than ever.

This is the seventh title in the Super Searchers series for information users. This title involves researchers revealing their strategies for integrating online and offline tools, identifying and engaging experts, and getting past gatekeepers to obtain information that exists only in someone’s head!

The table of contents categorises the researchers with an average of three per category:

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  “Research goes primary”;

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  “Learning the skills”;

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  “PI, CI, and public records”;

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  “Primary goes to press”.

The first three chapters, under the first heading above, introduce primary research within different types of research settings – a small independent research company, the large research firm, and a major corporation. The focus of these chapters is on interviewing, although other topics are also covered. This provides an excellent introduction to primary research, and some opportunity to observe the interviewing process that comprises the book.

This flows smoothly into the second category, with two chapters focusing on some techniques and theory, again within the interviewing arena. Here, two educators present methods of primary researching. The third category, with three chapters, focuses on the hands‐on aspects of public records research and direct observation. This section is geared particularly towards competitive intelligence (CI) and some private investigation (PI), bringing a different perspective to direct observation, including some techniques and situations that are useful to consider in the broader research world.

The last category, with four chapters, looks at how journalists, reporters and writers use primary research. A New York Times reporter and an ex‐feature editor for PC World are among the contributors. They combine all the elements of primary research – documents, direct observation and interviews – to provide tips on how to approach journalists as sources.

The interesting point about this book is that both the process and the information presented are important to the author. She wants the reader not only to have easy, clear access to some very useful tips and suggestions but also to experience the progression and flow of the interview process. This book presents more of a behind‐the‐scenes view than the other titles in the series.

This is an excellent read for public or tertiary libraries but might also have some appeal to senior secondary school students. It is not only useful and informative, but also a good, enjoyable read.