OGLR Preface - p.45

In the Preface to the Oxford Guide to Library Research, Thomas Mann tackles the question of whether research is more effective online or within the walls of libraries. In response, he implores that, "If you wish to be a good researcher you have to be aware of the trade-offs between virtual and real libraries" (xiii). Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of research and understanding the relationship between the two is key to attaining the best of either. Mann reports three considerations tied together in the world of information records: 1. copyright protection; 2. free "fair use" of the records by everyone; and 3. access limitations of what, who, and where (xiv). And when it comes to successfully attaining records the freedoms of cyberspace and the limitations of physical libraries serve to be both advantageous and disadvantageous to the researcher. Thus, bringing us back to the importance of understanding the "trade-offs" between the two. As Mann moves into the overviews of encyclopedias and the "how tos" of subject headings and the library catalog he asserts again that there are advantages and disadvantages to approaching research in a specific way. Though a general encyclopedia can prove useful to scratch the surface of a topic, a serious researcher hoping to move deeper into a subject must search for a compilation of specialized encyclopedias that could in turn deliver in-depth subject content. Even when it comes to utilizing the library catalog, the accuracy of a subject heading used in a search is multifaceted and differs significantly depending on whether a heading is uniform or specific. Mann's "Four Ways to Find the Right Subject Headings" breaks down the process of choosing the appropriate subject heading for certain types of research. Within these methods it's apparent that the advantages of one method do not necessarily translate to the same success when applied to another.

Understanding the "trade-offs" between the two modes of research (online/real library) is what stands out to me the most in this reading. In a society that is ever-changing and exponentially developing into a cyber world it is easy to take for granted the necessity of the collection of knowledge and wisdom within the walls of a library. Even at the library I see more students surfing the net on the reference computers rather than actually using it as a library catalog and resource. The argument that there are ups and downs to both methods of research shows that it is so important for us as researchers to utilize both when appropriately necessary. Sure this book is a "snoozer" but the information it delivers is pertinent to providing the best possible means of research for students like myself. To see such advantages and disadvantages peppered throughout the realm of research only gives me a clearer understanding of what is necessary to becoming a successful researcher--for this reason alone I look forward to using this book for present and future reference.