Business Information

Library Journal

In this updated version of Lavin's 1987 edition ( LJ 6/1/87), the author states that he ``goes beyond the basics'' and into many more topics ``in greater detail.'' More coverage is given to electronic products and to research strategy. ``The first edition stressed the importance of evaluating search results, and this is also a key feature of the second edition.'' However, the book tries to do too much. Lavin attempts to make this into a combination of an introductory text for a business course and a manual for locating business information. For example, one hardly needs an introduction to statistical reasoning in a book about where to find business information--a topic that alone could fill a large volume. By attempting to combine practical information with some cryptic explanations of business and statistics concepts, the author shortchanges the reader in two ways. There is good information here regarding business sources, but it could have been presented more clearly and thoroughly. Despite the drawbacks, this is still a good addition for large business collections.-- Peggy Smith, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park

Booknews

Combines in-depth descriptions of some 400 sources to print/non-print business information with explanations of concepts essential for using them effectively. This revised and expanded edition (first in 1987) adds many new topics, more extensively covers electronic products, and increases emphasis on research strategies. May be used as a text/manual for a graduate library science course, or by businesspeople, students, and researchers outside the library world. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)