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Overview:

Introduction to Searching Dialog Web-Based Online Course Series

This series of introductory courses offers the new Dialog searcher the opportunity to become familiar with the Dialog search system and databases. There are four Introductions to Searching Dialog courses from which to choose. Each highlights the basic techniques and databases used by researchers in a given field: Business, Engineering, Patents, Life Sciences and Trademark Searching.

Users can also choose the search vehicle they will use — DialogWeb, Dialog’s Web-based interface, or Classic Dialog, the text-based interface. By having the content and interface for each course tailored to meet specific needs, Dialog provides models which illustrate the kinds of searches users will conduct when they perform their own searches online. (Note: Introduction to Trademark Searching is available only for DialogWeb at this time.)

Dialog is the world's largest databank of information, providing access to more than 450 different information collections known as databases. Some databases include references and abstracts for published literature, business information and financial data; others contain complete text of articles and news stories; others contain statistical tables and directories. On the Dialog search system, a single basic command language is used to locate and look at information from any of these databases.

Course Description: Introduction to Dialog Searching
Each lesson of Introduction to Searching Dialog covers an important aspect of search process, including choosing a database, planning a search strategy, conducting and refining a search online. Choose the course listed below that best fits your subject needs.

For example, if you are a market analyst, you will want to select the version for the business professional so that you can see an example showing how to obtain company information. On the other hand, if you are a patent attorney, you will want to choose the course for the patent professional to learn how to conduct searches on patent assignees or inventors.

This course can be taken using your computer and modem at any time, any day of the week. It will take approximately 4-5 hours to complete, including off-line and online practice exercises.

Audience
Online courses are offered to individuals who are unable to attend Dialog web-based sessions, who prefer independent learning, or who would like to take a course at their convenience.

Introduction to Searching Dialog is designed for individuals new to online searching or to the Dialog system who want an introduction to the Dialog search commands and databases. Previous online experience is not required. The course may also serve as a review for users who have been only occasional searchers.

Course Requirements

• Read through each lesson, follow the links, and review the search tips.
• At the end of each lesson, exercise questions and answers will reinforce what you have learned.

Objectives
After completing the lessons and exercises in the Introduction to Searching Dialog course of your choice, you should be able to:

• Identify the basic commands used on Dialog
• Formulate a search query
• Select an appropriate database using databases selection tools
• Use DIALINDEX as an aid to database selection
• Execute a search online and type final results
• Modify a search using Dialog documentation
• Refine a search strategy

Ready to Begin?
Start here with this short introduction to our introductory online courses.

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