ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a survey of training available in the use of online information retrieval systems, covering both formal and informal sources of training. Formal sources of training include those available from search service vendors, database suppliers, library schools, library and information networks, professional organizations and user groups, and other organizations. A wide spectrum of training resources are presented in this chapter to aid the searcher in selecting those resources needed for personal skill development. Online search service suppliers were the first to offer training to searchers on a large scale, and they have made a significant contribution to the training of searchers. Training programs offered by search service vendors are aimed at teaching the skills required to operate their particular system with a number of different databases. However, there are differences in the depth of training offered by individual producers.
