ABSTRACT
This chapter divides the process of search preparation from the receipt of the search request to the point where the searcher is ready to go online into three separate topics. First is an introduction to the general principles of structuring an information request in terms suitable for searching; second is a discussion of the types of information requests which are appropriate for searching in an online system; and last is the actual planning of the search. At the present stage of technological development, it is necessary to translate the information request into a precise, unambiguous statement before the retrieval system can perform the search. The purpose of the reference interview is to obtain enough information from the client to search the retrieval system effectively. Sometimes two meetings between the searcher and the client may be required before the search is performed.
