On the face of it, the idea of providing free access to scientific information seems eminently sensible, if we are committed to the idea of progress for all.  The Public Library of Science  (PLoS) was one of the first concerted attempts at providing such a service, launching in 2003 and providing free access to a range of peer-reviewed articles.  The “open-access” approach has created controversy, though: in particular, some open-access journal publishers charge authors very high fees to publish their articles and there has been criticism over the quality of the peer-reviewing system.  One contention is that the movement has encouraged the publication of more “junk science” or papers about trivial matters, almost devoid of novelty.  Others argue that the effect of open-access publishing may eventually tip the balance against conventional publishers, as libraries and other subscribers discontinue subscriptions in favour of “free” sources.

 Today the Internet is a great potential source of information and a tool for collaboration, but unless you have the navigational skills to search it effectively, many high-quality information resources will stay buried beneath the glut of garbage that makes up the bulk of its content. There is a variety of search tools that will allow you to find the information you are looking for faster and more efficiently.

Searching is simple. It starts with a question. It ends with an answer. Everything between is searching. Much of it has to do with the tools you use.

- David Novak

For more course information visit: http://knowlead.co.za/courses/kl-irrw/

Download the course brochure in printable form (pdf): KL-IRRW

Date and Venue

Gauteng

 17 – 19 August 2010

Bytes Technologies, Bytes Business Park

 3^rd Road

Midrand

For detailed directions click  the link below:

http://www.saipa.co.za/documents/Midrand%20-%20Bytes%20Technology%20Conf%20%20Centre%20_3_.pdf 

Course Fees

3 day course