Download Outline for `Using the Internet efficiently` workshop

Web based research – Legal and Corporate
ACTU Industrial Officers Conference, North Sydney, 25 July 2006
For our purposes its most useful to
assume that the internet includes all
the information we need. I will mention
some history and some limitations
along the way.
Speed! Instant information!
The two major concerns about the
internet is the currency and authority
of information you are seeking. The
dates on material are often hard to
find. Are we to assume this is the most
up to date information?
The authority of material you seek
often depends on the current political
climate. Whether it is Commercial,
Academic or from a Community
organisation you will need to make a
judgement on their reputation based
on your experience.
Corporate information is treated with
care if the source is unknown or
dubious. It is assumed that the most
expensive information is correct and
relevant.
Some physical annoyances relate to
the technology itself. How to get
around the web sites, the amount of
information that can be read on a
computer screen. When do you need
to print out a large document?
Websites change and evolve and
sometimes disappear. Whether it has
been renewed or renovated change is
a constant on the net.
The Internet has provided an
opportunity for important documents to
be digitised and made available for
free. Eg High Court decisions.
But for some legal areas there is
nothing prior to the late 1980s. Current
information only. It is expensive to
digitise and load historical documents.
For industrial relations that may not be
very useful.
Proposals for archiving the web are
gaining momentum and now even
citation in decisions has become
accepted. Recently an AIRC
Commissioner cited a web site.
Information is managed.
Search engines index websites and
now we can all google.
www.google.com.au or a mega
search engine like www.dogpile.com
All substantial websites, Subject
portals and blogs and related links. –
some eg. Law portal – AEU, default to
internet page, ATUA www.atua.org.au
Use of language
The language used to describe can
indicate the politics of the speaker. For
example. Is it Industrial Relations,
Employee Relations, Human
Relations? Are they the same?
Be aware of IR jargon - ‘fair go all
round’ is only used in Australia.
If you are using a new website, ask for
training, explanations, manuals and
use them. Do the training!
Interdisciplinary nature of Industrial
Relations
Trade unions, Labour Law, Employee
Relations, Human Relations,
Economics, Social, Political, OHS,
Environment, Media, Corporate,
Legislation, Case materials,
Government, Statistics.
Select list of sites as at July 2006
attached.
A compilation of websites in fashion
today. Websites change and evolve.
Use these as a guide and add your
favourites.
What is the Question
Analyse first – write it down until it comes as second nature.
I have been asked for / need info on ………………………………………..
What are the key terms, context, limitations.
How much do I know already?
frames search terms / query terms
It is needed for; workplace meeting, submission, advocacy, presentation
to colleagues, speech to industry group.
Tailor it to the listeners
What are my time limits?
When do you need it?
Now! Yesterday! Case in a week.
I really need……..
What do you need?
Everything, I don’t know, I will know when I see it.
( types of information and level)
Likeliest Information sources?
Type of information first then titles.
Can I get help?
Who can you ask?
Industrial co-ordinator, research person, librarian, information
manager?