NCJ Number
162456
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 235-258
Date Published
1995
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article discusses new information sources and formats for use by criminal justice students, along with the skills, knowledge, and judgment needed by criminal justice students to use them most effectively and wisely.
Abstract
The authors provide a capsule view of the birth, development, and current state of computer-retrievable information sources and their means of access. The discussion begins with an overview of basic concepts and basic tools: the familiar card catalog and its online form, computerized periodical indexes, computerized full text, CD-ROM, and information by means of the Internet. Included in the discussion are Internet utilities such as discussion groups, electronic journals, gopher, and World Wide Web. In sections on legal materials and statistical data, the authors provide examples of specific applications in criminal justice, where the importance of electronically retrieved information is invaluable. The profile of "legal materials" addresses WESTLAW and LEXIS, CD- ROMs, and Internet access. A section on "Statistical Data" discusses machine-readable data files, especially from ICPSR, other sources of statistical data and files, and public opinion polls. Each part includes generous references to specific criminal justice sources. The article's conclusion provides a glimpse of the future in information technology and reiterates the authors' belief in the primacy of understanding over the mere process of retrieval or format. 29 references