1. Sample Search Strategic Information Technology E-book deployment in Libraries Linda Hauck, Spring 2010

2. Begin by logging into Gartner Intraweb. Do a keyword search for ebook, I might have tried e-book or e-reader. I choose not to browse by catagories because I don’t know where e-books fit.

3. My results look good, so I’ll see if I can get full text.

4. I’m in luck as I can download this and another recent report. Together they give me a good idea of the key competitive forces, value chain, players and niche history and outlook.

5. With some excellent background in hand I’ll search ABI Inform. My search statement is ebooks AND libraries limited to publications greater than December 31, 2003. The results page as shown is filtered for trade publications.

6. I’ll read full text available here or try using the “findit” button (displayed on the results screen) to get full text available elsewhere.

7. I’ll follow up by tracing sources mentioned in the articles. Googling organizations mentioned in text works well.

8. Next Steps Repeat search for articles in Business Source Premier and Library Literature. Read articles and perhaps revise search based on what I’ve learned so far. Reach out to organizations implementing technology via email or phone only after I’ve worked up a set of informed questions and have background research on the target organization.