Perusking

Perusking is a term used in the field of library and information science to describe the process of quickly scanning or browsing through a text or document to get a general idea of its content and structure. It is often used as a preliminary step before more in-depth reading or research. The term is derived from the Finnish word "peruskirja," which means "basic book" or "foundation document."

The primary goal of perusking is to efficiently gather information about the main topics, arguments, and structure of a text without delving into the details. This can be particularly useful when dealing with large volumes of information or when time is limited. By perusking, readers can identify relevant sections, determine the relevance of the document to their needs, and decide whether to allocate more time for a thorough reading.

Perusking involves several techniques, such as reading the title, headings, subheadings, and abstract or summary if available. It also includes scanning the introduction and conclusion, looking at any highlighted or bolded text, and reviewing any tables, charts, or graphs. These elements provide a quick overview of the document's content and help the reader understand its main points.

In the digital age, perusking has become even more efficient with the use of search functions, hyperlinks, and other navigational tools available in electronic documents. These features allow readers to quickly jump to specific sections or search for keywords, making the perusking process faster and more targeted.

Overall, perusking is a valuable skill for anyone working with large amounts of information, as it helps to streamline the reading process and improve information retrieval efficiency.