The dilogarithm function of a real argument

This paper is a user's guide to the dilogarithm function

$$L{i_2}(z) = - \int_0^z {\frac{{\log (1 - z)}}{z}} \;dz$$

of a real argument. It is intended for those who are primarily interested in the values of the dilogarithm rather than in its functional relationships.

The paper is deliberately written in the style of the book Computer Approximations by Hart, Cheney et al.