2. World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center [Database]

1. Bibliographic Information
World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center (2010).

Retrieved through EBSCO-Host which requires either a Library Card number or personal subscription

Homepage URL for my access was: http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/referencecenter/home
2. Plot Summary
The World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center provides users with a variety of tools. The main page is organized in a couple of different ways. There is a search tool, where users can define their query by Keyword, Full Text, or Images. There is also a section on Research Tools which include a dictionary, e-book center, primary sources, pathfinder, and a section where you can save your searches. The body of the website’s homepage includes information on computer and web tutorials, a how-to section, government resources, an interactive Earth function, timeline, citation rules, and lastly a research help section. Within these headings are subtopics which can further refine a search. For example the Earth function includes interactive maps which are much like Google Maps, a World Book Atlas, and a collection of articles, tables, maps, and multimedia of the world. Lastly, there are links to other World Book Online databases such as World Book Discover, Spanish Language Encyclopedia, World Book Info Finder and World Book for Kids.

3. Critical Evaluation
As a research tool, World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center is a great start for information on a specific subject. The Reference Center tries to be interactive, allowing the user to get the most from the resources available. Unfortunately, since it is a subscription-based service, most teens will probably resort to other reference material online. This database is mostly geared towards search terms which fit the information available, thus users must understand the right keyword to obtain the results they need. Therefore, although sites like Google will obtain a wide variety of search hits that are not necessarily on topic, Google is more user friendly in terms of search words. Additionally, the Public Library subscription has different features from the other packages for say a school or media library. Thus, the information made available might not focus on topics that meet the needs of all users. Ultimately, the World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center is a great place to start research on a known topic. The database does offer a more refined results and the obtained results are good for a basic overview of the information available.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Search through a respected online encyclopedia and reference database now at your library.

5. Information about the author
World Book Encyclopedia was first published in 1917 in the United States. In 1990, the company produced a CD-ROM version of the Encyclopedia for Mac and Microsoft computers. The World Book Online was created in 1998.

6. Genre
Database

7. Curriculum Ties
The World Book Online: Public Library Reference Center is an online encyclopedia/reference database; therefore, it could be used for all subjects. However, I would use the database as a starting point for information, rather than the extent of one’s research.

8. Booktalking Ideas
N/A

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
This database is not necessarily age specific, but this particular World Book Database is geared towards teens through adults in terms of its format, use and appearance.

10. Challenge Issues
N/A

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to include a library database which focused more on academics.

12. Citations
Wikipedia.org. (2010). World book encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Book_Encyclopedia

Picture
World Book Encyclopedia. (2010). World book encyclopedia: Public library reference center. Retrieved from http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/referencecenter/home

13. Awards
No awards known.