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.

3. NoveList Plus [Database]

1. Bibliographic Information
NoveList Plus. (2010). Database

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

Homepage URL for my access was: http://web.ebscohost.com/novp/search?vid=18&hid=104&sid=620472da-4603-4055-8b2c-0a4a5605f322%40sessionmgr112

2. Plot Summary
NoveList Plus is a website available through EBSCO-Host, provides readers with the ability to access reviews, book discussions, author-read-a-likes, awards, and more information about books. The website is geared towards all ages, but does have a teen section geared towards the 13 – 18 demographics. Under the teen section, there are links to book discussions, author biographies, award winners, book talks, feature articles and recommended reads. The book discussion tab allows teens to search by author, title, series or plot. In author biographies users can either use the search engine or browse through the listed authors in the link section. Award winners are divided into sections by country, genre, and miscellaneous categories. Book talks are linked by author’s last name. Feature articles include articles written by Young Adult authors for teens, to articles about what to read next. Lastly, recommended reads focus on Genre specific books which teens can search through.

3. Critical Evaluation
NoveList Plus is a great resource for teens who are interested in reading. The database provides teens who already know what they want, the ability to find more information or ideas. However, access to and within the database may be dependent upon the user. Since the database is based upon subscribers to EBSCO-Host, not all teens will have the ability to use it. For example, the Orange County Library system in California has had to unsubscribe to EBSCO-Host due to budgetary issues. Additionally, the database’s search engine is dependent upon the user’s ability to match the search words of the system. While the system provides users with the capabilities of clicking possible search terms, teens might be more apt to use Google due to a wider search range and easy accessibility. Nevertheless, I found NoveList Plus to be an excellent database. Search results offer users with the ability to see the plot, other keywords, and the age recommendation of the book. Additionally, if a user is accessing the database through a library subscription, users have the option to check the library’s catalog to see if the book is available there.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Not sure what to read? Look at NoveList.com for ideas!

5. Information about the Author
Duncan Smith, tired of the lack of an organized database of books in the 1980s, created NoveList with Roger Rohweder and John Strickler. In 1994, Smith and Rohweder took NoveList and joined the CARL Corporation, which specializes in large-scale library automation systems. Launching the program as a DOS (Disk Operating System) product, NoveList then included 20,000 Adult titles. In 1999 EBSCO-Host purchased NoveList from CARL Corporation, which redefined the product from a collection list to creating a more interactive product.

6. Genre
Database

7. Curriculum Ties
This website is a great resource for teens that need more information about books. This includes Author information and reviews. Thus, this resource would be helpful in an English class for book reports and analysis.

8. Booktalking Ideas
N/A

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Cross-over, can be applied to all age levels. However, there is a section geared towards teens aged 13-18.

10. Challenge Issues
N/A

11. Why was it selected?
I think it is important for people to know what is available to them, and the NoveList Plus databases do attempt to introduce readers to a variety of books.

12. Citations
NoveList Plus. (2010). About NoveList. Ebsco-Host. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/default.php?id=10

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NoveList Plus. (2010). NoveList plus: Your guide to reading. Ebsco-Host. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/novp/search?vid=5&hid=104&sid=620472da-4603-4055-8b2c-0a4a5605f322%40sessionmgr112

13. Awards
No awards known.