The Search Is On

Mr. Frank's eighth-grade chemistry class is exploring the periodic table of the elements. One student, Maria, has decided to focus on the element argon. Using books and pre-selected Internet sites, she finds a description of the element--even a picture of its atomic structure. Still, she must include a list of ways in which argon is currently used in the world. Doing a search on Google, she gets 73,300 hits, many of which are from universities and above her reading level. Then Maria remembers a lesson from her library media specialist that taught her how to use the periodical database to which the school subscribes. Entering that site, Maria types in, 'argon and uses'; she finds 30 articles from magazines published within the last 10 years. It turns out argon is used in lasers, dual-paned windows, and archeological dating! Now Maria can read through these articles and understand the uses of argon well enough to explain them to her classmates when presentation day rolls around.

To help students avoid wading through a deluge of unreliable Internet sites, more and more school libraries are investing in online periodical databases. These databases are amazing resources, which over the last decade have allowed K-12 school libraries to vastly expand the range and depth of information available to students.

But with a large number of databases available, and increasingly complex offerings, how does a school figure out which database to buy? To answer that question, we assembled a team of library media specialists and teachers to test-drive and rate the major products. (For detailed explanations of criteria beyond the definitions offered at right, see the print edition of SLJ for November 2001.) We looked for products geared toward K-12 students and available nationally and then tried to test a typical system that a school might use. In choosing products to review, we used the marketing information on the vendors' Web sites to determine which products were appropriate for each grade level. Some systems, such as bigchalk Library K-12, are reviewed under more than one grade level, because they were marketed as appropriate for various ages.

We found that these systems have improved significantly in the last few years, especially in the range of resources offered and in their ease of use. While it's not that complicated to put together a large database of periodicals, it is complicated to put together something even a fifth-grader can use. Now, thanks to better graphics and searching innovations that anticipate students' needs, even elementary-school children can perform successful online research.

There are important distinctions among the various systems, but despite these differences, all the databases we looked at are above average in quality--a library might not go wrong buying any of these products. Still, there was simply no database we could call 'the best.' That's because these products have such varied features that what's best for one school or grade level would not be the best choice for another. A librarian working to choose a database needs to look at his or her curriculum, student reading levels, the kind of technical support they can expect, and of course, price. The cost of subscriptions to these databases varies significantly. In September, for instance, we received price quotes ranging from $400 to $7,000 a year (see reviews). Because many variables can affect the price of a database, the prices cited here should be considered only as a guide. Your library may negotiate different rates, depending on your school population, your membership in a consortium, or prenegotiated state agreements. And, of course, adding or subtracting content or choosing a different package can affect the price you'll pay. Still, while every library does not have a dream budget, we believe that good products can be purchased in all price ranges.

Searchability. In evaluating the databases, one of our key criteria was searchability. We found that all the databases offer the advantage of multiple search methods. In addition, most allow for natural-language searching and provide many limiters within advanced searching. But we found that the best searching systems also offer subject headings for the articles that come up in a results list. Even a database can give students too much material that's not on their topic--these subject headings help them hone in on the right resources. Another handy feature in some databases is a tool that lets users receive search results classified by category--for instance magazine articles, encylopedia articles, maps, or multimedia. Some products also help students narrow their searches by providing general subject headings that become more and more narrow as the students choose among categories.

Types of Resources. We found an impressive number and variety of high-quality materials in all the databases we examined. How do database holdings differ? Most provide general interest and current events magazines, but beyond that, some have specialized subject focuses. Which you'll prefer depends on the needs of your students. A school with a health careers focus, for instance, might appreciate the health-related journals provided by EBSCO.

Formats Included. Another way databases differ is by the types of formats in which they provide information--some offer only magazines and newspapers, while others add images, audio, video, photos, and maps. With students doing more and more multimedia presentations, having both graphics and traditional print is helpful. But before you sign up for a glitzy product, check your school's bandwidth to make sure you can use it.

Currency. The time span for holdings in the databases we examined varies from two years to more than 10. Our view is that with the many topics students research--especially historical and literary ones--an archive that reaches further back in time offers a greater wealth of resources. At the same time, we were impressed with the currency of materials included in most databases. Frequently we ran across articles with publication dates a few days ahead of the current day. Some databases have reviewers choose articles for inclusion. This review process delays articles being posted for about a month (except in the 'current events' section). The user trades immediate access for a reviewed and indexed product.

Help. Users who need help learning the ropes of searching can find aids in most of the databases. But in our experience, help sections that are searchable are much quicker to provide answers than those that only offer an index of help topics.

Technical Support. In the event of problems with a database, good technical support is essential. Most companies have toll-free telephone support on weekdays. We were particularly impressed that EBSCO and SIRS offer telephone assistance seven days a week. Indeed, a Saturday call we made about a technical question was answered within an hour by a call back from SIRS. We also used e-mail technical support and always received prompt responses.

After using these databases extensively, it was clear to us that any of them can do a good search. But it was also clear that only well-trained students and teachers can search effectively. Even with user-friendly features like natural-language searching, librarians must teach students how to use the powerful tools that today's K-12 databases provide. The subscription is just the first step along that road.

Searchability. The introduction of natural language searching has been a boon for the elementary set. They can simply write in any way that is comfortable and the database will figure out what they are trying to find.

Navigability. Tabs, big buttons, and clearly defined links are all very helpful for younger children. All of the databases have good navigation tools.

Help. Some databases use the same 'help' language for their elementary-level databases as for the middle and high school levels. This is a problem because in order to be useful for children, help must be clear and simple. Some databases have hot links within the text that can help younger kids find quick explanations. EBSCO Primary Online Package includes Searchasaurus, a special graphical search map with the Primary Online and Middle Online Package. This feature is colorful, appealing, and easy to use.

Appearance. Most of the databases have attractive and appropriate interfaces. Bigchalk Library K-12, bigchalk eLibrary, Infotrac Kids Edition K-12, and EBSCO Primary Online Package are outstanding.

Reading level. All the databases use a general grade level in some format, except for Infotrac Kids Edition K-12, which does not include reading levels. EBSCO uses Lexile levels (a key is available), and it doesn't include reading levels for all articles.

Speed. All databases loaded quite well. Sometimes loading is a bit slower for graphics, but generally speed is quite acceptable.

Document printing, e-mailing, and saving. We gave the highest score to databases that allow for saving lists, as well as those that provide a variety of print formats. Several of the databases allow printing only through the browser function, which will vary with the version of browser available to users. Infotrac allows for printing with only one click and provides the ability to print in the originally published format.

Types and time span of resources. This varies a great deal among databases. Most have some graphics available, with several offering an outstanding array of materials. Bigchalk Library K-12, for example, includes audio, video, radio, and TV transcripts, as well as pictures. SIRS Discoverer Deluxe on the Web has many resources, including photos, maps, U.S. documents, and activities. Holdings go back eight years for bigchalk Electric Library, but only five years for bigchalk Library K-12.

Searchability. The databases are generally strong. Students who have become accustomed to 'Ask Jeeves' want to use natural language for their searches. They will get better results (or at least we did) with Boolean searching, but the option of natural-language searching sets some databases--such as bigchalk Library, EBSCO Middle Online Package, and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe--apart from others. Infotrac Jr. Edition and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe list subject headings with articles, which is important for narrowing searches to relevant results. The other databases do not consistently offer subject headings with articles, making for less effective, and sometimes more frustrating, searching.

Navigability. The strongest contenders in this category--bigchalk Library and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe--deliver consistent design, easy maneuvering from one part of the site to another, and icons to help along the way. The other databases are above average in navigability; some are inconsistent, however, about offering the same icons or destination choices throughout the site.

Help. EBSCO and SIRS are the winners here, as both have searchable help areas that include indexes. Bichalk Library, Infotrac Jr. Edition, and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe offer 'context-sensitive' help, a time-saving feature that lets students find help tips specific to the area in which they're working. The help sections of most databases are written for the intended audience level and provide examples to aid users. GaleNet's Student Resource Center Junior breaks help into 14 categories, but the reading level is too high.

Appearance. All of the databases have appealing visual qualities. None are crowded or confusing. Higher marks go to bigchalk Library and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe for their combinations of icons, tabs, and dynamic use of color. GaleNet Student Resource Center Junior's header bar is a work of art in itself, bringing together images from all areas of inquiry and many time periods to perch at the top of all the database pages.

Reading level. Many packages reviewed were created specifically for middle school audiences. The reading levels of periodical articles can vary, however, so we gave a higher ranking to those that clearly display reading level in articles. Bigchalk Library and SIRS Discover Deluxe, designed to accommodate larger grade-level spans, offer searches limited to specific reading levels and display reading levels within all citations. Because of these features, they rank excellent and above average, respectively.

Speed. All the databases have above-average speed. At times, pages with high graphic content are slower to load.

Document printing, e-mailing, and saving. E-mailing is easy with all of the databases. Some offer more print formats than others. For example, Infotrac Jr. Edition offers articles in PDF format, so users can see the article as it appeared in the magazine. EBSCO Middle Online Package can print many articles in multiple formats, too. All of the databases offer printing from the browser, using a program that reformats the text to save paper and ink. The databases offer varied options for saving. GaleNet Student Resource Center Junior and Infotrac Jr. Edition allow users to bookmark search pages and return to them later without having to reinitiate the search. Bigchalk Library and EBSCO Middle Online Package keep a history of search sessions. Only SIRS Discover Deluxe offers no search-saving capability.

Type and time span of resources. Users can find reliable, helpful information in all of these databases. Some, such as bigchalk Library and GaleNet Student Resource Center Junior, offer magazine and newspaper entries, reference book articles, pictures, and audio and video clips. EBSCO Middle Online Package and SIRS Discoverer Deluxe combine magazine and newspaper articles, reference book entries, and images such as maps and photographs. Bigchalk Library, EBSCO, and SIRS also lead users to helpful Internet sites related to many subjects. GaleNet Student Resource Center Junior and Infotrac Jr. Edition do not offer this as part of the packages we evaluated. Infotrac Jr. Edition contains magazine, newspaper, and reference book articles, but no image searching.

The holdings of the databases vary in terms of time spans. EBSCO Middle Online Package and GaleNet Student Resource Center Junior have issues that date back over 10 years. SIRS Discoverer Deluxe is next in line, with holdings that extend back to 1992.

Searchability. All of the databases are well above average. Two databases, Infotrac Student Edition and SIRS Knowledge Source, scored in the excellent range. Both offer various methods of searching and give users a 'subject' listing in the results. Both also have a 'topic finder/browser,' allowing students to narrow the topic they are researching.

Navigability. Many high school students like to work on their own, so the ability to find what they want without getting lost or frustrated is important. Bigchalk library, ProQuest Platinum and SIRS Knowledge Source all meet this requirement in excellent fashion.

Help. Most help sections have subject or category divisions of assistance. EBSCO Ultra Online Package, ProQuest Platinum, and SIRS Knowledge Source stand out because they allow the user to search for the help he or she needs.

Appearance. Bright bold colors, soothing 'cool' colors, earth tones, strong visual graphics, or no graphics at all, make each database unique. Both bigchalk Library and SIRS Knowledge Source show their excellence through the use of 'symbolic' graphics--a newspaper icon, for instance, to indicate that type of resource--bright colors, and well laid-out pages.

Reading level. All of the databases reviewed in this section are designed for high school students. EBSCO Ultra Online Package includes Lexile levels in the 'MAS Full Text Ultra' portion of its package, which includes popular magazines, but this is not extended into the other sections of the product. Bigchalk Library, on the other hand, has reading levels listed with each article. This database also allows users to search by five different reading levels or by all levels. Users can even sort search results by reading level. For this reason, bigchalk Library rates excellent in this category.

Speed. EBSCO Ultra Online Package, Infotrac Student Edition, ProQuest Platinum, and SIRS Knowledge Source all loaded quickly during our evaluation and are rated excellent.

Printing, e-mailing, and saving. Though all of the databases had most of these functions, none had all of them together. GaleNet Student Resource Center Gold, Infotrac Student Edition, ProQuest Platinum, and SIRS Knowledge Source had enough features to be rated 'above average.'

Type and time span of resources. Six of the products we evaluated hold articles and pictures from mainstream publications--and their offerings can enrich any high school library's collection. The seventh database, Diversity Your World, did not score in the excellent range in any category. This does not mean it is not a worthwhile product. Diversity Your World focuses on diversity in America and includes views not often heard in the mainstream press. If students are researching topics that touch on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, disabilities, youth and age, they can find articles from smaller presses here. Because of its self-imposed limitations, Diversity Your World should be assessed based on a school's student population.