Welcome to the New SLJ.com
A quantum leap in providing the critical resources you need
By Evan St. Lifer, Editor -- School Library Journal, 5/1/2004
With the launch of the new SLJ.com this August, we think we've gotten it right. Soon, visitors will be able to see for themselves how our Web site has evolved from a fairly static online destination that provided access to much of our print content to a dynamic Web-based service replete with resources to help you do your job better.
What can you expect to see at the new SLJ.com? For starters, a fully searchable review database, dating back to 1987, with several value-added components. For example, the online reviews will be coupled with supplementary resources, including our Focus On sections and Up for Discussion columns, a list of SLJ's annual Best Books, as well as a variety of links to other helpful review sources. Subscribers will be able to search for reviews of A/V, reference, and Web sites. Readers Picks, which will allow librarians to add their comments to specific reviews, will make its debut in conjunction with the review database service.
A new Web Exclusives channel highlights the new SLJ.com services strategy. In addition to retaining our popular Book, Audio, Video, and Web sites of the week, we will offer an extensive state-by-state resources tool, an industry event calendar, and other Web-only features, including our annual New in Paperback listings. Because many readers will still want to access their favorite School Library Journal columns and features online, we will continue to offer improved access to all of the current issues of SLJ, with searchable archives of previous issues since 1997.
With our new, weekly e-mail alert service, subscribers will be notified when specific reviews are posted on the site, and receive links to the latest research and hottest news. Sign up for the e-mail alert now, and learn more about our new site. We'll contact you when the site is ready and the reviews are up.
As you grow accustomed to all the new ways the site can help you, it might also change, perhaps even streamline, your selection process. Consider how having instant access to all of SLJ's latest reviews—as well as our archive of thousands more—searchable by at least 10 different criteria, will influence the way you do your work. Imagine Post-It notes going the way of the beta-max tape in the library!
The new SLJ.com represents an important step forward for both School Library Journal and our readers. We rely on the symbiotic relationship between the magazine and our readers to help us better serve you. Be sure to visit our Web site to let us know what you think. We'll be waiting for you.
Evan St. Lifer, Editor
