The “must-have” products for next fall

Yes, “best of” lists typically run at the end of the calendar year. But for me—and many other school librarians—the “year” ends in June. So for this column, I’ve considered products reviewed from 2007 to the present. Not only has this allowed me to add a couple of recent resources, but I’ve also had more time to observe how my colleagues and students have adopted and used some of these products. With both schools and public libraries developing budgets over the next couple of months, now is the ideal time to think about adding new digital content. Here (in alphabetical order, of course) are the “must-haves” for your consideration. Consult the original reviews for details, pricing, and contact information.

Art Museum Image Gallery - H. W. Wilson

Many elementary school teachers are often overwhelmed when it comes to locating resources for lesson plans. That’s one reason why Wilson’s Art Museum Image Gallery is such a wonderful addition. With over 155,000 images dating from 3000 B.C.E. to the 20th century, any teacher can quickly locate images to reinforce instruction, provide content for lesson plans, or extend special programs. Best of all, these images are cleared for educational use and come with bibliographic records. Students can examine famous works, discover artists, and learn art techniques. Art Museum Image Gallery brings art to thousands who may never visit a world-renowned museum. (Reviewed June 2007, p. 77)

Atomic Learning - Atomic Learning, Inc.

It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with all the demands placed on librarians to provide training, staff development, and information on the latest gadgets and software. Atomic Learning, an online database with over 25,000 software training movies and more than 500 tutorials, teaches how to use just about every technology application and software, from Microsoft Word to FileMaker Pro. Directly linked to state and ISTE standards, this resource provides both reluctant technology users, as well as those on the cutting edge, the opportunity to try new programs without fear of failure. (Reviewed January 2008, p. 76)

BookFlix - Scholastic

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than telling elementary teachers that they no longer have access to a favorite program. That happened last fall, when after one week of reviewing this product, my teachers (and their students) were hooked. BookFlix pairs classic Weston Wood videos with relevant nonfiction ebooks from Scholastic. Aside from being a favorite program of many students, BookFlix provides reinforcement in reading. Connect a computer to an LCD projector or a large-screen television, and bring BookFlix to the entire classroom (“big books” in high-tech format). Students can also use the program individually at school or at home with their parents. (Reviewed October 2007, p. 81)

Cosmeo - Discovery Education

OK, I know this isn’t a database for library or classroom use, but Cosmeo is definitely a program to share with students, teachers, and parents. With over 30,000 video clips, 15,000 images, hundreds of teacher-selected Web sites, an online encyclopedia, and 40,000 math problem solvers and tutorials for students in grades K–12, Cosmeo provides a wealth of homework support. Because this program supplies links to state and national standards, parents can locate the instructional objectives for their child’s grade level and subject. I’m still energized when I find resources for my fourth grader while engaging my high school senior with materials to better understand trigonometry. (Reviewed July 2007, p. 64)

Daily Life America - Greenwood Press

Regardless of the vast print resources your library has on American history, culture, food, or traditions, it’s never enough. That’s where Daily Life America steps in. With over 100 of Greenwood’s current single and multivolume reference works focusing on the lives of ordinary people, from pre-Columbian times to the present, Daily Life America provides material often missing from many school libraries. It’s definitely a favorite among classroom teachers and students. And because this database has such potential within many curriculum areas while providing unique resources for a wide range of students, Daily Life America deserves serious consideration. (Reviewed December 2007, p. 75)

Graphic Novels Core Collection - H. W. Wilson

Although graphic novels are now a mainstay for many of our reluctant readers, it seems that school librarians are still reluctant to embrace these books. But thanks to Wilson’s Graphic Novels Core Collection, we can now select the best in graphic novels for students in grades K–12 with confidence. This product provides such unique content that once you’ve used it, you’ll find yourself going back to check for those graphic novels you saw advertised or on the bookstore’s shelves. From that point on, don’t be surprised to find that your “quick look” at Graphic Novels Core Collection ends up lasting half an hour or more—it’s that engaging. (Reviewed March 2008, p. 93)

Opposing Viewpoints - Gale

When asked to suggest a resource for a controversial topic, speech, or debate, my first thought is usually Gale’s Opposing Viewpoints. Now, as Gale has updated the content, added new features, and even given it an appealing face-lift, you’ll want to share this product. With over 4,700 topic overviews; 8,730 pro and con articles; 6,500 statistical tables, charts, and graphics; and links to more than 2,300 reviewed Web sites, it’s understandable why Opposing Viewpoints is often the first choice for many students and teachers. Although it’s been around for a while, it has definitely morphed into a vibrant, interactive database. If you’re a former subscriber but haven’t seen it lately, you should take another look. (Reviewed: September 2007, p. 87)

Rand McNally Classroom - Rand McNally

This resource has moved the excitement of maps into the online environment, making them easier to teach and use with students from kindergarten through high school. Through the use of an interactive whiteboard, teachers can forget about teaching map skills from the old “pull-down” maps and enter the 21st century. Because the online content directly relates to curriculum standards and the Teacher’s Tool Page provides lesson plans and assessments, this program not only addresses how to teach map skills but also gives suggestions for what else you can do with the program. With games and activities for both individuals and groups, Rand McNally Classroom makes geography and map skills a lot more fun. (Reviewed April 2008, p. 86)

Teen Health and Wellness - Rosen Publishing

Teen Health and Wellness was specifically designed to meet the needs of teenagers in the areas of health, fitness, alcohol, drugs, mental health, family life, and more. When I shared the database with teens, it was immediately obvious that they loved it, but the bonus factor was how much classroom teachers and even health-care providers (nurses and counselors) also liked the content. Because no topic is off-limits and information is provided from a medical viewpoint, students can discretely locate information that they know is accurate and reliable. This groundbreaking database provides so many different avenues for students to learn about health that it should be in every high school library. If your school doesn’t have a subscription to Teen Health and Wellness, find a way to get one! (Reviewed March 2007, p. 89)

Wikispaces - www.wikispaces.com

If I truly love a digital resource (and I have the funds), I purchase it for my school library or for myself. But maybe I’ve gone a little overboard with Wikispaces. Probably because a basic subscription is free, I now have three subscriptions for library-related projects through Wikispaces. This program is easy to use and fun to teach. Not only can I easily add instructional materials and research information, students can actively participate without instruction in HTML or other programs. Hopefully, other educators in your school will realize the educational potential that Wikispaces provides and will begin to understand the value of 2.0 applications in the classroom. (Reviewed May 2007, p. 79)

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Shonda Brisco, district librarian at the Peaster Independent School District in Texas, writes SLJ’s “Digital Resources” section.