February is almost here, and at many libraries that means that the budget year is more than halfway over. Decisions about which materials to buy with your precious dollars—use them or lose them!—aren’t far off. In SLJ’s April issue, we’d like to offer some help in choosing the biggest ticket items out there—databases—by running a librarian-nominated list of the best resources available. We’d love to hear from you with your nominations. Which database knocked your socks off lately? You can let me know at hthornton@mediasourceinc.com.
We’re looking for titles in categories such as the ones listed below—or make up your own category. We’d also like a short explanation of what makes the resource “most-improved,” “best buy,” “most ambitious,” etc. A bulleted list of reasons is fine. We’ll be using your reasons as direct quotations within the article, which will appear in print and then online. Nominations will close on February 14, 2014. However, please let me know if you are not comfortable with being quoted directly.
Suggested Database Categories:
Best
Newest
Best for meeting Common Core standards
Best for Reluctant Readers
Best for Elementary School Students
Best for Middle School Students
Best for High School Students
Greatest Content Upgrade
Greatest Usability Revamp
Quirkiest/Most Eccentric
Most Ambitious (in scope or content)
Most Improved (overall)
Best Integration of Media
Most Unlikely Hit (with users)
Most Elegant (aesthetics and functionality)
Best Buy
Best Integration of External/Outside Content
Best Original Content
Your Patrons’ Favorite Database(s)