[WEB4LIB] I need a favor

[Julia Schult]

I agree with many of Steve's points; it is most important and simple to
get the database trials, and use them over a period of time to discover
the strengths and weaknesses of each interface and each database.  It
is also good to talk to librarians at places that use them (as you are
doing on Web4Lib) because you might find out things like that the
vendor pulls major sources often as the publisher decides to
discontinue services with them (like Lexis-Nexis).  Certain vendors
have a better track record of consistency (Infotrac & ProQuest) while
others may be newer but have some advantages of which sources they
offer (EBSCOHost).  Don't rely on a sample question to tell which
database has better coverage; though running the same question through
each database can be instructive, you have to do at least ten different
questions to get an overall impression.  One question leaves too much
to chance -- the coverage of that topic may be uneven in the sources,
not just in the databases.

As far as what I can add to what Steve said:

Infotrac (GaleGroup formerly IAC) has long had the easiest interface
from the patron's point of view (in my experience).  Librarians often
find fault with it, but it seems to be the one end users choose again
and again when given a choice.  That was true in the public and college
libraries where I have worked.  I have some quibbles with their
interface, some of which they have promised to fix over the next few
months, but overall, the "look and feel" of their interface is more
comfortable and builds confidence than others our library has tried.
This is, of course, subjective.

Finally, as for the stats question, what about the American Statistical
Index?  If your library doesn't have it, is there a major research
library near you which does?  It is available through Lexis-Nexis, and
(where I would probably go for it) DIALOG.  You might see what you can
do with the UMich govdocs site Statistical Resources on the Web:
 http://www.lib.umich.edu/libhome/Documents.center/stats.html

Good luck.

---Julia E. Schult
Access/Electronic Services Librarian
Elmira College
Jschult at elmira.edu

Nancy Hsieh wrote:

> Hello,
>
> My boss wants me to explain and decide which periodical database
> our school (a junior college) should subscribe to: H.W.Wilson,
> EBSCO host, and Information Access Corp.  I have tried Wilson Web,
> and EBSCO host,but not Information Access Corp (I have no idea
> about this one).  I know I like EBSCO host.  Will you please share
> your experience with me before I report to my boss?  Thank you very
> much.
>
> Meanwhile, one instructor wants to find "statistical information on
> NUMBER OF BOOKS PEOPLE, ADULTS OR CHILDREN OR ANY AGE GROUP, READ
> IN A WEEK"?  Or, a statistical website providing that reading
> statistical information.
> I tried GOOGLE, METACRAWLER, YAHOO, but there was nothing.  All I
> found was a reading statistics (list) of one individual and that
> was not what he was looking for. Will you please give me some
> directions?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Nancy Hsieh
> PIS Library
> ffang at runner.csub.edu
>
> (661) 397-5230

--
---Julia E. Schult
Access/Electronic Services Librarian
Elmira College
Jschult at elmira.edu