[WEB4LIB] end-user subscription databases

[Brian Cockburn]

I think that the basic reason is the convenience and the ability to have a
single search that often searches multiple formats and databases-or at least
perform a single search where in the library they might have to perform the
same search in 3 or 4 databases.

For any universities where faculty use the Blackboard online courseware
product... They also provide "Resources" which amounts to small and low
quality information packaged extremely attractively.  And worst of all the
users could assume that we (library) provide it.

BAC

Brian Cockburn
Digital Services Librarian
James Madison University
VMail:  540.568.6978  EMail:  cockbuba at jmu.edu
Public Calendar:  http://calendar.yahoo.com/cockbuba

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On
Behalf Of Tomaiuolo, Nicholas (Library)
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 11:33 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] end-user subscription databases

Hello colleagues,
I know about Questia and XanEdu, both are subscription databases that are
being "marketed" to end-users (students and professionals alike), I have
also read about "Panic Button", another subscription resource aimed at
scientists.  Would anyone happen to know of/have experience with any other
products that are specifically targeted toward end-users by subscriptions?

On a related matter, and forgive me for asking a leading question, but
aren't these resources redundant when juxtaposed to library databases
offerings?  And therefore, why would students buy into these subscription
resources?  I'd love to read your comments.

Thanks!
Nick

Nicholas G. Tomaiuolo, MLS
Instruction Librarian
Elihu Burritt Library
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT  06050

860-832-2068 (office)
860-832-3409 (fax)