Databases
Britannica School
Bibliographic Information
Title Britannica School
Author Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.
Format Database
Subjects Animals, arts and literature, Earth and geography, history, life processes, living things, philosophy and religion, plants, science and math, society, sports and recreation, technology
Summary
Britannica School "is the go to site for research. With every search topic producing a wide variety of trusted, multi-media sources, use Britannia School to build essential literacy skills" (Riverside County Library System Database). The interface allows the user to either search for a topic in the upper right corner or click on a subject, like science and mathematics to get more information. The database breaks down categories into articles, media, or biographies to make researching simple and easy to use. For example, after clicking on the subject "Animals" and searching for articles relating to mammals, a teen could specifically find the topic they are searching for and gain the needed information. After narrowing down the topic to mammals, I chose the article relating to "adapiform" which opened up an article that included tabs for sending to an email, printing, and the reading level. Also featured on the top right bar are a translation button, saving the content, a read-a-loud, and citation.
Critical Evaluation
As I was looking online for different examples of the "best databases for teens," I realized I should see what my county library system already has in place. I have to admit, I have not personally utilized too many of my library's databases, so this was a fun activity to learn more about. I found the Britannica School database to be very user friendly in the layout (different topics with corresponding pictures along with simple breakdowns for information seeking based off of the user needing articles, media, or biographies) and enjoyed browsing the information, including searching topics in the search bar at the top right corner of the page. The database offers users free, authoritative sources of information in a wide range of topics in different formats fit to reading levels. When I clicked on the animals tab, then narrowed down more of my information to specifically articles relating to mammals, I found my subject which was "adaptiform" (of which I had no prior understanding of what that meant). After skimming the information, I was happy to see that a tab for related material was available for users who would like to find articles similar to what has already been located. I never got lost or was unsure of how to traverse the database, which is great for any user wanting to use the site, from children to older adults.
Reader's Annotation
Researchers in need of authoritative, trustworthy texts can stop searching because Britannica School is the answer. This database is simple to use and houses thousands of reliable sources for researchers needs.
About the Organization
Encyclopedia Britannica is the world's oldest continuously published encyclopedia. The company also owns the American dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster. Originally founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company is now based in Chicago, Illinois. The first edition was published in 1768 by Colin Macfarquhar and Andrew Bell. In 1999, Britannica.com was launched, which contained the complete Encyclopedia Britannica. In 2020, Encyclopedia Britannica released the Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia: What We Know and What We Don't and was praised for bringing back the print format. ProCon.org was acquired by Encyclopedia Britannica in 2020. (Adapted from Encyclopedia Britannica Wikipedia page).
Genre
Research database
Databasetalking Ideas
Show teens the database, outlining where each topic is located. Show a video based on a topic students have recently been learning about in school.
Reading Level
High school (9th-12th grade)
Challenge Issues
Evolution
Why I Chose This Database
This database features up-to-date, accurate articles, videos, and primary sources on a vast array of subjects. This is an authoritative, trustworthy database for teens to use for research needs along with sating curiosity.
TeachingBooks for Libraries
Bibliographic Information
Title TeachingBooks for Libraries
Format Database
Subjects Book trailers, meet-the-author, audio excerpts, book readings, book guides, activities, lessons, games, homework help, library programming, reader's advisory
Summary
TeachingBooks is a PreK-12 reading and library service that assists users to connect to the books they are reading. The database contains thousands of video, audio, and online resources to enhance literacy and comprehension. With supplemental materials including book talks, book readings, audio excerpts, homework help, activities, lessons, games, and more, TeachingBooks "strives to joyfully enrich everyone's experience reading children's and young adult books" (TeachingBooks for Libraries, n.d.).
Critical Evaluation
When I was scrolling through the database, I liked the simple to use interface showing where to find information ("For professionals," "For readers," "For fun"). Under each of the categories are various resources to help the user with whatever they are seeking, from video book trailers to booklists and collection analysis. For the sake of the teen user relevant to this blog, I focused on the "Readers" and "Fun" sections of the database. I looked for the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio and found a plethora of supplemental information relating to the book (book trailers, vocabulary lists, book guides, activities, genre, and age range, to name a few. After tinkering around on the database, I found that the different supplemental activities related to the books help engage the reader and create a fun reading experience that continues on into the future.
Reader's Annotation
TeachingBooks for Libraries is the one stop place for connecting user to the books they are reading; through engaging and fun resources, teens can truly enjoy reading that leads into the future.
About the Organization
TeachingBooks is a database containing children's books, young adult literature, and information on authors. The site contains educational materials and programs including short movies, audiobooks, readings, and book discussion guides that add a multimedia element to reading. The headquarters of the organization are located in Madison, Wisconsin. The company and database were founded by Nick Glass. The company was acquired by OverDrive, Inc. in 2021.
The database was founded on the premise that educators find enjoyment and professional value in seeing and hearing authors talk about their work. The database debuted at the American Library Association convention in San Francisco in June 2001 and was launched on the internet September 1, 2001, with licenses selling in November 2003. TeachingBooks can be used both in the home and school setting. The database specializes in creating original content with authors and illustrators. (Adapted from TeachingBooks.net Wikipedia page).
Genre
Database
Databasetalking Ideas
Share the database. See what teens are currently reading in school and find resources related to the book.
Reading Level
PreK-12
Challenge Issues
LGBTQIA+ collection, banned and challenged collection
Why I Chose This Database
This database is easy to use, fun and engaging for the user, and connects readers to their books by including multiliteracy elements important for learning.
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