In this column, the author provides a description and brief review of the "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database" (CLCD). This subscription database is a 1999 spinoff from Marilyn Courtot's "Children's Literature" website, which began in 1993 and is a free resource of reviews and features about books, authors, and illustrators. The separate…

This article describes Brittanica's Web-based K-12 resource, "Britannica Online Student Edition." This reference contains three encyclopedia databases: "Britannica" for teachers and older students, the "Student Britannica," and the "Elementary Brittanica." These are supplemented with videos and other media, a spotlight feature, a world atlas, and…

This column describes a new teaching tool, BrainPOP, which is a database that blurs the distinction between classroom and library media center. This collection of more than 300 short, concept-based, animated movies is intended primarily for use by teachers in classroom instruction. It is reminiscent of the single-concept film cartridges that used…

This brief article describes the database, Science Online, from Facts on File. Science is defined broadly in this database to include archeology, computer technology, medicine, inventions, and mathematics, as well as biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and astronomy. Content also is divided into format categories for browsing purposes:…

Describes the AMICO (Art Museum Image Consortium) Library, a digital database that includes works of art from museums in the United States and Canada whose images are licensed to educational institutions. Discusses quality; uses for studio art and art history; search capabilities; interdisciplinary uses; cultural works; and information included…

This eighth part in a series of articles on Web-based reference providers focuses on subscription databases. Topics include training needs; keeping teachers informed about new databases; costs; information retrieval techniques; free information from the Internet versus paying for use; information vendors; and the need for printed reference…

Describes "The Electric Library" (TM), a database (which can be searched via an Internet connection) designed to assist schools, librarians, and parents with information retrieval. Discusses technical and logistical benefits, the problem of selected and limited resources, and cost issues. Provides a sample debate topic exercise using "The Electric…

"Opposing Viewpoints" and "Opposing Viewpoints Juniors" have long been standard titles in upper elementary, middle level, and high school collections. "Opposing Viewpoints Juniors" should be required as information literacy/critical thinking curriculum tools as early as fifth grade as they use current controversies to teach students how to…

Describes Web-based reference products that are available to K-12 media specialists through the Gale Group. Highlights include the Student Resource Center (SRC), a collection of databases; searching in the SRC; the Junior Reference Collection; separate databases; and American Journey Online, containing primary sources related to American history.…