E-Reference Ratings
An evaluation of nearly 200 subscription-based electronic resources in 16 subject categories
By Mirela Roncevic, Reference Editor, mroncevic@reedbusiness.com -- Library Journal, 11/15/2008
Over the years, as LJ's reference editor, I've heard time and again how desperately librarians need a tool to help them sort through the maze of subject-specific electronic resources now available—and rapidly multiplying in size and substance. I've often fantasized about putting together such a tool. After all, with netConnect and Cheryl LaGuardia's eReviews, LJ has been giving librarians in-depth coverage of e-resources for years. And with our Collection Development feature we've helped librarians build subject-specific book collections. Why not combine both ideas and provide an in-depth tool that could point the way for librarians trying to decide which database to purchase?
As it turns out, providing such a tool is complicated. How do we find librarians to review so many varied resources? How do we narrow down the subjects and then the databases to cover? And what criteria do we set forth as the springboard for evaluation? Answering these questions and finding a format that would make everyone happy seemed next to impossible.
After simplifying the approach and listening to librarians who purchase and use e-resources regularly, I went on a hunt for librarians who would agree to join this committee. Within a matter of days, I had a dream team of eight reference experts—several of whom I knew well from their previous involvement with LJ. They had varied backgrounds and worked in varied library settings (both public and academic), but all were experienced e-resource users and possessed immense knowledge of the subjects they would cover—just take a look at their biographies below. After dozens of emails and “reply to all's” about what to put on the list and why, and after consulting with other LJ editors and contributors, including longtime LJ columnist and blogger LaGuardia, I gave the Fab Eight the green light.
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The result is this list: LJ's attempt to organize some of the best-known and respected e-resources available into 16 key subject categories and assess them according to the criteria we determined librarians use most when considering what to buy. Obviously, neither the listings nor the criteria cover it all. There are resources not on this list that deserve your attention and other criteria your institution might use when purchasing an e-product. What's good for one library may not be, and often is not, the best choice for another. However, this tool is what we aimed for: a starting point in the complex process of deciding what resources are right for you.
For each product, you'll find a description and then star ratings for all the criteria. The description is intended to relate the scope and context of the product, while the ratings should provide a sense of its strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to read both the “criteria” legend, which explains what questions the evaluators asked themselves when perusing each product, and the “ratings” legend to see what the various stars mean.
Because we know that online resources continually grow and evolve—a list of this nature can date quickly—E-Reference Ratings, which made a print debut in the November 15th Reference Announcements issue (followed by updates on genealogy and travel and tourism in March 1st and March 15th issues of LJ), has found its permanent home on our web site, where it will continue to grow quarterly. We intend not only to keep up with these ever-changing products (adjusting the ratings as necessary) but also to expand the number of databases in each category and venture into new ones. We hope to hear from all parties—librarians, publishers, and vendors—about how we can keep this tool thriving and make it even more useful.
