General Reference E-Reference Ratings

Columbia Gazetteer of the World. Columbia Univ. columbiagazetteer.org
This database of “names, descriptions, and characteristics of over 165,000 places in the world” goes beyond the political to cover the physical world as well as special places like landmarks, historical sites, airports, theme parks, and mythic places. Search by type of place, by place name, or conduct a full-text search. The clean interface and ability to customize searches make it useful for research as well as quick lookups. 
More: Review of print

Credo Reference. Credo Reference. www.credoreference.com
The simple search field on the front page belies the sheer volume and quality of information in Credo Reference (formerly Xrefer). Users can get to one of the three million–plus entries contained in over 360 reference sources from about 60 publishers through precise searching or a more general concept map. If you're not satisfied with search results, continue by easily linking to your OPAC or to WorldCat or JSTOR.
More: News, Blog, Video

Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. Encyclopaedia Britannica. library.eb.com
Chock-full of nifty features and content, the ever-expanding Encyclopaedia Britannica now contains streaming video, an interactive time line, and a gateway to the classics with downloadable books. The front page also features timely articles and updated entries on any topic imaginable. Users can organize content they've gathered in a project “Workspace,” click on hyperlinked cross-references, and easily expand their search to other databases, web sites, and a Britannica-flavored Google web search.
More: Review of print

Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale Cengage. go.galegroup.com/ps
There are now over three million documents in 2,025 ebooks on this well-known platform. Many of the titles are highly specialized, thus offering excellent depth and quality of results. However, there is some duplication since superseded editions are not always removed when new versions are added. The interface is a bit unadorned, but features like quick highlight dictionary search, citation tools, and persistent URLs don't go unnoticed.
More: Interview, Publisher Profile

Oxford Reference Online. Oxford Univ. www.oxfordreference.com
The Core collection of this file contains 100 dictionaries, language reference titles, and subject works; the Premium version provides even more and includes quotations. At the entry screen, the source you're viewing appears in clickable large text at the top. It's easy to browse with “See also's” pulled off to the side along with adjacent entries. Highlight a term on any page to cross-reference within the database, and install the handy bookmarklet to do so anywhere else on the web. 
More: Review of print, 2002 LJ Best Reference Pick, Publisher Profile

World Book Web. World Book. www.worldbookonline.com
World Book Web consists of a suite of tools based on grade level: Kids, Student, Advanced, Discover (for differentiated instruction), as well as Spanish- and French-language versions. It includes curriculum tools, ebooks, images, and primary source materials with original page images in addition to reading-level-appropriate encyclopedia entries. Searching is easy, aimless browsing is less so, although most-viewed entries, research tools, and relevant news headlines are handily featured on the front page.
More: Publisher Profile