Welcome back! Here is another experimental post relating to a few online databases that I’ve found. The four sources that I will be reviewing are JSTOR, School Library Journal, Edelweiss, and Booktoss. These four sources provide articles relating to four different forms of libraries: academic, school, public, and special libraries. So grab your favorite caffeinated beverage, today mine is a simple cup of coffee with a generous splash of vanilla creamer, and let’s dive in!
Academic Library: Review Source: JSTOR
Overview:
Created in 1994, JSTOR was founded in order to provide access to printed materials in a digital setting. As digital resources became more common, the resources within JSTOR continued to expand. Today, researchers are able to find materials relating to primary sources, e-books, journals, and research reports. These resources are then able to be mined through with the use of text analysis through the use of JSTOR’s Data for Research program, in order to provide datasets for the materials. Along with these materials, JSTOR also provides researchers with an image repository called Artstor. JSTOR also allows institutions to partner with them in order to provide open access to their digital special collections. With the continued goal of open and free access to research materials, JSTOR continues to expand its repository subjects, allowing anyone to find the answers they are looking for.
Although JSTOR provides an array of research materials for its viewers, the targeted audience is specific. JSTOR was created as a resource for those at a collegiate and professional level. This allows for researchers to have a space for their work that is not cluttered by resources for lower education levels. However as stated above, the subject matter within JSTOR is varying. When reviewing JSTOR, researchers will be able to see their mission of providing open access to college students and professionals as their main priority. That being said, they are able to achieve this goal by providing multiple resources for multiple areas of history, science, music, etc. in order to appeal to patrons. This, ultimately, allows for researchers to have a professional resource that is subject-inclusive for all college students and professionals.
In order to work within JSTOR, there are two ways to gain access. The first is the common access seen through universities or libraries. By partnering with JSTOR, libraries, archives, and universities are able to provide patrons and students with open access to research resources. This allows patrons and students to have access to a research platform that they may not have been aware existed before. For those that are aware of JSTOR, they are able to register for an individual account. Although this is free for individuals, those interested in gaining more access to JSTOR’s materials, individuals are able to purchase a JPass. No matter the individual’s choice in gaining an account with JSTOR, JSTOR works to provide all those that have access to their site, access to the resources they need.
Overall, JSTOR is a very simple site to maneuver through. While many other research sites provide a multitude of tabs for the researcher to click on and get lost in, JSTOR’s mission is to provide the researcher with their end results, easily accessible resources. As a result, they do not clutter their site with unnecessary tabs. The design of the home page allows for researchers to begin their search easily with the search bar in the center of the page. After beginning their search, they are brought to a new page where they can begin to sift through resources, or dive deeper. By allowing researchers to work with the text analysis program within the site, JSTOR provides an easy and simplistic
School Library: Review Source: School Library Journal
Overview:
The School Library Journal was founded as a resource for those who work with children in teens. The materials found throughout the site relate to library news, reviews on books and authors, technology for the classroom, blogs, and more. Under each category, readers will find multiple blog posts relating to the subject to find answers to their questions. Unlike the previous resource repository, the School Library Journal is more like a digital magazine. It provides opinionated posts on subjects, rather than providing materials for research. Along with these posts, the School Library Journal also provides a list of library-related events for readers to look at and join.
As for the audience of this site, the School Library Journal works to provide insight for librarians who work with children and teenagers. This can be seen through the design of the site, and the material within the blog posts. The design of the site is very bright and happy, matching the personality that is needed when working with children. Along with this, a few examples of the posts on the site relate to topics such as featured children’s books and virtual science labs. This site allows librarians to gain access to all types of subject matter relating to working within a school library. In a way, the School Library Journal can be seen as a school librarian “catch-all” site. No matter the question, the School Library Journal has created its site as a resource to help school librarians continue to make reading enjoyable for children.
In order to gain access to the School Library Journal, there are two ways readers can do this. The first is simply to go to the site and view the resources for free. The second is to have a subscription to the journal itself. The goal behind the journal is to provide librarians with a resource that can help with continuing to make the library a fun and safe space for children. With that being said, the goal behind accessing the School Library Journal is that of open access. By providing the journal as an open access digital source, librarians do not need to worry about the stresses of obtaining a subscription to find help. As a result, librarians are able to have easy access to materials that will benefit their patrons and the library.
Overall the site is somewhat overwhelming. This can be due to the multiple images and pop-up advertisements that appear on the site. However, this is a site for librarians who are working with children, meaning the design of the site will not match sites such as the source before. After researching the site a few times, readers will be able to quickly understand the flow of the site. That being said, the usability of the site is quite easy once readers begin to look at it as a magazine. By providing an open access resource geared toward aiding librarians, the School Library Journal is able to continue its mission to help librarians around the U.S.
Public Library: Review Source: Edelweiss
Edelweiss is a professional site for librarians to use. Within the site, viewers are able to search through multiple subjects relating to cataloging and reviews. Along with these subjects, viewers can also search through publishers and tags for books. The goal behind this is to provide professionals with an outlet for reading, buying, and selling books. That being said, Edelweiss works as a “catch-all” site for all things relating to reading. As a result of this, the site works as an online access point for readers.
Due to the nature of this site, Edelweiss works to target professionals such as librarians, retailers, and publishing houses. This then allows for professionals to have a basic site for selling their materials and buying materials for their institutions. While the basis of this site is to provide for professionals, those within the general public are able to use it as well. This can be seen with the buying and selling of their own materials. As a result of its goals and mission, Edelweiss continues to provide easy access to its resources for professionals and the general public.
As far as access goes to the site, it is very standard. Edelweiss allows its viewers to create a free account or paid subscription. This allows those interested in working with the site a chance to get a feel of it before diving right into a paid subscription. The goal behind Edelweiss is to provide professionals with an easy system to learn more about books, buy, and sell books. Providing the site as an open access digital source, viewers do not need to worry about the stresses of obtaining a subscription right from the start. As a result, librarians and other professionals are able to have easy access to materials that will benefit their patrons and the library.
After creating an account, viewers will be able to see that the site is very simple and structured. Edelweiss was created with professionals in mind. That being said, the goal of the usability of the site was to focus on providing for those professionals. As a result, viewers are able to easily search through each subject to find what they are looking for. The usability can also be seen as successful through the use of providing free accounts to viewers. As a result, Edelweiss is able to continue its goal of providing an easy and open access source for librarians and professionals.
Special Library: Review Source: Booktoss
Booktoss is a personal blog created to provide insight on graphic novels and social justice issues within the education system. Within the site, viewers are able to read through different blog posts relating to the subject matter. Booktoss also provides an informative page with book-related definitions that may be found throughout the site. The final pages found within the site are related to current media events and talks relating to children’s education and social justice. Unlike the previous sources, this source provides opinionated responses to issues dear to the creator. However, with that being said, Booktoss does provide readers with a different aspect of books and graphic novels. As a result, readers are able to learn more about specific graphic novels, and their need to be included within the library world.
The target audience for Booktoss is broad. When searching throughout the site, readers may believe that the target audience can range from graphic novel enthusiasts to social justice activists. With that being said, the reviews found on the site are also geared toward this broad audience. This can be due to the nature of the site, a personal blog. With blogs, the audience falls around the lines of the general public, allowing for professionals to review the site but are not the only audience members. This then allows for the site to provide insight to more than a specified audience. As a result, Booktoss is able to provide easy access to librarians and professionals, as well as the general public.
Due to Booktoss being a personal blog, access is free for viewers. With that being said, Booktoss is available to anyone who finds the site through a search engine. The positive of this is that viewers of this site are not required to buy a subscription or create an account in order to view the material. By allowing the blog to be an open access source, librarians are able to find quick information easily. This then allows for librarians to not have to worry about figuring out finances and subscriptions in order to answer a simple answer. As for the usability of Booktoss, it is somewhat difficult. The site does not have an about page, detailing the mission or goal of the site. This can be a problem due to viewers stumbling onto the site, and not understanding what it pertains to. The next issue is the lack of categories at the top of the site for viewers to see. In order to find the categories of the site, viewers have to scroll down in order to find them on the side. This can cause issues for those interested in reaching the review section of the site. Overall the site is an easy and accessible resource for librarians, however, viewers need to keep in mind that it is a personal blog and not professional.
Interested in hearing about other databases? Comment below, until next time!
THE CAFFEINATED HISTORIAN 