World Book Online Reference Center by World Book
World Book Inc. (2013). Reference Center. Retrieved from http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/referencecenter/home
Access through the library website and enter your library card number.
Plot Summary
World Book Online Reference Center fits simple research needs. There are research tools including a dictionary, primary sources link, pathfinders, e-books, and a login to save and view previously viewed research. There are also current event articles from Reuters and PBS from the United States and international events. Also includes how to cite in MLA, APA, and Harvard styles. The interactive map is powered by Google, and allows you to zoom and see the land terrain, drag the area to other parts of the country and world, and click on cities to find out more information. World Book also includes maps, tables, and multimedia of the world. There is also information on Life Skills such as beginning your life in the working world, setting up your first home, taking care of finances, and manners for eating in and dining out. The computer basics information might seem too simplistic for technology savvy teens, but there is useful information about internet safety, using internet sources, and various social and internet media available. One of the other tabs includes information for teachers on how to teach students to conduct research. However, students reading it would also benefit. Of course, World Book also acts a typical online encyclopedia where search terms are entered and article entries returned. All articles also include citations.
Critical Evaluation
The home page contains a wealth of information but the graphics and boxes nicely separate the text into manageable chunks. The multi-colored boxes and graphics are in subtle shades, not garish and bright, and lend a serious, scholarly tone to the page. The search box is easy to locate at the left top. Students may type their word into the search box and select text, keyword or images. When the text appears it is divided into three categories: encyclopedia, e-books, and primary sources. With the current emphasis on primary sources, this is a good idea. The e-book section is a disappointment as it contains old books which are in the public domain. Newer, more exciting nonfiction books are excluded. The page is divided into boxes and appears crisp and clean. Along side the article are further links to books, web sites and magazine articles. The home page contains links to news articles by reputable news agencies – Reuters and PBS – which includes true news, not celebrity gossip.
The link to government sources is divided into California and United Sates internet sources. The page links to 44 California and 93 U.S .government sponsored web sites. This would be very useful for a student searching for a specific agency. The Computer tutorials and Life Skills link would be little used. It seems unlikely young adults would look in an encyclopedia for this information. They would “google” it. Overall, this is a comprehensive, intuitive database for teens and would ably assist with their research needs.
Reader’s Annotation
An online version of World Book Encyclopedia that also includes tutorials, interactive media, and citation help.
About the Publisher
World Book was established in 1917 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Unlike some other encyclopedias, World Book provides materials for both children and adults in different formats. World Book includes print and online encyclopedias for schools, libraries, and personal homes. The World Book Encyclopedia continues to be a popular seller as well as World Book Web.
World Book is owned by The Scott Fetzer Company. Scott Fetzer was founded by George Scott and Carl Fetzer in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio as a machine shop. They were best known for the Kirby vacuum cleaner until they began expanding and acquiring other businesses in the 1960s.
Genre
Non-fiction Reference
Curriculum Ties
All subject and content areas
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 6th grade and up
Challenge Issues
I do not foresee any possible challenges, unless it is for individual articles.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for database inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when an article is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the database/article fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire database as a whole was considered, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have used the database and either enjoyed or disliked using the database and why.
Why Included
World Book is a respected encyclopedia that is more approachable to teens. The online version is available with a library card, and is very colorful with solid content matter.
Others in the Series
World Book Online Student
World Book Online Kids
References
The Kirby Company. (2013). Home. Retrieved from http://www.scottfetzer.com/
World Book. (2013). About World Book, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.worldbook.com/world-book-corporate/about-world-book
World Book Inc. (2013). Reference Center. Retrieved from http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/referencecenter/home
Access through the library website and enter your library card number.
Plot Summary
World Book Online Reference Center fits simple research needs. There are research tools including a dictionary, primary sources link, pathfinders, e-books, and a login to save and view previously viewed research. There are also current event articles from Reuters and PBS from the United States and international events. Also includes how to cite in MLA, APA, and Harvard styles. The interactive map is powered by Google, and allows you to zoom and see the land terrain, drag the area to other parts of the country and world, and click on cities to find out more information. World Book also includes maps, tables, and multimedia of the world. There is also information on Life Skills such as beginning your life in the working world, setting up your first home, taking care of finances, and manners for eating in and dining out. The computer basics information might seem too simplistic for technology savvy teens, but there is useful information about internet safety, using internet sources, and various social and internet media available. One of the other tabs includes information for teachers on how to teach students to conduct research. However, students reading it would also benefit. Of course, World Book also acts a typical online encyclopedia where search terms are entered and article entries returned. All articles also include citations.
Critical Evaluation
The home page contains a wealth of information but the graphics and boxes nicely separate the text into manageable chunks. The multi-colored boxes and graphics are in subtle shades, not garish and bright, and lend a serious, scholarly tone to the page. The search box is easy to locate at the left top. Students may type their word into the search box and select text, keyword or images. When the text appears it is divided into three categories: encyclopedia, e-books, and primary sources. With the current emphasis on primary sources, this is a good idea. The e-book section is a disappointment as it contains old books which are in the public domain. Newer, more exciting nonfiction books are excluded. The page is divided into boxes and appears crisp and clean. Along side the article are further links to books, web sites and magazine articles. The home page contains links to news articles by reputable news agencies – Reuters and PBS – which includes true news, not celebrity gossip.
The link to government sources is divided into California and United Sates internet sources. The page links to 44 California and 93 U.S .government sponsored web sites. This would be very useful for a student searching for a specific agency. The Computer tutorials and Life Skills link would be little used. It seems unlikely young adults would look in an encyclopedia for this information. They would “google” it. Overall, this is a comprehensive, intuitive database for teens and would ably assist with their research needs.
Reader’s Annotation
An online version of World Book Encyclopedia that also includes tutorials, interactive media, and citation help.
About the Publisher
World Book was established in 1917 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Unlike some other encyclopedias, World Book provides materials for both children and adults in different formats. World Book includes print and online encyclopedias for schools, libraries, and personal homes. The World Book Encyclopedia continues to be a popular seller as well as World Book Web.
World Book is owned by The Scott Fetzer Company. Scott Fetzer was founded by George Scott and Carl Fetzer in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio as a machine shop. They were best known for the Kirby vacuum cleaner until they began expanding and acquiring other businesses in the 1960s.
Genre
Non-fiction Reference
Curriculum Ties
All subject and content areas
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 6th grade and up
Challenge Issues
I do not foresee any possible challenges, unless it is for individual articles.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for database inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when an article is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the database/article fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire database as a whole was considered, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have used the database and either enjoyed or disliked using the database and why.
Why Included
World Book is a respected encyclopedia that is more approachable to teens. The online version is available with a library card, and is very colorful with solid content matter.
Others in the Series
World Book Online Student
World Book Online Kids
References
The Kirby Company. (2013). Home. Retrieved from http://www.scottfetzer.com/
World Book. (2013). About World Book, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.worldbook.com/world-book-corporate/about-world-book
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