NoveList Database powered by EBSCOhost
Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com/novelist/search?sid=b295d0bc-2c66-4395-91b8-9c7dde170afc%40sessionmgr198&vid=15&hid=121
Access through the library website and enter your library card number.
Plot Summary
NoveList helps you find books similar to ones you have already read. The search box allows you to enter a title, author, and/or series and a list of books with your search criteria are returned. Then, a description of the book follows along with bibliographic information and reviews. On the right is a checklist of search options including genre, storyline, pace, tone, writing style, subject, and location. After making your selections, the search will return more books that fit your criteria. If you do not want to search for more titles, there are nine read-alikes NoveList already provides. The homepage also includes recommended reading lists for teens by genre along with a “if you like” selection. This “if you like” lists 30 popular books of all genres and then will show another 30 for each title listed. The search also allows you to enter key terms such as “fantasy female knights” and includes books with those elements. Results can also be narrowed by the same search option checklists noted previously. The advanced search includes lexile level, grade level from babies to adult, number of pages, author’s nationality, and Dewey range.
Critical Evaluation
Although there is no substitute for a well-read librarian who stays aware of old and new publications, Novelist, a database of fiction books, is a helpful tool in readers’ advisory. This database provides basic searches by author, title, or series, but can also be used for more advanced searches. The Advance Search page offers many options which librarians may find helpful, but may confuse patrons. A purple box in the upper right hand corner offers “How to use Novelist” which features many webinars and tutorials. Again,the librarian may find this helpful but not the average patron who just wants a book to read. The different search options by pace, subject, character, and setting are useful, but may become overly complicated or overwhelming for a new user.
Reader’s Annotation
Have you ever read a book you’ve loved and wanted to find more just like it? NoveList makes it easy!
About the Publisher
EBSCO Publishing is a huge presence in the library and research world. It provides more than 375 full-text and secondary research databases as well as more than 300,000 ebooks and audiobooks. Print books are available through Salem Press. EBSCO’s services are purchased by tens of thousands of customers who provide access to millions of users from all ages and academic backgrounds. EBSCOhost can receive 100 million page views per day and is one of most used sites requiring a paid subscription. There are also specific and specialize reference tools such as DynaMed, specifically for those in healthcare professions and clinical work. EBSCO aims to provide a variety of services to libraries to better meet the needs of a diverse body of patrons, as well as academic, government, corporate, and medical researchers.
Outside the databases, EBSCO has other products for use by libraries and other institutions. EBSCOhost provides an OPAC that combines EBSCO search technology and library interfaces to the front of the online catalog. It also provides workflow integration options so organizations can incorporate other electronic resources with their existing workflow. EBSCO Discovery Services makes an institution’s resources searchable in one customizable search.
Genre
Non-fiction Reference
Curriculum Ties
Could be used to find books for all subject and content areas
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: Varies
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
I do not foresee any possible challenges, unless a book suggestion is controversial.
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 book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book 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 book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I have never used NoveList, but think it’s a great idea. I am never short on books to read, but for a particular student, this could be a very helpful resource.
Others in the Series
N/A
References
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com/about-us
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2013). NoveList. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/novelist/search?sid=b295d0bc-2c66-4395-91b8-9c7dde170afc%40sessionmgr198&vid=15&hid=121
Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com/novelist/search?sid=b295d0bc-2c66-4395-91b8-9c7dde170afc%40sessionmgr198&vid=15&hid=121
Access through the library website and enter your library card number.
Plot Summary
NoveList helps you find books similar to ones you have already read. The search box allows you to enter a title, author, and/or series and a list of books with your search criteria are returned. Then, a description of the book follows along with bibliographic information and reviews. On the right is a checklist of search options including genre, storyline, pace, tone, writing style, subject, and location. After making your selections, the search will return more books that fit your criteria. If you do not want to search for more titles, there are nine read-alikes NoveList already provides. The homepage also includes recommended reading lists for teens by genre along with a “if you like” selection. This “if you like” lists 30 popular books of all genres and then will show another 30 for each title listed. The search also allows you to enter key terms such as “fantasy female knights” and includes books with those elements. Results can also be narrowed by the same search option checklists noted previously. The advanced search includes lexile level, grade level from babies to adult, number of pages, author’s nationality, and Dewey range.
Critical Evaluation
Although there is no substitute for a well-read librarian who stays aware of old and new publications, Novelist, a database of fiction books, is a helpful tool in readers’ advisory. This database provides basic searches by author, title, or series, but can also be used for more advanced searches. The Advance Search page offers many options which librarians may find helpful, but may confuse patrons. A purple box in the upper right hand corner offers “How to use Novelist” which features many webinars and tutorials. Again,the librarian may find this helpful but not the average patron who just wants a book to read. The different search options by pace, subject, character, and setting are useful, but may become overly complicated or overwhelming for a new user.
Reader’s Annotation
Have you ever read a book you’ve loved and wanted to find more just like it? NoveList makes it easy!
About the Publisher
EBSCO Publishing is a huge presence in the library and research world. It provides more than 375 full-text and secondary research databases as well as more than 300,000 ebooks and audiobooks. Print books are available through Salem Press. EBSCO’s services are purchased by tens of thousands of customers who provide access to millions of users from all ages and academic backgrounds. EBSCOhost can receive 100 million page views per day and is one of most used sites requiring a paid subscription. There are also specific and specialize reference tools such as DynaMed, specifically for those in healthcare professions and clinical work. EBSCO aims to provide a variety of services to libraries to better meet the needs of a diverse body of patrons, as well as academic, government, corporate, and medical researchers.
Outside the databases, EBSCO has other products for use by libraries and other institutions. EBSCOhost provides an OPAC that combines EBSCO search technology and library interfaces to the front of the online catalog. It also provides workflow integration options so organizations can incorporate other electronic resources with their existing workflow. EBSCO Discovery Services makes an institution’s resources searchable in one customizable search.
Genre
Non-fiction Reference
Curriculum Ties
Could be used to find books for all subject and content areas
Booktalking
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: Varies
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
I do not foresee any possible challenges, unless a book suggestion is controversial.
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 book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book 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 book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I have never used NoveList, but think it’s a great idea. I am never short on books to read, but for a particular student, this could be a very helpful resource.
Others in the Series
N/A
References
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com/about-us
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2013). NoveList. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/novelist/search?sid=b295d0bc-2c66-4395-91b8-9c7dde170afc%40sessionmgr198&vid=15&hid=121
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