A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — A p r i l 2 0 0 3

Numerous Resources Useful to K-12
Libraries Available Through BCR

By Ellen Fox

Many outstanding new online database options are available for K-12 schools and media centers through BCR's discounted group contracts. Though these databases are available to public and academic libraries as well, their value to school libraries and media centers merits special mention.

SIRS Databases
The SIRS databases, including SIRS Researcher, Discoverer, Government Reporter, Renaissance, WebSelect and Interactive Citizenship, provide relevant, credible information on social issues, science, history, government, the arts and humanities. Full- text articles and Internet resources are carefully selected from thousands of domestic and international publications and respected organizations. Results provide access to source information, summaries and descriptors derived from Library of Congress subject headings.

BCR is currently offering steep discounts on the SIRS databases for school libraries with fewer than 300 students (and public libraries serving populations of fewer than 7,500). For these small libraries, a subscription for SIRS Researcher is only $300. The other databases have similar discounts. See www.bcr.org/reference/sirs/.

Facts on File
Facts on File News Services provides other popular and much-used databases with excellent content for schools. These databases provide deep background on current issues and supply plenty of cross-references to biographical, editorial and other supporting information. See www.bcr.org/reference/facts/.

CQ Databases
Congressional Quarterly Press is an outstanding source for reporting on government and public affairs. CQ Researcher offers a balanced, in-depth analysis of a contemporary topic by a veteran journalist, pro and con arguments by experts, a chronology and annotated bibliographies to guide additional research. Other CQ databases provide helpful information on Congress, the Presidency, courts and other aspects of government and public life. See www.bcr.org/reference/cqpress/.

Need up-to-date encyclopedias? BCR offers general and specialized encyclopedias from Britannica, Grolier and Macmillan. See www.bcr.org/reference/.

For more information about online reference sources for K-12 libraries, please contact BCR's Ellen Fox (efox@bcr.org) or Lisa Holmberg (lholmber@bcr.org).

Next Article | Table of Contents | BCR Publications

Numerous Resources Useful to K-12 Libraries Available Through BCR

Numerous Resources Useful to K-12
Libraries Available Through BCR