Paid for Databases vs Internet Search Engines

FOCUS Databases Resources from Free Internet Search Engines

Database ContentLicensed from reputable publishers, recognized by school library professionals and selected for use in a school environment.

Depth of content cannot be matched due to publisher/artist copyright protection.

AdvertisementsNo ads. No angles. No “phishing” for personal data. Just information to match student and educator needs.

Most content is ad-sponsored. Ads are distracting, often misleading and can be explicit. Result lists also hide true motives such as “phishing” or sales.

Safe SearchingPassword-protected logins make EBSCO products a safe resource for all ages.

Incorporating safety features wastes time and may be ineffective.

COPPA Compliancy

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

EBSCO does not ask for or require personal information from students using EBSCOhost databases.

Most sites linked to and from free search services are not COPPA compliant.

Reading SupportDictionary features help students build vocabulary and deepen reading comprehension skills.

No related feature available for elementary and middle school students.

Reading LevelsArticles are assigned Lexiles - users can locate materials suited to individual or group reading needs.

No results by reading level.

Paid for Databases vs Internet Search Engines

FOCUS Databases Resources from Free Internet Search Engines

Citation & Bibliographic AssistanceStudents can view, save, print and e-mail citations for chosen article and images in the correct formats directly from the database.

No similar feature available for elementary and middle school students. Risk of Plagiarism

Article SummariesHelps students and teachers quickly assess information, practicing essential skills for reading comprehension.

Result descriptions are driven by keyword searches and may not truly reflect content or relevance.

Saved Research RepositoryStudents can save search results in a password-protected folder, offering a secure and organized holding area.

Not offered by free search engines such as Google and Yahoo.

Success ToolsFree Access to selected thematic units, lesson plans, writing and research guides, and educator-approved websites for Students, Teachers & Librarians.

No related feature available.

TrainingFree online courses offered monthly on a variety of topics plus onsite training: http://support.ebsco.com/training

No related support feature available.

Instructional SupportFreely available instructional handouts and short tutorials to aid students with their research.

No related support feature available.

Topics Covered

Science Reference Center

Biology

Chemistry

Earth &Space Science

Environmental Science

Health & Medicine

History of Science

Life Science

Physics

Science & Society

Science as Inquiry

Scientists

Technology

Wildlife

Full-Text Science Periodicals 181

Full-Text Science Reference Books 625

Full-Text Science Encyclopedias 23

Full-Text Science Essays 812

Full-Text Full-LengthBiographies of Scientists

Science Animations 61

Science Images 10,000+

Science Videos 519

3,790

* Figures as of January 4, 2010

Cover-to-Cover Source Types Updated WeeklyScience Reference Center

Examples of Major Periodicals in Full TextScience Reference Center

* Most of these magazines are exclusive to EBSCO

Examples of Major Reference Works in Full TextScience Reference Center

• Encyclopedia of the Scientific Revolution

• Encyclopedia of World Environmental History

• Great Scientific Achievements

• History of Science & Technology

• Hutchinson Dictionary of Scientific Biography

• Peterson Field Guide to Atmosphere

• Peterson Field Guide to Geology

• Peterson Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals

• Peterson Field Guide to Stars & Planets

• Reader’s Guide to the History of Science

• Yearbooks in Science: 1900 to present

Familiar and easy search screen

Further search options available if required by the user

Hover over for pop up or click for more information

Familiar icons such as print, email, save, cite, add to folder and add notes

Journal record information

Visual searching available

Each user can have their own personalised folder for storing work