Purpose of the resource - Facts on File databases serve middle and high school students as a reference resource for a wide variety of topics and fields of study. Content includes articles, videos, cartoons primary sources, maps, illustrations, charts, diagrams, news articles, and so on. Content not including primary source material and news articles is proprietary--written, edited, and indexed by experts hired directly by Infobase Publishing, Facts on File's parent company. Content is designed to be understood and used by young adults and is middle and high school curriculum-based, for the most part. Multi-format citations are written for and included at the end of each article, rather than being generated generically. Ten general subject headings contain a total of 25 databases.
Critical Evaluation - Facts on File databases are an exceptionally useful resource for young adults learning to read and make use of complex nonfiction text. The sole-source content occupies a space between encyclopedias and scholarly journals. Article subject matter and content is more specific than typical encyclopedic entries, yet students are able to comprehend and synthesize the information provided at a younger stage of maturity than that contained in scholarly journals. Maps, videos, images, and diagrams are plentiful and well-executed. History, Science, and Social Studies teachers will especially appreciate the broad offerings as an alternative or addition to Wikipedia. Drawbacks are very few; students will simply need to be weened off of the sole-source offerings and encouraged to use more scholarly sources in upper high school levels in order to prepare for the academic challenges of college.
Reader's Annotation - Facts on File is a perfect place to start your research, or just to find pieces you need--primary sources, maps, diagrams, etc. for Science, History, and Social Studies.
About Infobase Publishing/Facts on File - Facts on File has been in business since 1941 when it began as a news service. In a 2006 interview with School Library Journal, Facts on File editors explain that the company is not trying to be a subscription Wikipedia--"all things to all people." Rather, its target market is young adults in middle and high school, and its content is subject rather than title driven. Careful indexing, organization, and a "clean look" are hallmarks of the company's profile.
Curricular Uses - Facts on File databases are provided for Science, History, Geography, Religion, Math, Health, Philosophy, and Literature.
Resource Talk Ideas
- Have students look up the subject of their latest research project. What do they find in Facts on File that they haven't seen before?
- Ask students to research a favorite author for literary criticism.
Reading level / Interest age - YA, middle and high school students
Why I included this resource - Facts on File has been immensely popular with teachers and students alike at my own school. Teachers love the detail that is available in the databases; it is more time-consuming to find in our print reference section. Students feel empowered as they search and use articles because the writing is at a level that they can process easily before they move into scholarly journal searching. We all find that the company fills its mission of clarity and organization--finding what is needed is very easy to do in any of the subject databases. I whole-heartedly recommend the databases as a worthwhile
No comments:
Post a Comment