Public Libraries need to have a “Go To – Core Reference” database in place to help their patrons get off to a good start on the subject/topic area they are researching. Since Britannica Online is the largest e-resource of its kind. Your patrons will find information on the topic they are looking for, along with: journal and magazine articles, videos and video clips, eBooks, primary sources and images, as well as recommended safe relevant websites to continue their research - all while executing one easy keyword search!
Since most library budgets will not support purchasing a database for every subject and topic area, the “Britannica Online – Library” will allow you to remedy most requests and get your patrons the current information they need at the reading level that is best for them:
Children's Level - geared toward school-aged children, both in terms of the look and feel of the database, and also in terms of content. You can either start your research by doing a search in the search box at the top of the page, or by clicking on of the links on the right-hand side. From these links, you can narrow your topic by subject, take a look at the world atlas, research animals, compare countries, and learn about Canadian topics in the NEW “Canada in Focus” module now in all 3 levels! Each of these links takes you to a page where you can really start your research. For example, if you click on “Animal Kingdom”, you can choose to search by type of animal, by their habitats, or alphabetically by name! Plus, the types of information you can find include articles, pictures, videos, audio recordings, recommended websites, and definitions from the dictionary! It’s like having everything you need in one place!
Young Adults Level - has everything that the children’s page has, and so much more! You can do a search by subject, look at biographies, consult the atlas, compare countries, and focus on Canada! Although the information is a little more in-depth, you’ll also find support and helpful hints to help when doing book reviews, research papers, science reports, and presentations!
The Reference Centre - is the most complete version of Britannica Online, and can be used by anyone who is interested in finding reliable, detailed information about everything from history, geography, biographies, current events, ecology, social sciences, etc., etc. If you have a question, chances are that you can find an answer in Britannica’s Reference Centre!