Sutherland Shire Libraries Staff News

A couple of months ago I was asked about moving the Encyclopedia Britannica (and Britannica Image Quest) pages on the library website from their current location under Digital Collections to the Kids and Parents section. The thinking was that staff in the Children's section were often recommending Britannica as a resource for school homework and assignments and in this context it might get more use if people could find it under Kids and Parents.

My initial thoughts were that Britannica's location in the site would not impact use greatly, providing it was in a reasonably logical location.  But you can never be sure and I thought it would be a good opportunity to test my assumptions.

The Britannica Online Library Edition is divided into three distinct levels:

• Britannica Junior, introductory-level content for ages 6 -10
• Britannica Student, Intermediate-level content for ages 10 -14
• Encyclopedia Britannica, Advanced-level content for older students and adults.

Information can be accessed by searching all the content at once, to see results for students of every level OR choose the library edition according to the appropriate level.

Often in the library we will utilise the first keyword search option to find information, but it is also good to take the opportunity to highlight additional features to patrons by selecting a specific homepage.

For example in Britannica Junior, listed under Features, you will find New! Geography Explorer  whereby the junior patron can "Help Jog build a wall map". Working through different stages children add Continents, Seas/Oceans, Mountains, Rivers and Places to a world map, using a click and drag technique. Great for both computer skills and general knowledge. A fun way to learn!

Happy exploring!
Cathy