Bibliographic Information


Database: NoveList

Website: https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist

Type: Subscription Database

 

Content Summary

NoveList is a subscription database that offers users reader advisory and information on Common Core Standards. Users can search the database for fiction or non-fiction books and by genre. Every result will have information about the book, recommended books that are similar, and information about how the book meets Common Core Standards. There are different types of NoveList, such as NoveList Plus, NoveList K-8 plus, NoveList Complete, and NoveList Select. Each database caters to a different demographic. NoveList Plus would be ideal for teens and teen services in the library. The database also includes “Best of Lists” which allows users to search for popular titles or genres.

 

Critical Evaluation


NoveList is very similar to the free website goodreads.com, but it provides more organized information that I think would be helpful teens looking for specific genres. I liked that the site really catered to students who were looking for a fiction or non-fiction books for school related projects. When you search for a book it tells what Common Core Standards it meets and what subjects it covers. There are also reviews that teens and librarians can read. Teens can search for books by what mood they are in, book similar to books they like, award winners and/or by their Lexile level. I think the homepage isn’t very teen friendly, but once they figure out to use it they have access to so much information. Teens can also search by using vague and unique keywords, because the database organizes books by traditional and non-traditional key words related to each genre.

 

Reader’s Annotation


Did you love Hunger Games or The Fault in Our Stars, but don’t know what to read next? NoveList can help you easily find books similar to your favorite reads!

 

Database Information

The following database information was taken from https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/about-novelist/the-novelist-story.

 

“As a new librarian, Duncan Smith struggled with the fact that readers' advisory services were only as good as the individual librarian's memory and ability to read a wide range of genres. He thought there should be a database that would be a 'secret weapon' for keeping track of all the great books to recommend. In 1990, he talked Roger Rohweder and John Strickler into creating NoveList. In 1994, they sold their first copy. NoveList was an immediate hit with librarians and launched with 20,000 titles and 1,200 reviews. In 1999, EBSCO acquired NoveList from CARL. At that time, NoveList had just five employees.

Today, NoveList is a division of EBSCO with more than 50 employees. Over 20+ years, the NoveList team has continued to innovate and develop solutions for readers' advisory, catalog enrichment, email newsletters, library marketing, and more. But, throughout it all, the core mission continues to be helping libraries help readers.”

 

Genre

Database

 

Curriculum Ties


• Used for finding information

 

Booktalking Ideas


• N/A

 

Reading Level/ Interest Age


Grades 6-12, All Ages

 

Challenge Issues


N/A

 

Challenge Issue Resources (for usage in a challenge situation)

• Active Listening

• Explanation of why it was chosen for the collection (Rational)

• Awards

• Reader Advisory Reviews (Students, Parents, Educators)

• Positive and Negative Reviews

• National Council of Teachers “Right to Read”

• ALA Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials

• ALA Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom

• Library Selection Policy & Library District Reconsideration Form

 

Why I choose it

I choose this database because I learned about it in INFO 210 Reference and Information Services. I thought it was a great database for reader advisory and for helping librarians with Common Core Curriculum.