Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory Online is a searchable database which provides bibliographic and access information for over 240,000 serials. It is as comprehensive as its print version and includes the same information on price,subscriptions, publishers and editors, along with brief content descriptions. It is updated monthly, in contrast to the yearly updates available with the print version. (Note: Ulrich’s will no longer be providing periodic supplemental updates to its printed volumes).
The primary advantage for this online source is convenience. It is faster to use than its multivolume counterpart. Keyword searching is available, along with an advanced search, which allows users to access periodical information by title, ISSN, subject or publisher. These can be searched simultaneously if the user desires (for example, by both subject and publisher). The search engine works efficiently and supports basic and professional search levels. Boolean operators (AND, OR and ANDNOT) can be used, which further increases ease of access.
The user interface is open, straightforward and uncluttered. Directions are clear and concise, and links are provided for over 8,000 periodical reviews. Buttons are provided so that users can select search or browse screens (a browsable index is provided), or access help and feedback screens.
The main drawback to this source is its price. The fee for single site/multiple users is $1,625.00 per year. Pricing for multiple sites has to be discussed with the company. Since the print version of this directory is $495.00 per year, convenience is quite expensive in this case.
This source is basically an online version of a lower‐priced and very reliable print resource; it lacks a significant enough advantage over the book version to make it an attractive option for most libraries. At more than three times the cost of the traditional format, it is unlikely that Ulrich’s Online will generate much interest. An optional purchase for libraries due to cost.
