Authors4Teens.com provides extended biographical information about contemporary authors who write for the teenage audience. When last visited, the database indexed 46 individuals. Central to a compilation of data for each writer is text from an interview with Dr Don Gallo. Interviews are structured for the purpose of guiding each conversation toward their daily life. The reasoning behind this approach is to retrieve a sense of what it is like to be an individual who earns a living by writing. The ultimate purpose for which the database and interviews are created is to encourage young people to both read and write. The result is an insightful discussion probing why people choose to write and how their topics are chosen. Entries are designed to inform and potentially intrigue teenagers. Interview questions tapping into the life of the writer are the source for that particular portion of entries reporting hobbies and interests. These matters are not typically printed in biographical reference works.
Access to this site is gained with standard browsers. Screens draw even the casual user into reading. Credit for such enticement is due to a clever use of space, readable type and good organization. Uncluttered screens are a welcomed contrast to graphic and data filled views often found in more scholarly sources.
Statements regarding timeliness of information indicate authors are contacted approximately every quarter for current biographical matter. Such attention necessitates an ongoing effort to maintain the database. All categories under individual entries are updated as is appropriate. Checking qualifications of the interviewer, Don Gallo, the database states in the Frequently Asked Questions section that he is an “author, editor and former Professor of English”. Additional comments on Dr Gallo's career as a professional educator working in the literature area are provided. Individuals concerned with the authority of this database are reliant on the editorial accuracy of recording conversations and periodic updating. One assumes any errors would be caught by the authors covered.
Navigation throughout Author4Teens.com moves quickly and with ease. Clicking on a search option immediately brings data to the screen. Boolean searches will assist the efforts of those seeking specific data. Those uncertain of terms have the option of placing an asterisk following the last letter of their chosen term. This time saving feature initiates a search under various forms of the word. Chances of locating information with one entry are thus enhanced. Search features included pictures, appearances, awards, reviews, bibliography and current news for each entry. Links in some entries connect to newspaper articles about the same subject. An advantage for both teenagers and adult researchers is the ability to click on the keyword search. This wonderful feature explores contents of entries. Results most generally offer a list from which to refine a second search. Exploring further, the database moves along in a user‐friendly manner, requiring only a basic knowledge of database usage. There is no evidence of licensing agreement requirements. Nevertheless, those considering subscribing should review the pricing structure carefully, noting statements relative to such items as enrolment size. Technical support for the database is readily available via e‐mail and telephone.
Comparisons to other resources in print or digital format serve only to single out Author4Teens.com as unique and very appealing to both middle and high schools. The homepage of the well known resource Contemporary Authors states it includes over 100,000 entries. In contrast to Authors4Teens, the sheer size of Contemporary Authors places it in a category of reference works more appropriate for academic and large public libraries. There is limited appeal to secondary education institutions.
Clients for this database can never be limited to a single audience. On learning of the extensive coverage in a single entry researchers will migrate toward this resource. Teenagers curious about their favourite authors will discover a treasure of information not duplicated elsewhere in a single resource. Teachers and other educators preparing lessons will also consult this database. Even professional writers may find this small database a useful reference. This resource is highly recommended for teenagers. The outstanding appeal is due to the ease of use, reasonable pricing and unusual breadth of content in entries.
