Junior Authors and Illustrators, electronic edition offers digital access to this standard and widely acclaimed biographic reference plus annual updates. Browsing through careers, photos, autobiographical summaries, bibliographical listings in fiction, poetry and non‐fiction draws even the casual consultant into the intriguing world of junior literature. Biographical essays, often prepared by the individual profiled, exceed 2,100 in number. Locating some full text materials, abstracts, citations, and book reviews adds valuable materials for lessons, research projects and writing at any level.
Graphics download rapidly and working through queries requires no special training. Tutorial training and a separate help button are immediately ready to rescue those unfamiliar with H.W. Wilson products. A search may be formed by typing name, profession, title, place of origin, gender, race/ethnicity, title of the work, date of birth or death and keywords. Careful investigation of data specifically for images is also possible. Authority and credibility of the database is attributed to editors and writers for H.W. Wilson. Drawing from their other digital resource some full text, abstracts, citations, and book reviews have been incorporated. Established trustworthy quality coupled with the wealth of information offers a source for those needing birth and death dates and any other information needed for enrichment of their work.
Presentation in the database is as simple and direct as in typical junior high school print workbooks. An easy to read type font with the primary work area centre screen and on a white background is an outstanding design. The initial search page in basic search offers one search box with a check box to expand the task by locating text for biographies. The top ribbon permits basic or advanced searching, browsing, thesaurus consultation, report of search history, printing, emailing, saving exporting/citing. The upper most options on the screen access WilsonWeb, customize display, access help, contact technical support or exit the program. Skilful proofing by editors serves to provide accurate information.
Navigation is structured to facilitate smooth consultations. Pages are free of clutter and irrelevant materials such as advertisements and pop‐ups. Typical of H. W. Wilson products the novice becomes comfortable and confident with database usage thus quickly moving from concentration on technical skills to a research orientation. The powerful search engine permits both a beginning and Boolean logic expansion of searches in the advanced level. In a complex search the operator may enter field selection(s) by choosing date of birth, date of death, profession/ activity, place of origin and gender. In the browse option the limit fields become operative by using the “<” or “>” keys on the standard keyboard. These limiters get to the core of data eliminating restructuring searches and sometimes challenging efforts to enter correct descriptors often experienced in a database research. Limiters are especially useful when combined with user selected search terms and field abbreviations (listing available). The search “BDAY > 1964” retrieves citations for individuals born after 1964. Using the “in” operator with the handy list of field abbreviations retrieves more specific information. For instance, “soldier in BIOI” retrieves entries for persons who use the term “soldier” in the biography. Omitting the field abbreviation retrieves information anywhere in the text. Searching multiple fields in the browse option expands the query.
Help files are accessed via a button on the top ribbon. Structure and interaction with these drop down files on the right is typical. Questions may be directed to the publisher via a toll‐free telephone number or by e‐mail.
In comparisons to other databases Authors4Teens.com (www.authors4teens.com) (RR 2008/118) supplied similar information in less than 100 entries the last time visited. Children's Core Collection (Children's Catalog), a full‐text database by H.W. Wilson, may be a sufficient reference for some queries. LitFinder for School (www.galeschools.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=k12&cf=n&titleCode=ROTH4S&type=4&id=220536) an international literary database with full‐text entries offers some biographical information. Neither of these full‐text databases, nor Authors4Teens.com, measures up to the outstanding information and ease of access found in Junior Authors and Illustrators, electronic edition.
In summary, researchers from middle school to educators and writers will find useful facts in this resource. Subscription appeal is likely to be stronger for schools and public libraries. Academic institutions with education programmes, literature studies, and library media programmes will need the database for student assignments/research. The resource is truly exceptional in ease of use, comprehensive indexing and access. Presentation of both work areas and retrieved facts is among the best. Those considering such a resource must get a free trial. This reviewer joins colleagues in other professional publications in highly recommending a rewarding resource.
