24. NoveList Database

NoveList Database

Accessed via Los Angeles Public Library Databases

Summary

NoveList is a database powered by EBSCOhost that provides users with access to information on a multitude of novels for any age.  The database is a reader’s advisory tool, allowing readers to find books that may interest them and educators to locate book discussion guides and book lists.  The home page features a basic search with the option to search by author, title, or series.   Below the search bar, the site lists a group of best-selling books, as well as a recommended reading list of novels similar to the best sellers.  On the left side of the page, the database includes more recommended reading lists.  Users can select either adult, teen, ages 9-12, or ages 0-8, select one of the available genres, and then one of the subgenres for reading lists tailored to that audience.  At the top of the page, users can also browse through alphabetical lists of authors, series, and subjects.  The advanced search option gives users the option to limit their searches by published date, grade level, author’s gender and nationality, and whether the novel is award-winning, among others.  When users select a book, the information page includes a short description of the novel, genre, pace, tone, writing style, grade level, subject headings, and reviews.  Overall, the database gives users access to information on a wide range of novels.

Critical Evaluation

NoveList is a useful tool for readers of all ages, but with the ability to limit the age range to teens, it allows young adults to limit results to those novels directed toward a teen audience.  Considering the many different subgenres within young adult literature, the ability to find read-alikes for novels, as well as authors, helps teens discover new books that relate to their interests.  This feature will especially appeal to reluctant readers because it will allow them to expand their reading knowledge by suggesting books with specific writing styles or on topics in which they are interested.  Also, in contrast to other book search engines, the database gives users the option to search by more than just author, title, genre, or subject; they can also search by storyline, pace, tone, writing style, or location.  Because teens have a strong interest in novels that reflect their own lives and interests, the addition of these limits increase the likelihood that they will find books matching these interests.  In addition to helping teens discover new books, the database would also be useful for librarians and educators working with teens, giving them examples of booktalks and book discussions, as well as reviews from publications such as Library JournalPublishers Weekly.  In total, the database will appeal to teens looking for novels that are similar to those they already love, as well as teens that want to branch out into other genres, but want to research what books to read. and

Reader's Annotation

NoveList is a database that allows users to search for information on a collection of novels.  Readers of all ages will especially appreciate the recommended reading lists in a plethora of genres.

Information About the Company

EBSCOhost databases and discovery technologies are the most-used, premium online information resources for tens of thousands of institutions worldwide, representing millions of end-users.

EBSCO has served the library industry for more than 60 years. By placing customers at the core of our business, they have tapped their ingenuity to assist in developing the high quality products and services for which EBSCO is known. EBSCO is the only company to provide customers with an integrated service that combines reference databases, subscription management, online journals, books, linking services and A-to-Z solutions. Always at the leading edge, they continue to work to identify new challenges and combine technology with data to meet the information needs of customers worldwide. (information retrieved from EBSCO’s website: http://www.ebscohost.com)

Genre

N/A

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

All ages

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Include Database in Selection? 

Always looking for a new book to read, the read-alikes function of this database appealed to me.