The ERIC database: A comparison of four versions

Abstract

Today's librarians are faced with the need to constantly reevaluate database purchases in order to find the most cost-effective means of supplying these resources to users. When a database is available from more than one provider, it may be necessary to make a detailed comparison of features and search engines to determine the best version for a particular library. This article compares 48 features of four versions of the ERIC database (SilverPlatter, FirstSearch, AskERIC, and SearchERIC.org), and discusses the relative merits of some of the more important features. Also included is an overview of the results of a survey given to Education majors which provides information on user preferences for versions of the ERIC database. © 2003, MCB UP Limited