Database Trials


FY2006 -- FY2005 -- FY2004
View Current Trials

Database vendors are often willing to make their online products available on a temporary basis to libraries that are considering a subscription. While our library certainly does not have sufficient funds to acquire most resources for which we run a trial, the process of reviewing new titles has several benefits for the organization:
  • First and foremost, trials help selectors and reference librarians remain current in their fields and continually re-evaluate the electronic collection. We may not be able to retain access to a specific product, but it is very important that library staff remain aware of what new resources are available. It is entirely possible that we may want to replace an existing resource with something new. Or, a new electronic resource may become a "must have" so a trial allows us to see if the hype is really justified. Also, maintaining an awareness of specific tools--whether or not we have local access--assists librarians in making proper referals or in obtaining information from remote colleagues.
  • Second, a member of the teaching faculty often is aware of a new or existing product and wants to have access--at least temporarily--to see if it would be worthwhile for his or her own teaching and research needs. Often a vendor will allow an extended trial so that a faculty member can use a resource in a semester long course. If the resource proves to be useful to the curriculum, we will often attempt to find a way to acquire it on a more permanent basis (provided we can allocate the funds). Even if the trial is of limited duration, it is often possible to plan the timing such that it coincides with a relavent classroom assignment or campus event. Of course, this type of planning is most desirable as it allows us to see how useful the resource would be for actual research and teaching.
  • Finally, trials are fun. They allow the USU community the opportunity to use a resource--albeit temporarily--to which we would otherwise not have access.

All trials run through the Library Acquisitions Department so that we can have a central place to make resources available for the entire campus. Additionally, it is helpful to track price offers and resource evaluations so that we can get the best product for our money. Please keep in mind that the best time for running a trial is early in the semester when most people have more time to evaluate it. If you are interested in setting up a trial for a specific resource--or in locating and testing a resource for a particular need--please contact Jennifer Duncan at 435.797.8148 or jennifer.duncan@usu.edu.

Trials for FY2006

  • Britannica Online
  • Cabell's Directories
  • CQ Electronic Library
  • E-Brary
  • Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems
  • Europa World Yearbook (acquired)
  • FSTA--direct from publisher (acquired)
  • Garden Literature Index
  • Hispanic American Periodicals Index--HAPI
  • Human Relations Area Files--Ethnography (acquired)
  • Journal Citation Reports (acquired)
  • Newsbank Access World News
  • Oxford Reference Online: Premium (acquired)
  • Prisma
  • Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy (acquired)
  • Routledge Politics and International Relations Resource
  • Routledge Religion Resource (acquired)
  • SocIndex
  • World of Learning (acquired)

Trials for FY2005
  • 19th Century Masterfile (acquired)
  • ACLS History E-Books
  • American Periodical Series
  • Anthrosource (acquired)
  • Birds of North America (acquired)
  • Classical Music Library
  • CIAO—Columbia International Affairs Online (repeat trial; acquired)
  • ComDisDome
  • Dictionary of National Biography (acquired)
  • English Reports (acquired)
  • Essential Science Indicators
  • Grollier Encyclopedia
  • Grove Music Online (acquired)
  • International Medieval Bibliography (acquired)
  • Nation Digital Archive
  • NERAC
  • Newspaper Press Direct
  • Periodical Contents Index
  • RefWorks
  • Scopus
  • StatRef
  • Technology Research Database (repeat trial)

Trials for FY2004
  • Acquatic Sciences and Fisheries II
  • Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO)
  • Computing Reviews
  • Faculty of 1000
  • GLBT Life
  • Historical Research Index
  • INSPEC (EBSCO platform)
  • Pennsylvania Gazette (acquired)
  • PsycINFO (ProQuest platform)
  • Technology Research Database
  • U.S. Congressional Serials Set (Readex platform)
  • Women & Social Movements in the United States
  • XreferPlus

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    Date last updated: 07/21/06