Kids InfoBits is a clearly-organized and easy to use database for children that provides access to a limited number of authoritative sources on a variety of educational subjects. With several optional filters, an advanced search option, and items organized by format, the database functions just the same as a database for adults, but simplified. It is well-suited for simple searches, but not suitable to deeper or more complex searches. After landing on the colorful, image-heavy homepage, users can select a subject to view broadly or use a search bar to locate a specific topic. The subject headings are illustrated with large photos, which may help younger users’ comprehension. The difficulty level of each resource is indicated by a small symbol, with a key provided. The advanced search option allows for customized searches, including searching by Lexile level. While the results of any search have been vetted for reliability, many are not recent and may be outdated. The site is intuitively designed and will be easy for most students to use, but features such as a carousel on the front page may be barriers for disabled users. Overall, this is a helpful resource for introducing children to databases. Recommended. Grades 3-7 ( )

Kids InfoBits is a multi-disciplinary electronic research database. The database includes material in biology, chemistry, history, social studies, reading, math, arts, etc. Each subject has a series of sub categories, for example animals are broken into subcategories of mammals, birds etc. Within the subcategories are lists of specific topics. Once the most specific topic is selected, the information is organized by material such as resources, such as magazines, reference material, newspapers, charts and graphs, all of which are presented in a tab menu at the top of a page. The newspaper and magazine articles are up to date, but other categories are slightly older ranging from 2000-2006. The articles are short, with appropriate headings for the age group. The site is easily navigated, providing text and images to help users select the correct topic. Resources on conducting research, writing a report, citing resources and other information literacy topics are included for teachers and students under “teaching tools” in the menu at the bottom of the page. However, students would likely need to be directed to this page because the link seems to be directed towards teachers. The teacher librarian would probably need to refer students or teachers to this resource because it is not in an obvious location. This would be a useful research tool for elementary age students completing reports and developing good research skills. This database is recommended for purchase in a public and school library as a research tool in a variety of disciplines. (Ages 7-12) ( )

This web database aims to teach beginning researchers in grades K-6 how to conduct research and look at different kinds of information (i.e. articles, maps, charts, etc.). The home page of the database lists different categories, ranging from “animals” to “people” to “sports.” Within each category are subcategories, such as “birds,” and individual topics, like “eagles." Each topic includes reference/magazine/newspaper articles, maps, charts, graphs, images, etc. that provide relevant information. The articles are specified as having an “easy” or “more difficult” reading level. A search box is included at the top of the web page for searches of specific topics. The web page also has a “help” page with instructions for use and a “Teacher Toolbox” page that instructs students in how to write research papers and cite sources. Although the website is fairly intuitive for young children, many of the reference/magazine/newspaper articles are long, have advanced vocabulary, lack kid-friendly colors/images, and are difficult to read for the youngest children in the specified age group. Overall, this is an acceptable database for kids to use, but it could be improved through more kid-friendly articles, colors, and images. ( )

Aimed at students in K-6, this full-text only database sports colorful pictures on its main page, each denoting a different category, such as animals, plants or people. It seems strange that the site has each of these icons include what one can only assume is their mascots; these images would be less confusing if they, for instance, depicted actual plants, not children dressed up as plants. The second level of navigation also uses pictures, sans the child-mascots, and it works better in every category except "people." In the people category, the icons are simply traced pictures of real people associated with each subject. However, it is unreasonable to assume that a child could recognize the artists' category based on Vincent van Gogh's tiny face. More abstract depictions, such as paintbrushes, would have worked better. The third category level makes even less use of the visual category system (a good idea in theory, but poorly executed in certain instances), listing categories simply by text. The results are sometimes not entirely accurate; for instance, if one clicks on People>Ethnic Groups>African Americans>Images, the second result is a photo of Adele, who is not an African American. Articles are sorted as having "easy" or "more difficult" reading levels, which can be helpful. All in all, this database provides average service for children; the structure of the database contains so good ideas, but the implementation could use some fine tuning. ( )

A visual database for students that allows students to research using the graphic interface. Includes sources such as: reference materials, magazines, newspapers, maps/flags/seals, charts and graphs, and images. Simple, quick, and easy for primary students to access accurate and reliable information. Grades K-6