HIT: Ebsco vs. Proquest

[LaQuita Beth Dinkins <ldinkin@TENET.EDU>]

Several weeks ago I posted a question regarding the pros & cons
of EBSCO's Full Text Elite & UMI's Proquest Resource One Full
Text.  Many thanks to those who responded.

I had hoped to be persuaded to purchase one or the other
program by a landslide in favor of either program!  However,
the responses were pretty much equal--7 in favor of UMI's
product, and 6 in favor of EBSCO.

Some responses concerning Proquest:
  "changed from Ebsco to Proquest because magazines offered
   were titles that students asked for"
  "easy for students to use"
  "UMI's price is better"
  "no problems running on a network"
  "works well on a single station--much difficulty networking it"
  "list of magazines seems more usable for high school kids"
  "full text immediately follows abstract"

Responses concerning Ebsco:
  "screens are easier to read, easier to customize"
  "easier to run on a Novell network"
  "switched from Resource One to EMAS Elite...Ebsco carried
   more titles"
  "space to include local holdings & built-in local statistics"
  "speech & English teachers like Ebsco Elite better than Proquest"
  "unlimited number of users on network at no additional charge"
  "far superior as far as number of journals offered in full text
   & range of titles indexed"
  "preferred search strategies & administrative controls"

In support of both:
  "technical support & customer service has been excellent"
  "both seem to be comprehensive"

Generally, people seemed to be pleased with what they use.
I came to the conclusion that both must be good products.

So....I've done my homework but the bottom line is - I still
have to make my own decision!  I'm leaning toward Ebsco at
this time.  Thanks again to all who responded.


                LaQuita Dinkins * ldinkin@tenet.edu * Librarian
       Levelland High School * 1400 Hickory Street * Levelland, TX 79336
                    phone 806-894-8515  *  fax 806-894-8867