HIT: TOM vs. Ebsco

[Nelson <nelsonb@SLS.LIB.IL.US>]

Comrades:
  Thanks for all the replies regarding use of the above databases.  Here
are short versions of some replies:

1.      TOM has better-quality full-text sources.  MAS emphasizes
key-word searching too much.  TOM hides key-word searching.

2.      Tried TOM at Middle School--loved it--kids stood in line to use
it.  Used MAS at public lib. and not impressed.

3.      Love EMAS--has Rolling Stone and Men's Health (lets me get info
without steamy pictures.  TOM has much to which we subscribe anyway, so
EMAS is better for us.

4.      I've used TOM, EBsco and WIlson.  Favorite is Wilson
Mega--networks beautifully, uses Sears headings, and gives abstracts for
NY Times.  Had SuperTOM last year and it is great for beginners, but my
students are now more sophisticated.  This year, I took TOM money and got
NYTimes CD-ROM.  So, kiddies get citations from Wilson and then go to NY
Times for full text.  You can also do Wilson online for really recent
things and to search their other databases.

5.  Cheapest is Wilson.  I had TOM and MAS on network and students always
went to MAS.  Be sure to look at Proquest.

6.  I am buying Ebsco.  TOM backs up fiche and puts another step, which
may discourage students.  (I am not sure if this is true anymore with the
SuperTOM product?  Who knows? BN).  Be sure that students in classrooms
can get as much as possible when networking goes to those places.

        So, there you have it.  It looks like both have their fans, and
for good reasons.  Now, I just must look at the money (Ebsco is more),
the product, the sources of information, and consider that my kiddies are
already used to Ebsco.  Then, I decide and live with the decision for the
next year, at least.  Good luck to you all.  Basically, you can't go
wrong with either.  If you don't know both, call them for trial discs and
have the kiddies use them.  This market is very competitive and they all
are "hot to trot."

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^^ Bruce J. Nelson               ^^^^^  phone  708 424-7400 x210      ^^
^^ Library Director              ^^^^^  fax    708 424-7493           ^^
^^ Evergreen Park H.S.           ^^^^^  email  nelsonb@sls.lib.il.us  ^^
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