[LM_NET] SEC: Database purchases

[Susan Waring <sswaring@STNY.RR.COM>]

Hello everyone!
I'm drowning in Databases!

I've noticed a few things about databases in the past few years:
1.  Teachers want to use databases for research but don't seem to have 
much experience with designing projects related to this (so the ball is 
in my court).  
2.  I have a hard time (due to my lack of experience) matching the 
appropriate database to each research project.
3.  Teaching the concept of databases in general is difficult
4.  Teaching the use of a database in specific is time consuming and 
teachers may or may not want to build that time into their schedule.
5.  Teenagers have no clue about databases in general and don't get the 
difference between them and any other information accessed 
electronically (i.e. websites)

And also:
1.  I am in NY where we have a set of Databases provided by the state.
2.  I receive continuous offers to do a trial of this or that database
2.5  Pricing is a mysterious process.
2.75.  Trial is a tricky process without actual research to do and a 
similar product to do a side by side comparison with.
3.  Some databases seem to include similar information, but how to tell 
which one is better if I'm struggling to wade through the mire of 
evaluation/trial?

I don't know how to keep up:  Yesterday in SLJ I read that Gale will 
now be including United Streaming content.  We just bought United 
Streaming (server is not even installed yet).  If I have certain 
products from Gale provided by the state, and I was thinking of adding 
some other Gale products, will I be wasting my money if I buy one and 
already had the other and I think my head is going to explode!!!

It is no longer about comparing apples to oranges.  I'm now comparing a 
set of data that combines every kind of fruit on the planet in relation 
to every kind of fruit product possible to create in relation to the 
individual tastes of my consumers in relation to the nutritional needs 
of my consumers.

Please, send me your suggestions, not for individual databases you 
recommend or have purchased, but for tools and resources to help me 
sort all this out!

Susan Waring 
swaring@greenecsd.org 
LMS
Greene HS
Greene, NY

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