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ISSN 1039-3498 | no. 46 | August 2000


New electronic sources for readers

A considerable number of electronic reference sources have recently been added to the research and information services provided in the Library’s reading rooms.

MacquarieNet is an online encyclopedia from the publishers of the Macquarie Dictionary. It contains a range of Australian and international reference materials including general and specialised subject encyclopedias and dictionaries, selected historical texts, an atlas, photographs and a news archive. Originally designed for home reference requirements (such as school projects), MacquarieNet is also a valuable source of general information from an Australian perspective. Encyclopaedia Britannica online provides the full text of the well-known encyclopedia along with updates and links to selected high quality web sites.

In addition to these two encyclopedias, three serial indexes cover the social sciences, humanities, and librarianship. ASSIAnet (Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts online) is a database indexing approximately 600 social science serials. Commencing its coverage in 1987, ASSIAnet includes more than 215 000 records. BHInet (British Humanities Index online) is an international abstracting and indexing tool for research in the humanities from 1984. LISAnet (Library and Information Science Abstracts online) covers more than 550 periodicals in the library and information field.

Three electronic directories provide access to a range of information sources. Ulrichsweb is an international periodical directory. It lists nearly a quarter of a million serials by title or broad subject category. The Business Who’s Who of Australia online is a directory of Australian companies along with biographical details of Australian company directors. World Guide to Libraries PLUS combines the K.G. Saur World Guide to Libraries with the R.R. Bowker American Library Directory to provide directory information on more than 82 000 libraries in 192 countries.

Finally, the Oxford English Dictionary online provides enhanced access to the online equivalent of 23 printed volumes, as well as the opportunity to keep up with the ongoing revision of this major reference work on the English language.
Philip Jackson

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