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Subscription Databases

Creativebug
Subject: Arts and Crafts
Website: https://www.creativebug.com/

Summary: Creativebug is a database with instructional videos on all sorts of arts and crafts, from knitting, to painting, to baking! 

 

Critical Evaluation: Creativebug is the perfect resource for those who love art and want to learn more about crafting, but can’t afford or don’t have access to traditional classes. Because it’s completely online, the videos can be watched from wherever the artist is, whether that’s at home on the computer or away on a cellphone.

 

Creativebug’s site is welcoming and colorful. Besides offering instructional videos for all ages, they also provide daily practice ideas for those wishing to practice their art and improve over a set amount of days. This database really is the perfect resource for anyone wishing to bring more creativity into their lives, or for teens looking to improve a new craft they are passionate about. 

 

Reader’s Annotation: Looking to pick up a new craft, or get passionate about art? Creativebug is the database for you! 

 

Genre: Art

 

Booktalk Ideas:

  • Discuss how we are all creative beings, and whether or not we think we are “good” at art, we should still pursue the projects we are excited about.

  • Watch a video and do a craft together. 

 

Engagement age range: All ages

 

Challenge Issues: none

 

Reason for Including: Creativebug is a database offered by my library and I’m so looking forward to using it more. This is a perfect resource for teens who don’t have classes to attend or who can’t afford art lessons. They can try out as many art styles as they like using the database…it’s great! 

Transparent Language Online
Subject: Language
Website: https://library.transparent.com/newcastlecode/game/ng/#/login

Summary: Transparent Language Online is an online database with lessons to learn over 100+ languages, including English as a second language. 

 

Critical Evaluation: Transparent Language Online is an incredibly valuable resource to teens for several reasons. Those struggling in school in language classes or with English as a second language can use the database to support their learning and education. Those who aren’t offered a second language at school, or the language they want isn’t offered, can use the database to learn at home and at their own pace. 

 

The design of the website is straightforward and easy to navigate. There is a classic lesson and assessment section, but also sections for fun exercises, learned vocabulary, and a place to put your personal goals. 

 

Reader’s Annotation: If you want to learn a language at your own pace from the comfort of your own home, Transparent Language Online is the database for you! 

 

Genre: Language

 

Booktalk Ideas:

  • Show students how the database can help them with school or personal goals, and go through a lesson together.

 

Engagement age range: Lessons provided for all ages

 

Challenge Issues: None

 

Reason for Including: Learning another language is a valuable skill, and teens can use the database for their own goals, or to help them if they’re struggling with language classes in school. Teachers could also use the database as a resource. 

Learning Express
Subject: Education
Website: https://www.learningexpresshub.com/productengine/LELIndex.html#/learningexpresslibrary/libraryhome?AuthToken=KAy%2FKNWWXedSbXlPBT5EyVbSpCcyaUQ0ZZ4pzbbTdUc%3D

Summary: Learning Express offers resources to help users improve their lives in a variety of areas, from career prep, to help with college applications, to becoming a United States citizen. 

 

Critical Evaluation: In an easily accessible place, Learning Express offers many of the same resources that libraries do. These can be beneficial to teens as they complete high school and plan to enroll in college or enter the workforce. It also has resources for teachers, adults, and children.

 

Because the database is accessible online, those who can’t always physically visit the library can gain access to the same information and tools, or use them on the go when they’re at home, school, or traveling. Though the website is plain, it’s easy to navigate. 

 

Reader’s Annotation: Learning Express offers the tools you need to ace a test, practice for the SAT, improve your computer skills and more, all in one easy to access place. 

 

Genre: Education

 

Booktalk Ideas:

  • Show teens the site and demonstrate how to use it.

  • Ask them in what scenarios they might utilize it. 

 

Engagement age range: Grades 9 and up

 

Challenge Issues: None

 

Reason for Including: Learning Express puts so many tools in one easy to find place, hopefully encouraging teens to utilize them as much as they may need to. 

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