NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   DATE: 12/10/07 CONTACT: LESLIE SCHALER, COMMUNICATION ASST., (413) 545-0162   UMass Amherst Libraries Unveil Improved Research Databases Interface Amherst, MA - The UMass Amherst Libraries offer more than 280 research databases and all are now easier to find, thanks to a new “database locator.”  The new database interface is the result of a design overhaul conducted over the last several months.  Library staff ran usability tests with undergraduate and graduate students with the goal of creating a system that would enable students to find a relevant database to write a research paper – if necessary, without consulting a librarian. The database interface helps users locate databases by subject, name, or type of material (images, audio, encyclopedias, etc.).  Descriptions of the content and coverage of each database are readily displayed.  Each subject area provides a list of up to five “best bets” – the most useful and essential resources in that field, selected by librarians with subject expertise.  The “best bets” appear at the top of the list for each subject area.  For example, the “best bet” databases in Sports Management are ABI/INFORM Global, Business Source Premier, IBISWorld United States, Mintel Reports, and LexisNexis Academic. The Libraries’ previous database locator was designed some years ago when the Libraries offered fewer than twenty databases.  With the explosion of electronic resources available, it was time to retire the old interface, which could no longer meet student needs or accommodate the extensive range of databases offered. To try the new database interface, see http://www.library.umass.edu/ndl/view/ or go to the Library web page www.library.umass.edu and click on databases.  For more information, contact Kelcy Shepherd at 413-545-6844 or kshepher@library.umass.edu.