Abbi Carr

8/1/2014
Database Evaluation

Database: JSTOR
1. Contents and Scope
a. JSTOR contains academic and scholarly materials focused primarily on the social
sciences and humanities. While the majority of their content is gained through
major publications, JSTOR is unique in that they also provide some access to
individual content as well. There are several thousand digitized articles,
pamphlets, and reviews found on JSTOR and is updated on a continuous basis.
2. Audience
a. JSTOR as a whole will be used primarily in Academic settings. While the content
is specific to the social sciences and humanities, it does hold a certain amount of
appeal to general audiences as well.
3. Accessibility
a. JSTOR offers its resources in two formats. First, patrons can read the materials
online in an HTML format. Second, patrons can download a PDF version of the
material for later perusal. Both formats have their benefits and allow patrons the
opportunity to easily read through multiple pieces of work before downloading a
copy of a selection that they require.
4. Usability
a. JSTOR is very comparable to most online databases, offering many limiting
functions such as date of publication, discipline-specific information, and
standard Boolean search capabilities. The initial search engine is very easily
navigable and offers a chance to be as specific or broad as a patron might desire.

5. Technical Features
a. JSTOR can be accessed on most platforms. I specifically used both an apple handheld device and a Microsoft-based desktop to peruse JSTOR and encountered no
trouble accessing content on either platform. There are also a variety of methods
to contact JSTOR for assistance ranging from email to telephone communications.
6. Costs
a. JSTOR is not widely available to the public for individual use. It is almost

exclusively available through large organizations such as a school or public

library system. Therefore, independent costs were not available online.