GSLIS Multimedia Product Review

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About our reviews:

These reviews of multimedia products were prepared by graduate students at The Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), at The University of Texas at Austin; however, this site is no longer maintained and new reviews are not posted. We did not delete reviews of older products and of items with more recent editions because these products are still being used, and can be found in libraries and schools or for resale. Additionally, this site contains only reviews and its webmaster cannot answer technical support questions or inquiries regarding purchases.

Our reviewing guidelines:

The characteristics of the product will determine what is discussed in the review. The following criteria are included as appropriate:

• Format: is this a CD-ROM only product, or is it also available in book or video formats? How do formats differ?
• Accompanying materials: are there adequate teaching aids (if appropriate)? Are manuals clear? Were there some unexpected surprises, such as a box of real crayons or a mousepad?
• Audience: is the product relevant/appropriate for the intended audience, as defined by the publisher? What are the product's strengths in terms or child development and education?
• Purpose: does the product fulfill the stated objective? For example, if it is an encyclopedia, does it contain the information you would normally expect in a print version?
• Gimmicks: do animations, sound bits, and other features detract or enhance the presentation of information? Factors to consider include excessive use of different colors, very slow (and unnecessary) video clips, effects that surprise you the first time but tire quickly, etc. Note: remember the intended audience!
• Interface: is it elegant? Self explanatory? Consistent? Do you get relevant feedback? Did you get "lost" easily? In general, if you don't notice it at all, the interface is good. If it stands out as easy to use and elegant, then it is very good!
• Navigation: consistency of pointers to other pages, availability of searchable indices, bookmarks, etc.
• Fun factor: multimedia is supposed to be exciting! Was it? If tested with users, how did they react? Were there quizzes with adequate rewards? Was it possible to print out graphics or export them to use them later?
• In general: what are the unusual features? what are the strong points? How does it compare to similar products Would you buy it - or recommend that it be bought for a certain type of collection?

Guidelines copyright 1996, Barbara Immroth