| |
Various Religions | Christian | Jewish | Science Fiction/Fantasy Selection Sources for Congregational Libraries: World Wide
Web sites were located utilizing keyword searching on terms such as, "religious
book reviews," "Christian book reviews," "Christian fiction," etc. Due
to limited results, sites need not be solely devoted to religious materials
reviewing, however must contain a minimum of four religious reviews. Sites
complemented by a previously reviewed print format (ie. Booklist)
are not reviewed to reduce redundancy. Publishers
and religious web sites which offer materials for direct purchase are
excluded due to commercial bias. Originally, web sites offering purchase
of materials through a second party were excluded for similar reasons.
However, the proliferation of web sites linked with a purchasing partner,
such as Amazon.com, has increased dramatically. As a result, these sites
will be reviewed for two reasons. First, the proceeds from purchasing
partnership arrangements are generally very small and, relatedly, it must
be assumed that the site owner considers the reviews a service, rather
than a money making vehicle. Finally, personal home pages may be included
if the site provides regularly updated reviews. Naturally,
using the Internet to located reviews poses many difficulties. The appropriate
hardware, software, and access must be available. Internet searching skills
are necessary, as there is little logical subject arrangement on the Net.
Other problems germane to this category include limited scope, bias, currency,
and lack of selection criteria statements. Types of materials reviewed
may be inconsistent, or lack religious viewpoint, web sites may not be
updated, or links may no longer be accessible.
|
|
|||||||||
|
