The University Library introduced a new online database system called PressDisplay that will allow access to more than 350 newspapers from 60 countries in 30 languages.
“The library PressDisplay is intended to give a survey of the news,” said Greg Armento, a librarian for social sciences. “This database is intended for those who want to browse. It’s similar to walking into a newsstand.”
Armento said it was created for those interested in the media, as well as international students.
According to the University Library’s Web site, “The newspapers are displayed in full-color in their original format on your computer. It is just like reading the familiar print edition; viewers can browse articles and other key content, such as pictures, advertisements, classifieds, and notices.”
Coverage varies, but is usually from the last 60 days and is updated daily.
Some of the newspapers on the database also have an enhanced version available. These are represented with a red arrow inside a black circle (next to the name). These enhanced versions give readers a format that is easier to read.
Readers can also have the story read to them, as well as receive translations of the story. Articles may be printed out, but the enhanced version is not available for all of them, Armento said.
“You do need a pretty good computer because of all the graphics,” Armento added.
However, only three people can access the database at a time. This may seem like a small number, but Armento said he doesn’t think it will be too much of a problem. He said that if it does become an issue, the library will look into it. If someone tries to access the database, and there are already three people on it, the user will get a busy signal and will be told to try again in a few minutes.
The database does have a search option, but “it is basic and you are only searching the headline or somewhere in the text,” Armento said.
