Evaluating Language Functionality in Library Databases

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the technology and design features of library databases that allow users to search and retrieve information in a language other than English. The author begins with reviewing language localization trends in the following databases: EBSCO Academic Search Complete, Gale Academic OneFile, JSTOR, ProQuest Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, and WorldCat on FirstSearch by OCLC (hereafter WorldCat). This review is followed by an evaluation of these databases' abilities to search in a non-English language using a simple keyword search constructed using Google Translate. The results show that searching databases using languages written in Roman fonts (European languages, for example) is supported across all the databases, while searching using languages represented in non-Roman scripts is not well supported (Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, etc.). These database features are undergoing constant development as library database vendors expand their products to other countries and languages. This article gives readers a simple method to get a snapshot understanding of language functionality in library databases. Language functionality is an important consideration when working with non-native English speakers and other second language learners. This article will be of interest to librarians who work with departments focused on area studies, linguistics, classics, and foreign languages. Librarians who work in multi-lingual and international environments will also gain a better understanding of how to select databases that best meet the needs of mul-tilingual and international patrons.

KEYWORDS:

• Library databases
• localization features
• non-native English speakers
• second language learners
• multilingualism
• linguistic diversity