In today’s vast sea of online information, researchers often struggle to wade through overwhelming volumes of data to find credible, relevant sources. The challenge of distinguishing trustworthy content from unreliable information can lead to frustration and inefficiency, especially among younger researchers.
That’s why ensuring easy access to reliable information through library databases is crucial. EBSCO’s Ultimate Databases for Schools and Public Libraries, available through optimized Explora interfaces, serve as essential research tools designed to meet the diverse information needs of students, educators and lifelong learners. With innovative features like Topic Explorer, Smart Panels in search results, and curated Topic Discovery Pages, these six databases streamline research, helping users find what they need — and uncover new, relevant insights along the way.
Topic Explorer
Although keyword searching remains highly popular among researchers, browsing is also an essential information-seeking strategy. According to results from a recent EBSCO-School Library Journal survey, librarians indicated that one-third of their students prefer topic browsing over keyword searching.
Browsing often results in serendipity, as researchers might find unexpected topics to explore. Explora’s enhanced user experience promotes this serendipitous discovery by allowing researchers to browse database content through intuitive topic categories. This feature, called Topic Explorer, simplifies the research process by enabling users to begin with broad subject areas and gradually refine their focus. Each top-level category breaks down into popular, colloquial or curriculum-based subtopics, making it accessible for all users, including younger or novice researchers.
According to an internal benchmarking survey, 81 percent of students expressed satisfaction with Explora’s enhanced browsing experience. One student noted how Topic Explorer streamlines the research process, making it “simple, straightforward and quick.” Another student, searching for biographies, mentioned that Topic Explorer is particularly useful when a researcher does not have a specific individual (or topic) in mind. "You basically discover new people. Starting with a broad topic, you can narrow it down, making it more concise as you dive deeper."
Librarians agreed. “Explora is wonderful for students,” said one school librarian. “It is full of resources and easy-to-reach information.”
Whether researchers are investigating science, history, literature or current events, Topic Explorer provides them with logical pathways that enhance research efficiency and encourage deeper engagement. They can quickly identify key resources, uncover unexpected insights, and build a solid foundation of knowledge on their chosen topics.
Smart Panels in Search Results
A key feature of the Ultimate databases’ enhanced Explora experience is the introduction of Smart Panels at the top of search results. These panels offer concise summaries or overviews, eliminating the need for users to sift through extensive lists of articles to find pertinent information.
For example, when a user is researching Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Literary Reference Ultimate, the search results page displays a Smart Panel containing key information — author, characters, settings and literary themes — along with a link to a plot summary. Clicking the Explore Topic button takes the user to a Topic Discovery Page, which provides a curated collection of authoritative sources, including relevant articles, e-books, expert analyses and study guides.
Topic Discovery Pages
Topic Discovery Pages are another unique feature of the enhanced Explora experience for Ultimate database users. Accessible via Topic Explorer and Smart Panels, these curated pages serve as centralized hubs, bringing together articles, e-books, videos, and other valuable resources to support in-depth exploration of popular and curriculum-based topics.
For educators, these pages offer valuable supplemental materials to enrich class discussions and lesson plans. For students, they create an engaging, interactive research experience that makes learning more dynamic and comprehensive.
Whether exploring ancient civilizations or analyzing modern technological advancements, researchers can use these pages to gain deeper insight into complex subjects. Topic Discovery Pages also reveal connections between subject areas, encouraging users to explore related ideas and see the bigger picture.
William Shakespeare Topic Discovery Page in Literary Reference Ultimate
Anticipating Researchers' Needs
What sets the enhanced Explora experience apart is its intuitive design, which anticipates researchers' needs and guides them toward deeper and more meaningful discoveries.
By integrating easy-to-browse topic categories (Topic Explorer), Smart Panels and Topic Discovery Pages, the optimized Explora interface empowers users of all experience levels to navigate vast amounts of information with ease and confidence, ultimately cultivating a more informed and engaged community.
As technology continues to evolve, platforms such as Explora demonstrate that the future of research lies in intelligent, user-centric design. The Ultimate databases aim to transform education and public knowledge, making research more efficient, engaging and rewarding.
