We pride ourselves on selecting only the best and most relevant resources for SIRS electronic databases and SIRS print information systems. SIRS research staff selects articles, government documents, and Web sites that reflect both the enduring and current issues of the topics represented in our products.
The articles, documents, and sites selected for inclusion on the SIRS databases are chosen from more than 1,600 sources that include domestic and international newspapers, magazines, journals and government publications. SIRS compiles the best research information provided by all of these sources into online databases for schools and libraries that do not have the resources to subscribe to all these sources themselves.
Choosing the best research information from thousands of sources is a daunting task. Such a task can only be accomplished by an expert research staff. SIRS research team is composed of more than 40 professionals with diverse educational backgrounds. Many members of the SIRS staff possess advanced degrees in disciplines such as: Economics, English, Religion, History, Political Science, Sociology, Business, Education, Journalism and Library Science. Additionally, there are a number of trained educators on staff with teaching experience in public, private and international schools. These educators lend valuable insight into today's educational needs and priorities.
Every article is personally reviewed and hand indexed before it is included in a SIRS database.
First, our staff researchers meet each week to look at material which discusses current events and enduring issues. When sifting through thousands of sources, the research staff attempts to select only the best for inclusion. We look for sources that:
include well-documented information
include the latest information on ever-changing fields
include issues of both local and global importance
examine a wide variety of viewpoints
use graphics to help clarify information
are clear, comprehensive, reliable, and relevant
avoid needless duplication
Next, the articles selected by our staff researchers are compiled into topics, which are then hand indexed according to Library of Congress and Reader's Guide subject headings.
Finally, the new content is dynamically added to the databases to ensure that every search provides the most current and relevant information available.