Pop Culture Universe

Pop Culture Universe
(http://library.calstate.edu/sanjose/databases/proxy/CAL18770)

Summary 

In the summary of the Pop Culture Universe database in the San Jose State University Library catalog, it is noted that "more than 250 volumes of reviewed material, images, lesson plans, overviews and more about American and world pop culture and history" are contained, but analysis of pop culture and current trends seem to pervade much of what is advertised on the homepage.  Articles about F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby share prime display next to articles asking "Are video games art?"  This database includes a plethora of information about pop culture, with bibliographies that provide curious researchers more resources to delve deeper into the subject matter.  The ability to examine pop culture by different decades also provides a unique viewpoint on how popular media changes with the times and the effect that art and popular culture can have on society.

Evaluation

These articles have obvious pop culture ties, but are also appealing to young adults, who are not only mass consumers of pop culture, but to whom much of it is targeted and crafted.  By highlighting The Great Gatsby, the Pop Culture Universe database is attempting to pique interest in a great work of literature based on the popularity and hype around an ostentatious new movie adaptation.  This is the perfect resource for young adults to not only learn more about popular culture, but to gain a sort of touchstone to a richer understanding of the media which they tend to consume readily.  With a focus on popular culture, teen interest will be all but guaranteed, and a clean, vivid layout will ensure that the Pop Culture Universe database does not appear stale or overly scholarly; its format belies its usefulness.

Reading Level/Interest Age 

Older teens, as they may be more interested in scholarly aspects of popular culture or simply getting to know more about the medium.

Reason Selected
Databases can be so dry, dull, and difficult, but this one is accessible both because of its subject matter and layout.  I found myself perusing the articles presented on the main page and doing a bit of searching, only to find more resources that seemed interesting.  Teens with any interest in popular culture beyond its face value will find this both enlightening and fun.