34 Advisor Reviews / The Charleston Advisor / October 2020 www.charlestonco.com
ADVISOR REVIEWS—STANDARD REVIEW
Human Kinetics Library Date of Review: August 14, 2020
doi:10.5260/chara.22.2.34
Composite Score: HHH 5/8 Reviewed by: Pamela R. Dennis Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Abstract Human Kinetics Library is a subscription-based database that allows students, researchers, and instructors access to a bundled collection of electronic textbooks, supplementary monographs, and videos previously available only as individual titles (labeled by the company as “a digital hub for sport and exercise studies”). The database is easy to navigate through its indexing and search tools. It is updated twice a year and includes an excellent help module. The many videos and images benefit college students and professors, personal trainers, rehabilitation specialists, athletes, coaches, physical educators, nutritionists and more.
Pricing Options Human Kinetics Library is available via subscription ($3,805 to $10,115) or perpetual access ($17,795 to $47,335) with hosting fees of $200 to $600 accompanying perpetual access purchases. Content updates will be available for separate purchase or included in the subscription price. Future modules will have a separate subscription/purchase price. Pricing is based on institution size and type. Consortia discounts may apply (supplied by company).
Product Overview/ Description Human Kinetics includes cross-searchable digital access to over 150 “market-leading” e-books as well as 200 videos, whose material covers all types of content and disciplines, including active aging, coaching, exercise science, ethics in sport, strength training, and more. All are published by Human Kinetics/Bloomsbury. While the mission of the company is to provide a “growing collection of cross-searchable e-books and videos from the world’s leading educational publisher,” the guidelines and research use measurements based on United States sports and fitness. Results can
FIGURE 1 Human Kinetics Library Home Page
<pdennis@gardner-webb.edu>
be cited, shared, printed, e-mailed, and saved through personal account log on. At launch, there were 30 topics and 30 sports/activities. No additional plug-ins or special software are needed for access.
User Interface/Navigation/Searching On the home page, the user encounters a search box conveniently located at the top of the page. Below the search box is an image banner that links to more information about the product. The page features a brief, captioned overview video with upbeat (exercise-conducive) music. Topics covered include information about the subscription; a list of members of the editorial advisory board; featured content; detailed instructions on how to navigate the resource; help (frequently asked questions about content, accessing the site, and functionality); and contact information. Brightly colored tiles in the next section assist the user in exploring the content (e-books, videos, sport/activity, and topics). Clicking on
