Which of the following is NOT an example of an electronic resource (e-resource)?

### Why this is right An **electronic resource (e-resource)** is information or a research tool that you access in digital form, usually on a computer or another device. A printed card catalog is made of physical cards, so it is not electronic, even though it helps people find library materials. ### The concept An online database stores organized information that you can search electronically, such as article records or full-text documents. A subject gateway is a website that points users to selected resources on a particular topic. An electronic journal is a scholarly journal read in digital form. These resources are accessed or delivered electronically, unlike a printed card catalog, which uses physical cards arranged to help people locate books and other materials. | Item | Form | How it helps | |---|---|---| | Online database | Digital | Lets users search organized information | | Subject gateway | Digital | Directs users to selected resources on a subject | | Electronic journal | Digital | Provides journal content electronically | | Printed card catalog | Physical | Helps users locate library materials using cards | ### The other options - **A. Online database**: This is an electronic resource because users search it through a digital system. It may be mistaken for a website alone, but it organizes searchable information. - **B. Subject gateway**: This is an electronic resource because it provides online links to selected information sources. It is a guide to resources rather than necessarily the source content itself. - **C. Electronic journal**: This is an electronic resource because its journal content is available in digital form. “Electronic” directly signals that it is not a printed-only format. ### Watch out A catalog can be either printed or electronic. The format matters: a physical card catalog is not an e-resource, while a searchable online catalog is. ### Terms - **E-resource**: Electronic resource. Information or a research tool accessed in digital form. - **Online database**: An organized digital collection of information that users can search. - **Subject gateway**: An online guide that directs users to selected resources about a subject. - **Electronic journal**: A journal whose content is provided in digital form. - **Printed card catalog**: A physical collection of cards used to find library materials. ### Remember To identify an e-resource, ask whether you access it digitally or use it as a physical item.