One of the concerns about students using the Internet as part of the research process is that they may stumble upon age-inappropriate materials. However, through Destiny, students can use its Web Express feature once they select a book. This "connects the reader to pre-selected, teacher-approved, grade-leveled Web pages that correspond to the subject of the book that the reader selected" ("Destiny," Greenwich Public Schools, 2010). Destiny also provides the searcher with suggestions of other topics for research related to the book, which makes it an excellent jumping-off point for preliminary research and open-ended research papers.

Destiny is relatively easy to install and to operate. "Both on-site and web-based training and our technical support are available by toll-free telephone, email and the web" for librarians (Destiny, Follet Software, p.8). Destiny offers centralized check-out, fine, and reporting services for entire school districts. This can be very useful in streamlining procedures and bureaucracy for large school districts, and creates continuity in the student's library experiences from elementary to middle to high school. The Destiny platform supports...

Because of its integration of services and ease of use Destiny is an investment well worth making in the future of the library and the futures of our students. Some might object that it is too user-friendly and directive, but it is no more so than the World Wide Web itself: at least Destiny channels student Internet research in positive, academic, and age-appropriate directions.
Works Cited

Destiny. Follet Software. March 22, 2010.

http://www.follettsoftware.com/_files/fsc/file/cms/10533A_ProductBrch_Library_SnglPgs_FINAL_11_07.pdf

"Destiny Online Library Catalog Q&a." Greenwich public schools. March 22, 2010.

http://www.greenwichschools.org/page.cfm?p=786