This directory provides securities and financial markets professionals with a comprehensive listing of online databases of direct relevance to their work. For each of 1300 databases, the directory itemizes the contents, the online services providing the database, its native language, the producers of the database, the frequency of update, and the period it covers. There are also comprehensive indices by subject and online service.

The relatively low price recommends this volume when compared with its more comprehensive sibling, Directory of online databases. But this is a book, not a periodical. It is a good starting point for a consultant who is looking for sources, or a financial analyst who wants to minimize the risk of being surprised. It broadly defines securities and financial markets so that people in the field are likely to find what they need. And even if they do not find it, they will find good clues as to what is close. For example, not only does the book list “Securities Industry” in its index, it also subdivides the 150 or so securities industry services under 11 separate international securities headings.

I think the service pricing information is too general. Minimum prices are shown for a few services with fixed rates, but that does not offset the book’s statement: “Typical charges for offline printing range from $.01 to $11.00 per citation, although for a few databases they are considerably higher.” Sample values would be more useful.

A recent Cuadra/Elsevier press release observed that the explosive growth rate of databases has tapered off. Thus this reference should be useful for a year or more. The prospective user who needs to be closer to the leading edge should consider subscribing to the Directory of Online Databases, which is updated quarterly.