First part of the challenge was to look up books in Worldcat. I actually use this database a lot because of inter library loan. I do not usually use the advanced tab, but have in the past if a book I want is not coming up under the general search. I did however follow the instructions and decided to look up a book I know the library does not own. The book is Day of War by Cliff Graham. 248 other libraries own this title and the first one on the list is Dakota Weslyan University (SDW), the call # is 813.6. I then clicked on the author's name and other books by him came up including Covenant of War. Other related subjects listed are Bible, Old Testament, History of Biblical Events. It was interesting to see only 248 other libraries in the country own this title.
The next part was to look up South Dakota in OAIster. I clicked on the first title to come up, a biennial report of the surgeon general. It is only found at one library, the State Library and it is a government publication.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Ebooks on Ebsco Host
For my first task, I mentioned in my last blog I would like to know how to make my blog look fun like some of the other blogs! So I searched how to make a blog, but only one book came up it was only a basic computer book. I tried a couple of different ways but really came up with nothing. I then just searched the word library and that search brought up many different options. I did look in one of the books to see how it looked. I really liked the most relevant pages option. The next task was to look up books for constitution day. I used the phrase constitution day but was not impressed with the options. I then tried a couple of different searches, just "constitution" and "United States Constitution". These were a little better. The last task was to do an advanced search using PB Publisher to look up either Nebraska or Oklahoma. I first looked up Nebraska and then Oklahoma. The Nebraska search did not yield any relevant results, and the Oklahoma one yielded few more. I then tried searching a couple different ways but was not very much more successful.
My opinion of this database is if you know what book you are looking for specifically or if you have a very specific topic like parrots or birds, you would be able to find many different nonfiction options. When doing more generalized topics it is much harder to find a relevant book.
My opinion of this database is if you know what book you are looking for specifically or if you have a very specific topic like parrots or birds, you would be able to find many different nonfiction options. When doing more generalized topics it is much harder to find a relevant book.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Gale Virtual Reference Library
The first thing I did was look up zinc. I should not admit this, but it took me a minute to realize it was only showing me the part of the book related to the topic I wanted. Very helpful not to have to scan the whole book looking for the information you want. Scrolling to the bottom other related topics were listed but it said they were not hyperlinked which I was a little dissapointed in. How dare they make us go back out of the article and actually have to type in another topic :) I have to giggle at myself, I can't believe I was actually dissapointed they were not hyperlinked! I then looked up The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn and found several articles. It was convenient above the article it said if it was a critical essay, work overview or just a plot summary, etc. I liked the way you could limit your search (on the left hand side of the page) by document type, publication type, subjects or languages. I also really like the options to save your article and with a click of a button look at previous searches. I also loved the dictionary button at the top, because I am a huge fan of looking up any word I don't know. Another great option was the language button at the top, with a click of my mouse I could change the article into another language. One thing I did notice is with the more resources tab at the top I was able to change databases. This would be a good option for someone looking for reference materials in a general area such as medical or law.
I did take a look at a few other blogs, I went to Shayna's Fandom of things and The Tatted Librarian because I liked the names of thier blogs.....the main thing I noticed is I am way out of my league with blogging!! I am not sure how they got their blogs to look so cool! I am going back to the GVRL to look up how to design a blog!
I did take a look at a few other blogs, I went to Shayna's Fandom of things and The Tatted Librarian because I liked the names of thier blogs.....the main thing I noticed is I am way out of my league with blogging!! I am not sure how they got their blogs to look so cool! I am going back to the GVRL to look up how to design a blog!
Proquest
The first task on Proquest was to look up something that interests me. I work with teen programming at my library and so I chose to look up the topic "Teens and the Library". I was suprised to find so many articles about the topic come up! I only had time to browse but I did see some good programming and grant ideas as well as articles on how to get teens more involved at your library.
The second task is to look at someone else's blog. I just chose the first one, Faith library. I looked at their proquest post and noticed they talked about not having time to keep up with the blogs, but I quickly realized they are two ahead of me :) I browsed around and found on one of the posts they are planning on doing a newspaper article and are going to be offering a class to the public on learning more about the databases and how to use them. I thought that is a really good use of what we are learning in this class.
The third and final task was to look up a topic under publications. I used the word library and found there are many journals with the topic available, for example The Booklist. I know we carry a monthly copy of The Booklist at our Main library, but for readers who are not able to get there to read it or check it out it is a great way to let people know it is still available to them at any of our locations on the computer or even at home.
Databases like Proquest are a great way to get research articles for writing papers or just for patrons interested in certain topics and like reading journals. I remember as a college student having to search through stacks and files of journals in order to find the article I wanted. This is definately a much easier, more efficient ( not to mention greener ) way to look up journal articles.
The second task is to look at someone else's blog. I just chose the first one, Faith library. I looked at their proquest post and noticed they talked about not having time to keep up with the blogs, but I quickly realized they are two ahead of me :) I browsed around and found on one of the posts they are planning on doing a newspaper article and are going to be offering a class to the public on learning more about the databases and how to use them. I thought that is a really good use of what we are learning in this class.
The third and final task was to look up a topic under publications. I used the word library and found there are many journals with the topic available, for example The Booklist. I know we carry a monthly copy of The Booklist at our Main library, but for readers who are not able to get there to read it or check it out it is a great way to let people know it is still available to them at any of our locations on the computer or even at home.
Databases like Proquest are a great way to get research articles for writing papers or just for patrons interested in certain topics and like reading journals. I remember as a college student having to search through stacks and files of journals in order to find the article I wanted. This is definately a much easier, more efficient ( not to mention greener ) way to look up journal articles.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
#4
SIRS Discoverer
I looked up armadillos on the SIRS Discoverer database. I was impressed with the colorful graphics which made finding what you are looking for easy. If the article had pictures with it or what reading level, if it was a reference, magazine or newspaper article were all very easy to tell. I then looked up Ireland under the countries tab. I discovered a brief but very informative facts as well as a map and picture of the countries flag. With just a click the map and flag both enlarged. Clicking on the learn more link took me to many different articles relevant to the country. Next I looked up the map of the United States under the maps tab. I was suprised to find it not only had all the states individually but contained maps such as Earthquake Hazard Map. All in all it was a very good resource, especially if kids need articles from somewhere other than the internet.
SIRS Issues Researcher
I would just like to say first, I wish I had something like this to help me when I was in school! I know my parents would have appreciated it too! Especially my father who came up with most of my paper topics for me :) I thought the current issues was absolutely fantastic. I picked teen automobile drivers because my twins are newly 14 and taking drivers education this spring. There was a great pro/con question, overview of the topic, and many many articles. It was also easy to distinguish between newspapers, magazines and reference. The lexile scores were readily available to help with what article would be best for the grade level. After this I looked at the research tools. Of course I picked English Lit my favorite topic. There were several articles available to look at all with lexile levels and easy icons to let me know if it was on the web or from a newspaper or magazine. I especially liked the ithink tutor! How easy for a kid to have help writing a paper!
I looked up armadillos on the SIRS Discoverer database. I was impressed with the colorful graphics which made finding what you are looking for easy. If the article had pictures with it or what reading level, if it was a reference, magazine or newspaper article were all very easy to tell. I then looked up Ireland under the countries tab. I discovered a brief but very informative facts as well as a map and picture of the countries flag. With just a click the map and flag both enlarged. Clicking on the learn more link took me to many different articles relevant to the country. Next I looked up the map of the United States under the maps tab. I was suprised to find it not only had all the states individually but contained maps such as Earthquake Hazard Map. All in all it was a very good resource, especially if kids need articles from somewhere other than the internet.
SIRS Issues Researcher
I would just like to say first, I wish I had something like this to help me when I was in school! I know my parents would have appreciated it too! Especially my father who came up with most of my paper topics for me :) I thought the current issues was absolutely fantastic. I picked teen automobile drivers because my twins are newly 14 and taking drivers education this spring. There was a great pro/con question, overview of the topic, and many many articles. It was also easy to distinguish between newspapers, magazines and reference. The lexile scores were readily available to help with what article would be best for the grade level. After this I looked at the research tools. Of course I picked English Lit my favorite topic. There were several articles available to look at all with lexile levels and easy icons to let me know if it was on the web or from a newspaper or magazine. I especially liked the ithink tutor! How easy for a kid to have help writing a paper!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Learning Express Library # 3
I was very excited to learn about the Learning Express Library Database. It is a fantastic resource for school age through adult. First I set up an account which was super easy. Then I chose to answer some answers on the SAT Critical Reading Practice Test. I liked the way the clock was in clear view so I knew how much time I had left. I was also pleasantly suprised to find out I had answered the questions right :) I then went to Writing Skills for the Workplace and added it to my center. I went through part of it and there was very helpful information. I decided to use the search box to type in a career I was interested in. This part I was a little dissapointed in. I typed in dermatologist first with no results, then tried medicine and medical and physician all to no results. I finally typed in MCAT and many results came up for practice tests and study books. I decided to go to the career center and use that to look up a medical career, this was at least a little more helpful. The last thing I did was find an ebook called Write Your Way Into College: College Admissions Essay. I was suprised to find the entire book online. Overall as a mother of twins who will be graduating from high school in just a few short years, I was very excited about this website. Practice ACT tests and books, how to write college addmission essay and many more things in this database will be very helpful.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Chilton/Mango
The first part of the challenge I did was the Chilton database. I would have to say Chilton was a little challenging to me! Not because it was difficult to navigate the database but because I don't know anything about cars, including my own :) I needed to put in what kind of car I had and that part was easy, because I know it is a 2005 Chrysler 300. However, when I got to the maintenance schedule I needed to make some more choices about my car. I spent way too much time deciding between the options and even tried to google my car to see if I could figure out the differences. Finally I decided to pick C. Picking C then brought up more choices I did not know! My car does not drive good in the snow so I said it was rear wheel drive and as I have no idea what operating condition means I just said normal.
When I finally reached the maintenance page it was impressive. (Even though I have no idea what any of the things it recommends meant!) It recommended at 30,000 miles I get brake hoses, ICV joints, R engine air filter and other things checked. I did like the fact there was a handy print button, so if I wanted I could take the list to someone who does know what they are doing. I was also nice to have an arrow forward and back to go ahead or back at 6000 mile increments. Even though I did not have any idea what the maintenance schedule was talking about, this part of the challenge did remind me I think its time for an oil change!
The most recent technical service bulletin on my car was on June 1, 2004. It was regarding the tire and loading information label. Some of the labels said the car was equipped with a full size spare tire and instead they have a compact spare tire. From there I looked at the repair tab about brakes for my car. I got into the anti-lock brake system and again had absolutely no idea what any of it meant! I did however watch one of the fun videos provided. I am very convinced after doing this challenge, even though the database is easy to navigate, it would take someone who knows about cars to get anything out of it!
The next part of the challenge was the Mango part. Mango is updating their dashboard and the choices were to use the old one or try the new one. I decided to try out the new one. Because it was a whole new look it took me a minute to discover which buttons meant what. When it was time to choose a language I decided to try Scottish Gaelic because I am currently reading the Outlander series by Diana Galbadon. There really wasn't any information about the culture. ( I may have not been looking in the right place!) I did learn about 100,000 people speak the language and it is spoken in the United Kingdom, Canada and United States. In my first lesson I learned to say hello (latha math) which is basically good day. I did like how easy it was to follow, the option of turning the voice on or off and fun voice comparison where you can record your voice and see how well you are doing. One thing I was suprised to find is there are masculine and feminine words in the language.
I think Mango is a great way for someone traveling to another country or just interested in languages in general to learn the basics.
When I finally reached the maintenance page it was impressive. (Even though I have no idea what any of the things it recommends meant!) It recommended at 30,000 miles I get brake hoses, ICV joints, R engine air filter and other things checked. I did like the fact there was a handy print button, so if I wanted I could take the list to someone who does know what they are doing. I was also nice to have an arrow forward and back to go ahead or back at 6000 mile increments. Even though I did not have any idea what the maintenance schedule was talking about, this part of the challenge did remind me I think its time for an oil change!
The most recent technical service bulletin on my car was on June 1, 2004. It was regarding the tire and loading information label. Some of the labels said the car was equipped with a full size spare tire and instead they have a compact spare tire. From there I looked at the repair tab about brakes for my car. I got into the anti-lock brake system and again had absolutely no idea what any of it meant! I did however watch one of the fun videos provided. I am very convinced after doing this challenge, even though the database is easy to navigate, it would take someone who knows about cars to get anything out of it!
The next part of the challenge was the Mango part. Mango is updating their dashboard and the choices were to use the old one or try the new one. I decided to try out the new one. Because it was a whole new look it took me a minute to discover which buttons meant what. When it was time to choose a language I decided to try Scottish Gaelic because I am currently reading the Outlander series by Diana Galbadon. There really wasn't any information about the culture. ( I may have not been looking in the right place!) I did learn about 100,000 people speak the language and it is spoken in the United Kingdom, Canada and United States. In my first lesson I learned to say hello (latha math) which is basically good day. I did like how easy it was to follow, the option of turning the voice on or off and fun voice comparison where you can record your voice and see how well you are doing. One thing I was suprised to find is there are masculine and feminine words in the language.
I think Mango is a great way for someone traveling to another country or just interested in languages in general to learn the basics.
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