SD Library Challenge Lesson 6: EBooks on EbscoHost
1. Chose the topic 'quilting' once again. Found that one book was available on the subject - a good one, actually! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting. My kind of how-to book for sure. I have to admit it took me a while to actually figure out how to access the pages, and I couldn't seem to scan ahead more than one page at a time. Maybe that's just me being late-afternoon-inept. Will have to see what else I can do with this. I'm not so sure it wouldn't be easier to just access this title another way if we don't have it in our own collection. Will try a few others and see what I think.
2. Okay, I have to be blunt here. If I had students looking for activities for Constitution Day I would NOT use this database. It is tedious and time consuming for this activity.
3. Once again, am really not impressed. You would have to be very aware of HOW to search in this program. Yes there are a wealth of books available, but I'm not sold on the convenience of it. Maybe if we were in a school library setting and were more involved with helping with daily research I would find this more helpful.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
SD Library Challenge Lesson 5: Gale Virtual Reference Library
1. Chose "The History of Terrorism" and then referred to an article: Zealots, Assassins, and the Reign of Terror. I can see the advantage of this for further book sources. I guess the chance of running across this title, or even reminding myself to look in the GVRL while researching Terrorism would be the issue here. Now that I've personally run across this I would find it interesting to compare this history to what is going on in the world today.
2. zinc: by putting a search term of 'zinc' in the top I was quickly referred to over 700 articles. By limiting my search with 'in food' the results became much more manageable and I was quickly able to find the answer to the question of what foods have zinc in them. beef, chicken, turkey, milk, cheese, and yogurt. Pure maple syrup also is a good dose of zinc.(beef, chicken, turkey, milk, cheese and yogurt!) I tried the 'listen' feature. How great is that?
I do like this database. Very simple to navigate and its a place I want to go back and visit just for the fun of it, which is saying a great deal!
1. Chose "The History of Terrorism" and then referred to an article: Zealots, Assassins, and the Reign of Terror. I can see the advantage of this for further book sources. I guess the chance of running across this title, or even reminding myself to look in the GVRL while researching Terrorism would be the issue here. Now that I've personally run across this I would find it interesting to compare this history to what is going on in the world today.
2. zinc: by putting a search term of 'zinc' in the top I was quickly referred to over 700 articles. By limiting my search with 'in food' the results became much more manageable and I was quickly able to find the answer to the question of what foods have zinc in them. beef, chicken, turkey, milk, cheese, and yogurt. Pure maple syrup also is a good dose of zinc.(beef, chicken, turkey, milk, cheese and yogurt!) I tried the 'listen' feature. How great is that?
I do like this database. Very simple to navigate and its a place I want to go back and visit just for the fun of it, which is saying a great deal!
SD Library Challenge - Lesson 4 - Proquest
1. I have know OF Proquest for quite some time, but other than showing the patrons how to access it, I must admit I really have not made use of this database myself. So choosing a topic that interests me I did a search on quilting. With 5915 results popping up I realized I needed to narrow the field a bit. There were suggested subjects and words to help fine tune the search. Seems easy enough to navigate and use.
2. Publications Tab: Did a search for Booklist. Not sure what else I was supposed to discover about this other than it is available with full text on Proquest.
My general feeling about Proquest is it is excellent for needing further sources and accessin articles for papers and topics needing additional research and sources. It helps to have very specific ideas or topics in mind with Proquest.
1. I have know OF Proquest for quite some time, but other than showing the patrons how to access it, I must admit I really have not made use of this database myself. So choosing a topic that interests me I did a search on quilting. With 5915 results popping up I realized I needed to narrow the field a bit. There were suggested subjects and words to help fine tune the search. Seems easy enough to navigate and use.
2. Publications Tab: Did a search for Booklist. Not sure what else I was supposed to discover about this other than it is available with full text on Proquest.
My general feeling about Proquest is it is excellent for needing further sources and accessin articles for papers and topics needing additional research and sources. It helps to have very specific ideas or topics in mind with Proquest.
South Dakota Library Challenge: Electronic Resources Edition: Lesson 3
SIRS Issues
SIRS Discoverer
1. I looked up Armadillos. I did notice the choices in reading levels and appreciated the way the types of articles are separated out across the top of the screen....from newspapers to magazine articles. There are a decent selection of photos to choose from as well.
2. Database Features: I looked up Denmark. There is a lot of information packed in that initial screen, from basic facts, timeline history, flag, a large printable map, to links to additions web resources. Easy to navigate and figure out. In Maps of the World I stuck with Denmark. I was glad to see several choices, some simpler than others so children of different ages could benefit. Also there were historical maps from troop movements during WWII. I chose "Activities". Many different choices and areas to go to in this section......but also seems very random, like searching for a needle in a haystack. Will spend a little more time with this.
SIRS Issues researcher
1. Selected the Issue of Same-Sex Marriage. Easy access to the topic overview, other similar issues were across the top of the page. Box insert with pros and cons including the links for arguments on both sides. Down left side are related articles from varied print sources. Like the lay-out. Also, the list of issues provided on the home page was extremely extensive - a good thing.
2. Curriculum Pathfinders: Language Arts. Research ideas with further links; tutorials, notable people, LA throughout history. So many paths to take, so little time.
What strikes me the most about SIRS is that whether you have a topic in mind, or are having trouble thinking of a topic, the answer will be there with so many links to expand and the ideas you do have and the access to the research material you need once you've narrowed things down.
SIRS Issues
SIRS Discoverer
1. I looked up Armadillos. I did notice the choices in reading levels and appreciated the way the types of articles are separated out across the top of the screen....from newspapers to magazine articles. There are a decent selection of photos to choose from as well.
2. Database Features: I looked up Denmark. There is a lot of information packed in that initial screen, from basic facts, timeline history, flag, a large printable map, to links to additions web resources. Easy to navigate and figure out. In Maps of the World I stuck with Denmark. I was glad to see several choices, some simpler than others so children of different ages could benefit. Also there were historical maps from troop movements during WWII. I chose "Activities". Many different choices and areas to go to in this section......but also seems very random, like searching for a needle in a haystack. Will spend a little more time with this.
SIRS Issues researcher
1. Selected the Issue of Same-Sex Marriage. Easy access to the topic overview, other similar issues were across the top of the page. Box insert with pros and cons including the links for arguments on both sides. Down left side are related articles from varied print sources. Like the lay-out. Also, the list of issues provided on the home page was extremely extensive - a good thing.
2. Curriculum Pathfinders: Language Arts. Research ideas with further links; tutorials, notable people, LA throughout history. So many paths to take, so little time.
What strikes me the most about SIRS is that whether you have a topic in mind, or are having trouble thinking of a topic, the answer will be there with so many links to expand and the ideas you do have and the access to the research material you need once you've narrowed things down.
South Dakota Library Challenge Lesson 2: Learning Express
I love Learning Express! I have recommended this database several times over the past several months, even tho I hadn't really explored it all that much.
So, for a sampling I took the Citizenship pretest, since I've always been curious as to how I'd measure up! Relieved to know I probably would have held my own in the real-test situation.
I had not really been aware of the courses available through Learning Express. I did the first exercise in a Writing Course only to discover I'm not quite the writer I'd given myself credit for! Would like to spend more personal time with this database, but for now will see how I can best use it to help out the patrons.
I love Learning Express! I have recommended this database several times over the past several months, even tho I hadn't really explored it all that much.
So, for a sampling I took the Citizenship pretest, since I've always been curious as to how I'd measure up! Relieved to know I probably would have held my own in the real-test situation.
I had not really been aware of the courses available through Learning Express. I did the first exercise in a Writing Course only to discover I'm not quite the writer I'd given myself credit for! Would like to spend more personal time with this database, but for now will see how I can best use it to help out the patrons.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Lesson 1b
The Electronic Resources Challenge Begins
Here we go. I started this blog 3 years ago when I had high hopes of completing the much earlier challenge on social media. Obviously my valiant burst at the beginning of the challenge seemed to falter and die. I hope to do much better on this challenge and actually COMPLETE the challenge. So on we go.
I have been aware of the databases listed on our webpage but have rarely taken the time to more that give them a token passing when I had a few minutes here and there. Am glad for the 'excuse' to be more involved and thorough in really examining what's available.
Lesson 1b: World Book Public Library Edition.
1: World Book Online Kids - I decided to search for the echidna, only because this elusive creature happened to come to mind in the moment. I loved the quick facts section that was front and center, so could easily see that they live in "woodlands, savannahs and grasslands" but really no information beyond that. There was only one picture available, and even with clicking on other available link was still only provided with that one and the same picture. I see you do have an option to link to the Info Finder. So onward and upward.
2. World Book Info Finder - Am I missing something? I find Info Finder completely uninspiring. A very brief, 2 short paragraph description of the echidna with really no links to anything else. Not impressed. And the ONE picture available was the same one. I think I would have felt I was wasting my time if I'd decided to go the World Book route on this one. So, back to my original question....am I missing something in this particular database?
3. World Book Reference Center. I chose to look up Cuba. I do like the layout of this page. At a glance there are links to any of the varied interests one might have in their search of Cuba. Very easy to navigate. Since our patrons have varied reasons for researching any item, their opinions of what would be considered 'valuable' are just as varied. I, personally, like the interactive map, the timeline link to past moment in history, and the quick links to other helpful websites.
Advanced Challenges:
1. Online Kids: I went into several of the special features in Online Kids. Do like the way a person could get involved in any number of activities, and have a wealth of ideas at their fingertips. I found the section on comparing things great, and could see using these various sections myself in planning activities for programming. Also would refer this database to homeschool parents looking for ideas. Or just a great education time filler for kids who are bored!
2. InfoFinder: I could spend quite a bit of time here......not what I said up above.....but there I was looking for a specific. Here, just in browing mode, I discovered a wealth of interesting tidbits. Interactive Maps, when you dig deep enough, was filled with info about my state, including suggested biographies of local 'celebrities' both current and historical. In the newpaper section I found it helpful that local papers from a couple of our larger cities were listed first. I would refer patrons to World Book to at least get a start at research on a topic. I do see, especially in the referral to other sites and sources how this would be helpful, especially when a person is not sure what direction they want to go with a topic.
3.I selected Emma by Jane Austen. I like several features of this page. The option to hear the book for one. Also sever links to related encyclopedia articles and web sites. In our situation the most common need of our patrons would be author information, and historical references to the time period books take place in. These links could prove very beneficial.
Here we go. I started this blog 3 years ago when I had high hopes of completing the much earlier challenge on social media. Obviously my valiant burst at the beginning of the challenge seemed to falter and die. I hope to do much better on this challenge and actually COMPLETE the challenge. So on we go.
I have been aware of the databases listed on our webpage but have rarely taken the time to more that give them a token passing when I had a few minutes here and there. Am glad for the 'excuse' to be more involved and thorough in really examining what's available.
Lesson 1b: World Book Public Library Edition.
1: World Book Online Kids - I decided to search for the echidna, only because this elusive creature happened to come to mind in the moment. I loved the quick facts section that was front and center, so could easily see that they live in "woodlands, savannahs and grasslands" but really no information beyond that. There was only one picture available, and even with clicking on other available link was still only provided with that one and the same picture. I see you do have an option to link to the Info Finder. So onward and upward.
2. World Book Info Finder - Am I missing something? I find Info Finder completely uninspiring. A very brief, 2 short paragraph description of the echidna with really no links to anything else. Not impressed. And the ONE picture available was the same one. I think I would have felt I was wasting my time if I'd decided to go the World Book route on this one. So, back to my original question....am I missing something in this particular database?
3. World Book Reference Center. I chose to look up Cuba. I do like the layout of this page. At a glance there are links to any of the varied interests one might have in their search of Cuba. Very easy to navigate. Since our patrons have varied reasons for researching any item, their opinions of what would be considered 'valuable' are just as varied. I, personally, like the interactive map, the timeline link to past moment in history, and the quick links to other helpful websites.
Advanced Challenges:
1. Online Kids: I went into several of the special features in Online Kids. Do like the way a person could get involved in any number of activities, and have a wealth of ideas at their fingertips. I found the section on comparing things great, and could see using these various sections myself in planning activities for programming. Also would refer this database to homeschool parents looking for ideas. Or just a great education time filler for kids who are bored!
2. InfoFinder: I could spend quite a bit of time here......not what I said up above.....but there I was looking for a specific. Here, just in browing mode, I discovered a wealth of interesting tidbits. Interactive Maps, when you dig deep enough, was filled with info about my state, including suggested biographies of local 'celebrities' both current and historical. In the newpaper section I found it helpful that local papers from a couple of our larger cities were listed first. I would refer patrons to World Book to at least get a start at research on a topic. I do see, especially in the referral to other sites and sources how this would be helpful, especially when a person is not sure what direction they want to go with a topic.
3.I selected Emma by Jane Austen. I like several features of this page. The option to hear the book for one. Also sever links to related encyclopedia articles and web sites. In our situation the most common need of our patrons would be author information, and historical references to the time period books take place in. These links could prove very beneficial.
Friday, July 24, 2009
To tweet or not to tweet
As with a few of the other's blogging about Twitter, I'm finding this a pointless venture on a personal level. And I have a great sanity-inducing philosophy of remaining blissfully unaware of unnecessary information. Twitter attacks that philosophy with a vengeance, and in the long run, I really don't care! I don't want to know what people are doing every minute of every day. I have enough trouble keeping track of myself. Countering that, however, I do see in this a great tool to communicate daily events, programs, new materials and endless other happenings at the library to the masses who do find twitter enthralling......and I am wise enough to know, that even if this particular medium isn't my cup of tea, it IS for a vast number of others. Now, not to be accused of negating something out of hand, I do intend to 'play' with this a little more, and I will be big enough to admit it if eventually I find myself drawn in. Time will tell.
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