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.