My biggest discovery was that ArchiveGrid and CAMIO exist. While I hadn't used some of the databases very much, I didn't even know that we had those two. They are not on our library's list of databases. We'll have to add them. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to learn we had access to scanned genealogical books through HeritageQuest.
In the fall, I plan to offer database classes to the public. Hopefully, it will go well.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
AncestryLibrary, HeritageQuest, Sanborn Maps
AncestryLibrary
I was not able to find any records of myself in AncestryLibrary, but that is not surprising. This is the first year I have filled out a census, I am unmarried, and still in my twenties.
My grandmother, still living, did have a record. She was listed in the U.S. Public Records Index with her current address under her married name. She also appeared in the 1930's census under her maiden name.
When I searched "south dakota" under the photos and maps, I found family and homesteading photos, year book entries for native south dakotans, professional baseball players (that one surprised me), gazetteers, and historical indexes.
HeritageQuest
I was surprised that HeritageQuest had scanned books. I was expecting the census and military data, but I had never seene the e-books. They even included the blank pages. This is a great resource because it can be accessed from home. Many times genealogy books are in reference and cannot be checked out.
Sanborn Maps
I've used Sanborn Maps before when I took a geography and map librarianship class. I though it was interesting then, and I still do now. It's the only place I've found where you can watch a city develop (at least for few decades). Also, if you know the lot number of your ancestral home, you can go back and locate it.
I was not able to find any records of myself in AncestryLibrary, but that is not surprising. This is the first year I have filled out a census, I am unmarried, and still in my twenties.
My grandmother, still living, did have a record. She was listed in the U.S. Public Records Index with her current address under her married name. She also appeared in the 1930's census under her maiden name.
When I searched "south dakota" under the photos and maps, I found family and homesteading photos, year book entries for native south dakotans, professional baseball players (that one surprised me), gazetteers, and historical indexes.
HeritageQuest
I was surprised that HeritageQuest had scanned books. I was expecting the census and military data, but I had never seene the e-books. They even included the blank pages. This is a great resource because it can be accessed from home. Many times genealogy books are in reference and cannot be checked out.
Sanborn Maps
I've used Sanborn Maps before when I took a geography and map librarianship class. I though it was interesting then, and I still do now. It's the only place I've found where you can watch a city develop (at least for few decades). Also, if you know the lot number of your ancestral home, you can go back and locate it.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Learning Express
I took the U.S. Citizenship practice exam, and I am happy to report that I did well - only missed a couple. I did not finish the entire exam (100 questions) though. I have been recommending this resource to people for the last five years (at various libraries).
The citizenship test required a typed answer rather than multiple choice so after the exam section was finished, it showed the answer I input and the various wordings of a correct answer. For instace, I answered that Congress made the laws while the correct answers could have been Congress, the legislature, or the Senate and House of Representatives. For those working for citizenship providing all the possible wordings for the answers is important because they may not be familiar with Congress also being called the legislature.
I especially like that the database has tests that I don't have books for in the library.
The citizenship test required a typed answer rather than multiple choice so after the exam section was finished, it showed the answer I input and the various wordings of a correct answer. For instace, I answered that Congress made the laws while the correct answers could have been Congress, the legislature, or the Senate and House of Representatives. For those working for citizenship providing all the possible wordings for the answers is important because they may not be familiar with Congress also being called the legislature.
I especially like that the database has tests that I don't have books for in the library.
CAMIO
When I searched "Paul Revere", I found that he had made several silver household items such as a teaspoon, tea urn, sugar bowl, ect.
Searching the phrase "sioux" resulted in images of native american artifacts from the Sioux tribe such as drawings, gloves, coats, dolls, ect.
One of the artists I like is Renoir. When I searched his name, I received a list of his portraits and sculptures. One of the early entries was a self-portrait. It's always nice to know what the artist looks like.
I think CAMIO would be a useful resource for those involved in drama or theater. The images would help with costuming and scenery.
After adding the images to the favorites folder, I enjoyed be able to compare two of them side by side. I had searched for book bindings, and it was interesting to see the differences in similar items. It tried the slide show as well, but I thought that the comparison feature was more helpful.
Searching the phrase "sioux" resulted in images of native american artifacts from the Sioux tribe such as drawings, gloves, coats, dolls, ect.
One of the artists I like is Renoir. When I searched his name, I received a list of his portraits and sculptures. One of the early entries was a self-portrait. It's always nice to know what the artist looks like.
I think CAMIO would be a useful resource for those involved in drama or theater. The images would help with costuming and scenery.
After adding the images to the favorites folder, I enjoyed be able to compare two of them side by side. I had searched for book bindings, and it was interesting to see the differences in similar items. It tried the slide show as well, but I thought that the comparison feature was more helpful.
ArchiveGrid
ArchiveGrid provided a concise overview of Sitting Bull's life and even included a general idea of what he valued (opposing white encroachment, refusing to abandon the traditions of the ritual Ghost Dance). The way they worded the description made him seem tenacious. For such a short introduction, they gave a thorough insight into the life of Sitting Bull.
For my second search, I typed in "Willa Cather". I received 208 results, among them were personal letters, notes in manuscripts, poems, novels, and manuscripts about Willa Cather. The collections were mostly owned by the University of Virginia, Nebraska State Historical society, and Columbia Univerity Libraries. The all had a description of the collection and contact number for the owning institution.
For my second search, I typed in "Willa Cather". I received 208 results, among them were personal letters, notes in manuscripts, poems, novels, and manuscripts about Willa Cather. The collections were mostly owned by the University of Virginia, Nebraska State Historical society, and Columbia Univerity Libraries. The all had a description of the collection and contact number for the owning institution.
Friday, April 16, 2010
WorldCat
I use FirstSearch for interlibrary loan so I am familiar with the interface. I searched for "Marcus Aurelius" since I was looking for that book for a parton earlier today. I received 172 entries, 144 of which were in English. Augustana was the top entry listed. WorldCat lists the alphabetically with South Dakota always first (since we are a South Dakota library). However, it only showed the regional libraries that held the book instead of all the libraries worldwide. It simply had a note that other libraries held the book and to check with my librarian for more information. The class descriptors had both LC and dewey numbers. It also had the publication information, descriptors, and a short abstract.
In OAIster, I chose the result titles "Effects of Logging Slash on Aspen Regeneration in Glazed Clearcuts". I like that it not only told me that the article was not available in my library but it provided a link to the full-text through digital commons. In the notes, it also had a small abstract so that I could tell if the article was appropriate for my search or not.
In OAIster, I chose the result titles "Effects of Logging Slash on Aspen Regeneration in Glazed Clearcuts". I like that it not only told me that the article was not available in my library but it provided a link to the full-text through digital commons. In the notes, it also had a small abstract so that I could tell if the article was appropriate for my search or not.
NetLibrary
While in netlibrary, I conducted a full-text search for "volcanic eruption ash". I received books on Mount St. Helens, geology, environmental hazards, and travel destinations. There were multiple books on each topic which is helpful for research. All of the books were at least six years old, but it still provided a starting point, and if the library did not have books on that topic, it would have been extremely helpful as it is much faster than interlibrary loan. I think this is espcially helpful for students who wait until the last minute to do their projects.
As for the fitness instructor, I would recommend "Exercising for Older Adults: ACE's Guide for Fitness Professionals" by Richard Cotton. Assuming the instructor is working with older adults, this book had an entire chapter on exerices programming.
By using Nebraska as the publisher, I received a results with Lincoln University of Nebraska Press as the publisher. All of the suggested books were about Nebraska history when it was considered to be part of "the West" rather than the heartland. Again all of the books were at least six years old.
As for the fitness instructor, I would recommend "Exercising for Older Adults: ACE's Guide for Fitness Professionals" by Richard Cotton. Assuming the instructor is working with older adults, this book had an entire chapter on exerices programming.
By using Nebraska as the publisher, I received a results with Lincoln University of Nebraska Press as the publisher. All of the suggested books were about Nebraska history when it was considered to be part of "the West" rather than the heartland. Again all of the books were at least six years old.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Gale Virtual Reference
I checked out the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. It would be a nice option for patrons who are looking for online health information. When I used the index, there was a nice overview available as well as additional health topics contained entries related to my health topic, jaundice.
Using the basic search feature, I found information on the Mayan calendar. There were only three entries available, but they all contained the information I wanted. The read-to-me option on the article had a pleasant voice. She was easier to listen to than some automated voices I have heard.
The option I appreciated most was the ability to download the article rather than having to email it to myself or print it out.
Using the basic search feature, I found information on the Mayan calendar. There were only three entries available, but they all contained the information I wanted. The read-to-me option on the article had a pleasant voice. She was easier to listen to than some automated voices I have heard.
The option I appreciated most was the ability to download the article rather than having to email it to myself or print it out.
ProQuest
I've used ProQuest extensively over the past several years. It's always one of the first databases I search when I need information (excluding encyclopedic information). That said - the topic I looked up was "first time home buyer". Even with such a generic search phrase, I found appropriate articles, but after I filtered for location (United States), the results were better.
I especially like the option to browse publications when doing reference work. It has been helpful to bring up a specific issue and then sort by page number. It worked well again when I searched for American Libraries.
I especially like the option to browse publications when doing reference work. It has been helpful to bring up a specific issue and then sort by page number. It worked well again when I searched for American Libraries.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
SIRS Discover and Researcher
I found the results were fairly accurate in SIRS Discover. Of the twenty articles it found, fourteen actually mentioned Shaun White. Five of the seven magazines were about him also. However, if you are looking for photos of a person, don't try to use a phrase search unless you enter: "shaun white" or "white shaun". Although, that probably only affects librarians. I doubt the kids would try that. It was nice to see lexile numbers. Since the database covers such a wide age range, K-6, it is easier to figure out whether or not the student using the information would be able to understand it. The articles I found were geared toward higher reading levels.
The country facts presented were nicely featured. I liked the formatting and the information presented better that what I find in the CIA Factbook which is where I normall direct students. The maps under maps of the world printed well. I especially liked the pathfinders. I had not seen them before and most of the students I help need to narrow down their research topics. The subject headings could help them with that as well as providing new synonyms to search under.
SIRS Researcher would be great for debaters in addition to homework. It provides a nice overview, presents the pros and cons, and has links for further research. I especially like that if provides the terms to know with an explanation of concepts in the overview.
For my search in the curriculum pathfinders, I chose health as my topic. It had a fun interactive quiz on portion distorion which led to further information such as finding your BMI (body mass index) rating. Otherwise, it provided as list of topics that went to articles on the subject or if it was a leading issue, it would linked to the topic overview. The topics provided were all subejcts that would be easy to find research outside of SIRS as well if print resources were needed.
The country facts presented were nicely featured. I liked the formatting and the information presented better that what I find in the CIA Factbook which is where I normall direct students. The maps under maps of the world printed well. I especially liked the pathfinders. I had not seen them before and most of the students I help need to narrow down their research topics. The subject headings could help them with that as well as providing new synonyms to search under.
SIRS Researcher would be great for debaters in addition to homework. It provides a nice overview, presents the pros and cons, and has links for further research. I especially like that if provides the terms to know with an explanation of concepts in the overview.
For my search in the curriculum pathfinders, I chose health as my topic. It had a fun interactive quiz on portion distorion which led to further information such as finding your BMI (body mass index) rating. Otherwise, it provided as list of topics that went to articles on the subject or if it was a leading issue, it would linked to the topic overview. The topics provided were all subejcts that would be easy to find research outside of SIRS as well if print resources were needed.
Friday, March 5, 2010
World Book Foreign Languages Edition
I barely understand a word of Spanish since I took German in high school and college so this was an interesting experience. We do have some Spanish speaking patrons whose grasp of English or at least written English is not very good. From time to time they tell us how much they enjoy using our small sections of books written in Spanish and other resources in their native language. I think they would enjoy using this database with their children.
As for me, I was able to find my chipmunk by browsing in English, but I was only able to understand the information by clicking on the link to World Book Kids. It is a good thing that it has the visual dictionary. There is some guesswork involved as to what some of the pictures mean, but it took me less time to find the chipmunk through the visual dictionary. It then provided the Spanish word for chipmunk so I could look it up. I do wish, however, that when I finally found the chipmunk through the visual dictionary that it had linked to the encylopdia entry. That would have been so much simpler than having to go back and search for "ardilla listada". Either way, it is definately a good resource for either native Spanish speaking children or for kids who are trying to learn a new language. It allows the children to switch back and forth between the Spanish and English translations. Plus, those trying to learn Spanish can hear what the words are supposed to sound like by having the entries read aloud.
As for me, I was able to find my chipmunk by browsing in English, but I was only able to understand the information by clicking on the link to World Book Kids. It is a good thing that it has the visual dictionary. There is some guesswork involved as to what some of the pictures mean, but it took me less time to find the chipmunk through the visual dictionary. It then provided the Spanish word for chipmunk so I could look it up. I do wish, however, that when I finally found the chipmunk through the visual dictionary that it had linked to the encylopdia entry. That would have been so much simpler than having to go back and search for "ardilla listada". Either way, it is definately a good resource for either native Spanish speaking children or for kids who are trying to learn a new language. It allows the children to switch back and forth between the Spanish and English translations. Plus, those trying to learn Spanish can hear what the words are supposed to sound like by having the entries read aloud.
World Book Public Library Edition
World Book Online for Kids has different formatting, but provides the exact same options and information as World Book Kids. Even the wording is the same. The only difference I could find is that it links to Info Finder not the Student edition. Maybe I am missing something?
--Okay, so I just took a closer look. When I search for a chipmunk, the information was the same. It still provides the same activities, games, maps, ect., but the public edition has science projects which I could not find in the school edition. It also has a biographies link. The biographical information is available in both editions, but the link is not. The same goes for Info Finder except that the student edition has the link for biographies but not for virtual tours. I could not find the virtual tours in the student edition.
World Book Reference Center is geared towards the casual learner whereas World Book Advanced is aimed at students who know how to research. My search for Canada produced the same results as it did in World Book Advanced.
I guess my final conclusion is that my patrons could use either the student edition or the public libraries edition with same results unless they were looking for science projects or interactive tours/maps. However, if the person seeking information was not a conditioned student, he/she would have an easier time finding information in the public libraries edition instead of the school edition simply because the interface may be easier to navigate.
--Okay, so I just took a closer look. When I search for a chipmunk, the information was the same. It still provides the same activities, games, maps, ect., but the public edition has science projects which I could not find in the school edition. It also has a biographies link. The biographical information is available in both editions, but the link is not. The same goes for Info Finder except that the student edition has the link for biographies but not for virtual tours. I could not find the virtual tours in the student edition.
World Book Reference Center is geared towards the casual learner whereas World Book Advanced is aimed at students who know how to research. My search for Canada produced the same results as it did in World Book Advanced.
I guess my final conclusion is that my patrons could use either the student edition or the public libraries edition with same results unless they were looking for science projects or interactive tours/maps. However, if the person seeking information was not a conditioned student, he/she would have an easier time finding information in the public libraries edition instead of the school edition simply because the interface may be easier to navigate.
World Book School Edition
It is useful having two editions connect to each other. When I researched chipmunks, World Book Kids provided a link for related information that brought up an entry in World Book Student. The information provided in the student edition is more technical and detailed, but some of the children using the kids edition would still find it useful. If the younger kids do not understand the words, all they have to do is double click on them for a definition.
World Book Advanced provided a wealth of information compared to the kids and student editions. All of the information it contains would be valuable to students who have reports due. The introduction provides a nice overview, and from there they can figure out what section of the entry they need to look at. It was nice that the publishers included a link to suggested books. Most of the students I work with are not allowed to use electronic resources exclusively. They need print materials as well.
The images in World Book Discover are helpful, but the most useful feature would be its ability to translate the text into different languages. While the translations are useful for those whose english is not good, I think that it may get more use from students trying to learn a foreign language like German or Spanish. They can compare the original English with the translated text. I think the database is more likely to be used by people whose native language is English since those who do not understand English well would probably be hesitant to even use an online resourse like a database - at least without presuasion.
World Book Advanced provided a wealth of information compared to the kids and student editions. All of the information it contains would be valuable to students who have reports due. The introduction provides a nice overview, and from there they can figure out what section of the entry they need to look at. It was nice that the publishers included a link to suggested books. Most of the students I work with are not allowed to use electronic resources exclusively. They need print materials as well.
The images in World Book Discover are helpful, but the most useful feature would be its ability to translate the text into different languages. While the translations are useful for those whose english is not good, I think that it may get more use from students trying to learn a foreign language like German or Spanish. They can compare the original English with the translated text. I think the database is more likely to be used by people whose native language is English since those who do not understand English well would probably be hesitant to even use an online resourse like a database - at least without presuasion.
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