1. Good Reads - http://www.goodreads.com/
Good Reads is a great resource. I subscribe to their newsletter, and am able to find out about new books, read interviews with authors and view gaggles of "if you loved this, read this" lists. They also have quizzes and trivia, which is a lot of fun.
2. Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/
It may seem silly, but I refer to Amazon several times a day, especially when a patron can't remember the exact title of the book, is unsure of an author, if I'm looking for a release date or to find the next book in a series. I find it especially helpful because, like google, it will automatically correct spelling errors or suggest "what you meant," unlike our library catalog.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wrap Up - Library Institute Spring 2012
Discovery Exercise -
1. What was your biggest discovery? My biggest discovery was the widespread availability of the databases. While I knew that there was access from the public libraries, I did not realize that there were so many additional rescources avaialable through the state library. I came into this class as a new librarian with very little experience using electronic resources and feel like I now have a solid handle on what is out there and the confidence to dive in and find the information. The class guided me through the kinks, helped me understand how to restructure searches and troubleshoot and really narrow in on the desired information. These skills will be widely applicable as I navigate the resources available and work with patrons. Already, I have used the databases in some of my own research and am quick to jump to the online resources for patrons with research requests. Overall, the entire class has been a solid discovery process with a positive outcome. Thank you!
1. What was your biggest discovery? My biggest discovery was the widespread availability of the databases. While I knew that there was access from the public libraries, I did not realize that there were so many additional rescources avaialable through the state library. I came into this class as a new librarian with very little experience using electronic resources and feel like I now have a solid handle on what is out there and the confidence to dive in and find the information. The class guided me through the kinks, helped me understand how to restructure searches and troubleshoot and really narrow in on the desired information. These skills will be widely applicable as I navigate the resources available and work with patrons. Already, I have used the databases in some of my own research and am quick to jump to the online resources for patrons with research requests. Overall, the entire class has been a solid discovery process with a positive outcome. Thank you!
2. How will you promote or use the resources with your patrons, colleagues or students? Currently, our library website (which really does need to be updated) provides links to several of the electronic resources available through the state library. While this promotes quick access, I would say that most of our patrons are not aware of the scope and diversity of information available. To promote the resources, I will list them on our facebook page, direct patrons to them for research and provide more indepth information to the homeschool families and students of all age levels that regularly use the library. As a children's librarian, I will include the databases in challenges for students and encourage them to utilize the resources in their schoolwork.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Lesson 9 -- History and Genealogy Resources—Ancestry Library, Heritage Quest and Sanborn Maps
Discovery Exercise -
1. I spent quite a bit of time searching for myself in AncestryLibrary. I was not surprised that I did not find myself; I have a very common name and am fairly young, so I anticipated that it would not be an easy find. I did spend about 30 minutes refining my search and trying different search combinations. I did not end up finding myself. In the end, I searched for my mother's biological father, because I knew that she had done geneaology work in the same database and found him quite quickly.
2. As I said before, when I couldn't find myself I quickly searched for my mother's father and found his marriage announcement and several other records in city directories. I also found my father's mother in 1993 census data and found my father's parents's marriage certificate and was able to view an image of the original document. This was my favorite part -- the names and addresses were quite familiar, and I felt the satisfaction that so many people describe when using this database. I also found my grandfather's death record, which had a list of suggested documents in the right hand column. There, I was able to view an original copy of his birth certificate, link to my grandmother and view her birth certificate (hers is typed, his is handwritten) and link to my grandmother in Vermont's 1930 census (which lists her as two years older than she actually is) and view all of the original records. It was pretty fantastic. Logically, searching became easier with the more information I was able to provide. I searched for my father's father because I knew roughly his birth and death dates. This turned up a positive record and allowed me to link to the rest of the documents I found. You may not have to be dead to be listed in AncestryLibrary, but it does help narrow your search.
5. I searched Sanborn Maps for maps of Lead in May 1923. I was interested in finding the Homestake Opera House, also known as the Homestake Theatre or the recreation building. It took me a few minutes to get used to navigating the zoom and scroll features, but I was able to find what I was looking for in the index fairly quickly. Lead is a particularly challenging city to search because streets, buildings and entire neighborhoods were re-routed, picked up and moved, or entirely taken over to accomodate the needs of the Homestake Gold Mine. Orienting yourself on a handrawn map proves difficult. I found the opera house and was surprised by the amount of information listed directly on the map. Ironically, the fireproof sections of the theater are well marked -- the theater was partially destroyed by a fire that started in that area of the building in 1984. The building is currently being restored but is in regular use. I also searched for my own house, which was built by Homestake in 1890. As I suspected, it was located quite close to the large railroad tressel that ran over Lead and was much more downtown that it is today (Lead's Main Street has moved further up the hill as time passed and mining in the Open Cut expanded). The covered porch is denoted with dotted lines and the small addition is visible, as well as a small building with three entrances at the rear of the property. That building is no longer standing. The Sanborn Maps are a terrific resource and a lot of fun to browse.
1. I spent quite a bit of time searching for myself in AncestryLibrary. I was not surprised that I did not find myself; I have a very common name and am fairly young, so I anticipated that it would not be an easy find. I did spend about 30 minutes refining my search and trying different search combinations. I did not end up finding myself. In the end, I searched for my mother's biological father, because I knew that she had done geneaology work in the same database and found him quite quickly.
2. As I said before, when I couldn't find myself I quickly searched for my mother's father and found his marriage announcement and several other records in city directories. I also found my father's mother in 1993 census data and found my father's parents's marriage certificate and was able to view an image of the original document. This was my favorite part -- the names and addresses were quite familiar, and I felt the satisfaction that so many people describe when using this database. I also found my grandfather's death record, which had a list of suggested documents in the right hand column. There, I was able to view an original copy of his birth certificate, link to my grandmother and view her birth certificate (hers is typed, his is handwritten) and link to my grandmother in Vermont's 1930 census (which lists her as two years older than she actually is) and view all of the original records. It was pretty fantastic. Logically, searching became easier with the more information I was able to provide. I searched for my father's father because I knew roughly his birth and death dates. This turned up a positive record and allowed me to link to the rest of the documents I found. You may not have to be dead to be listed in AncestryLibrary, but it does help narrow your search.
3. When I searched "South Dakota" in locations and clicked on pictures, the first several images were of baseball teams. This is not what I expected to see, since the first record on the page was a 1940 census record for a nun. The baseball pictures were great -- I selected a baseball card for "Death Valley Jim" who was born in South Dakota and played in the Chicago American league from 1909-1917. This was a really fun search. I was excited to discover the depth and variety of data available.
4. I found HeritageQuest to be less user-friendly than AncestryLibray, but did find the content to be quite interesting. I searched the books section for "Connecticut" and found several results. I settled on a book titled Historic gleanings in Windham County, Connecticut, the county where much of my mother's family lives now and browsed through the first several pages. The second page is stamped by the Harvard College Library, and has a handwritten location number, which has been updated -- also by hand. I did a second search in PERSI for "how to write a book." The first article that came up is called "How to Write a Book Your Librarian Will Love." Perfect. To find the full text, however, I was prompted to fill out a request form.
5. I searched Sanborn Maps for maps of Lead in May 1923. I was interested in finding the Homestake Opera House, also known as the Homestake Theatre or the recreation building. It took me a few minutes to get used to navigating the zoom and scroll features, but I was able to find what I was looking for in the index fairly quickly. Lead is a particularly challenging city to search because streets, buildings and entire neighborhoods were re-routed, picked up and moved, or entirely taken over to accomodate the needs of the Homestake Gold Mine. Orienting yourself on a handrawn map proves difficult. I found the opera house and was surprised by the amount of information listed directly on the map. Ironically, the fireproof sections of the theater are well marked -- the theater was partially destroyed by a fire that started in that area of the building in 1984. The building is currently being restored but is in regular use. I also searched for my own house, which was built by Homestake in 1890. As I suspected, it was located quite close to the large railroad tressel that ran over Lead and was much more downtown that it is today (Lead's Main Street has moved further up the hill as time passed and mining in the Open Cut expanded). The covered porch is denoted with dotted lines and the small addition is visible, as well as a small building with three entrances at the rear of the property. That building is no longer standing. The Sanborn Maps are a terrific resource and a lot of fun to browse. Monday, April 30, 2012
Lesson 7: WorldCat and More FirstSearch Indexes
Discovery Exercise Part 1: Upon logging into WorldCat, I was at first a bit overwhelmed by the homepage. I was happy to have the challenge instructions to walk me through my first search. However, once I got through the first search, I was excited to try more. The breadth of the database is incredible. The limiters are impressive and the amount of information available is hard to wrap my head around. What a fantastic resource!
For my first search, I searched for Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. WorldCat found 60 records. However, since I did a tiltle search only, WorldCat also turned up results for George Washington's Rules of Civility and those of Antoine Courtin. By selecting item #1 (Amor Towles), I can see that 1297 libraries worldwide have the item. The first library listed is Brookings Public Library in South Dakota. When I clicked on Brookings to see the full record, I received a 404 error letting me know that the file was temporarily unavailable. I selected item #2, Northern State University to see the full record. The call number is: Leisure Reading : PS3620.O945 R85 2011. By clicking on the author's name and other subject headings, I am able to search the items within the Northern State University catalog. For example, I selected "Wall Street" and was able to view items in the library's holdings within that subject area.
Other First Search Indexes: I clicked around some of the other databases and decided to do a search in WorldCat Dissertations for my favorite college professor's dissertation. I was able to find both his master's and PhD work. I found the description of each database to be quite helpful and likely a time saving tool.
Discovery Exercise Part 2: In OAIster, I selected an article titled "Dreams and Dust in the Black Hills: Race, Place, and National Identity in America's Land of Promise," a dissertation by Elaine Nelson. The article investigates concepts of displacement, the impact of the Ft. Laramie Treaty and introduces the idea that the Black Hills tourism industry has placed additonal stress on the socioeconomic challenges faced by the Lakota people.
I found OAIster straightforward and easy to use, especially after gaining some quick experience in WorldCat. I especially like that OAIster gives researchers the option to narrow results, and that the format for article abstracts, etc. is similiar to other databases we have explored, making it easy to scan for pertinent information. I was impressed by the variety of information available -- full text articles on South Dakota ranged from archaeology along the Missouri River, to indepth studies of Mule Deer to historic invesetigations like the article I selected. Overall, it is an excellent tool that proves easy to navigate and turns up first rate results.
Other First Search Indexes: I clicked around some of the other databases and decided to do a search in WorldCat Dissertations for my favorite college professor's dissertation. I was able to find both his master's and PhD work. I found the description of each database to be quite helpful and likely a time saving tool.
I found OAIster straightforward and easy to use, especially after gaining some quick experience in WorldCat. I especially like that OAIster gives researchers the option to narrow results, and that the format for article abstracts, etc. is similiar to other databases we have explored, making it easy to scan for pertinent information. I was impressed by the variety of information available -- full text articles on South Dakota ranged from archaeology along the Missouri River, to indepth studies of Mule Deer to historic invesetigations like the article I selected. Overall, it is an excellent tool that proves easy to navigate and turns up first rate results.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Lesson 4 - Proquest
I have always been fascinated with concepts of memory and its creation in both history and literature. I am especially interested in the way in which memory creates a pathway to identity for women and other traditionally subjugated groups. I explored the abstract of the article, which makes reference to modernity, Albert Einstein and Wharton's use of new concepts of memory and time in The Age of Innocence. The abstract was brief and accessible, and given the refernces to other literary genres and Wharton's contemporary thinkers, is a sound tool for deciding whether or not the full text would meet a person's research needs.
1a. See what your challenge cohort is discovering. I reviewed the blog of a cohort doing research on black lab dogs for her son. While our searches could not have been more different, our findings and overall impressions of Proquest were quite similiar. We both did basic searches that turned up a tremendous number of results and were both able to easily narrow our results to find what we really looking to research. Additionally, we both commented on the manner in which Proquest encourages you to narrow your results. I do plan to continue checking other students' blogs throughout this course -- it is interesting to see what other students are learning and the way that each student identifies the application of a specific database for their library's specific needs.
2. Click the publications tab at the top of the page. Within the publication search, I first searched youth programs. When Proquest turned up zero results, I looked closer and realized that I had only searched within the title of the publication. When I changed my search to "in publication summary" Proquest came back with zero results. So. I tried "kids." Nothing. I tried "kids" "in subject." Nothing. Slightly frustrated, I returned to the alpahabetical list, selected "L" and scrolled until I stumbled upon several library journals. I selected Library Resouces & Technical Services, selected the most recent issue and skimmed a short article titled "No Shelf Required: E-Books in Libraries."
I found this search to be as difficult as the first search was easy. My goal was to find an article about youth programs in libraries. I was hoping that when my four searches returned zero results that Proquest would gallantly offer me support, as it had with my Edith Wharton search. No such luck. Browsing found me a general library article and a bit of deflation caused me to stop digging for such a specific query. The upside, however, is that I can now help a patron (or myself!) through the initially frustrating issue of searching with no results. I still love you, Proquest, but you're not quite the e-resource knight I had hoped for.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Lesson 3: SIRS Issues Researcher and Discoverer
1. Using SIRS Discoverer, I searched for mountain lions and came up with several articles containing information relevant to basic facts about the animal, sightings in various areas, common fallacies, living among mountain lions and much more. The first article that I selected is from National Geographic Explorer; it examined three big cats, but did cover mountain lions in an adequate fashion. The photographs are fantastic -- animated, active and sure to catch the attention of a student. I would place the reading level at approximately 4th-6th grade. It is important to note that while the article contains several challening vocabulary words, most are linked to defnintions, an excellent tool. The next article I selected read much like a newspaper editiorial and seemed to be directed toward adults. I do not think that it would have been helpful for an elementary or middle school student, but could contain useful information and opinions for a high school student looking for diverse sources and who is able to sort through prose to find useful facts. This article did not contain any photographs, and I was not very interested in reading it as a result. The final article that I reviewed is from Boy's Life and proved to be an exciting read. It grabbed me with the first sentence and moved through the material in a scholarly, but accessible and animated manner that would prove most interesting and accessible to elementary and middle school students.
2. Database Features - I explored this section of SIRS Discoverer by selecting Monaco in "country facts." The information located there is quite similiar to the information provided by World Book Online Reference Center -- population, climate, economic information, etc. I did note and enjoy the teacher resources section as well.
I explored the Maps of the World section by sifting through several pages of maps in search of a map most likely applicable and acceptable for students in grades K-9. I settled on a map titled "The Abolition of Slavery 1777-1865." This is a U.S. map that color-codes states and territories according to the acts and dates that freed the slaves in that state or territory. This map could be used when researching topics ranging from the Civil War to slave populations, the Great Migration and other post-emancipation developments and social movements.
I explored the Biographies section by searching for Rachel Carson. The process was quite straightforward, as there was only one match for my search. I was able to access several articles that contained standard biographial information in addition to anecdotes appropriate for elementary and middle school students. Several contained photos of both Carson and the animals and environmental causes that she advocated. I think that by isolating biographies within the database features, SIRS has created a quick and easy way to refine a search to only biographical articles. In this way, it is quite accessible and time efficient.
SIRS Issues Researcher
1. Using SIRS Issues Researcher, I selected Gay Rights by searching leading issues by topic. I began exploring the issue by reading the topic overview -- I found the overview itself to be a bit pejorative in nature, but I do understand that SIRS is trying to be both objective and instructive to a young audience. However, I do feel that extreme care should be taken when introducing young people to the topic of human rights. I found the "terms to know" section helpful and easy to locate. Additonally, the inclusion of maps to illustrate statistical data helped to quantify the information contained in the articles. I think that the research tools are an excellent resource and help to make difficult topics accessible for middle-high school students. Additionally, these tools enable students to quickly find answers to questions that they may be uncomfortable addressing with a teacher, librarian or family member. I found the "pro/con and essential questions" section to be most helpful as well. I am slighlty concerned that some students, especially younger people, might assume the the scope of the gay rights issue is limited to these five questions. 
2. Curriculum Pathfinders - In this section of Issues Researcher, I selected "nutrition." At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the number and diverse nature of the articles that appeared. However, I quickly located the "narrow your results" section on the left side of the page. There, I easily navigated through dynamic graphics, located the topic overview and took particular interest in the food and nutrition timeline found in the reference section. I found this topic much more straightforward and objectively presented than the gay rights issue. The discrepency is a bit troubling, but understandable given the sensitivity of the gay rights issue and the lack of controversy associated with nutrition. Overall, I think that Issues Researcher is a strong tool that makes top-rate information searchable and accessible for middle-high school students and adults.
Lesson 2: Learning Express Library
1. Set up account - done and done.
Browse through available exams - there are a ton! Looks great.
2. Choose one - Plumbing Licensing Exam Practice 1 -- note: I am not a plumber, nor have I ever plumbed anything. Should be fun. I plan to "use estimation to eliminate answer choices" as encouraged by the instructions.Answer a few questions - I answered 7 questions. 4 were correct, 3 were incorrect. I am oddly proud of my work.
With regard to the test experience, I think that it was professional, challenging and easy to use. I did appreciate the warnings letting me know that I had skipped questions and would not be able to make changes to my answers. I think that warnings like these make people who are not comfortable on the computer more confident in submitting their answers for review. The diagnostic page was very easy to read, and I especially liked that I could view my answers to see where I had trouble. This would certainly help an aspiring plumber identify her problem areas and address them before taking the test again.
3. Job Searching and Resume Writing - Under the Job Search & Workplace Skills section, I selected Interviewing and the course "Career Course: Interview Tips to Get the Job You Want." I found the course to be easy to navigate, easy to use and particularly helpful in outlining what to expect from the course and its corresponding work. The language was not only professional and easy to follow, but reassuring to a person seeking employment. I also liked the fact that each section was broken down into smaller subsections, which make it easy to go back and search for a particular topic or idea.
4. Search for skills improvement or career topic - I searched the topic "secondary education" and selected the eBook "Teacher Career Starter, 2nd Edition." It downloaded quickly and easily and contained a wealth of information including chapters on making a career change into teaching, finding education programs, salary expectations, certification, finding a job and succeeding once you have secured a teaching position. The book, like the course, is thorough, easy to follow and broken down into logical sections. As an eBook, it is easy to search and jump from chapter to chapter.
Browse through available exams - there are a ton! Looks great.
2. Choose one - Plumbing Licensing Exam Practice 1 -- note: I am not a plumber, nor have I ever plumbed anything. Should be fun. I plan to "use estimation to eliminate answer choices" as encouraged by the instructions.With regard to the test experience, I think that it was professional, challenging and easy to use. I did appreciate the warnings letting me know that I had skipped questions and would not be able to make changes to my answers. I think that warnings like these make people who are not comfortable on the computer more confident in submitting their answers for review. The diagnostic page was very easy to read, and I especially liked that I could view my answers to see where I had trouble. This would certainly help an aspiring plumber identify her problem areas and address them before taking the test again.
3. Job Searching and Resume Writing - Under the Job Search & Workplace Skills section, I selected Interviewing and the course "Career Course: Interview Tips to Get the Job You Want." I found the course to be easy to navigate, easy to use and particularly helpful in outlining what to expect from the course and its corresponding work. The language was not only professional and easy to follow, but reassuring to a person seeking employment. I also liked the fact that each section was broken down into smaller subsections, which make it easy to go back and search for a particular topic or idea.
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