Reference Sources

My first choice would also be Fantastic Fiction. 

Amazon.  When a patron does not have the correct title or is unsure of the author, I sometimes use amazon.com to search for the correct title or for a synopsis of the story.  I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for?  But, these are the only other websites I have used in the library to help patrons! 

Week 6 - Wrap Up

My biggest discoveries were Ancestry and World Book.  I did this challenge earlier in the year, and these are still my picks!  Love all the information that is available in both of them. 

2.  I was able to steer a young student to Learning Express earlier this week so that was valuable as well.  I will continue to share this information with co-workers and patrons alike.

Week 5 - Lesson 9 History and Genealogy Resources

1.  I used Immigration & Travel and then used Ship Pictures and Descriptions.  I edited the search to
"Titanic 2".  I got 936 results.  I found the sister ship Olympic.  The Olympic was in service from 1911 until 1934.  It cost $7,500,000 to build.  It served as a troopship in WWI.  It was withdrawn from service in 1935 and sold to British shipbreakers.  The scrapped hulk was finally dismantled in 1937.

2.  Having searched newspapers and publications for "Hindenburg", I got 319 results.  Searching using "dirigible hindenburg" I found 480 results.

3.  I searched "boks" and narrowed it down to "places" typing in Yankton County, South Dakota.  I got seven results.  None of the results really seemed to pertain to Yankton county. 

Week 4 - Lesson 7 WorldCat

1.  I started by searching Martin Luther, then narrowed the search using "juvenile audience", and choosing "not fiction content".  I came up with 2,060 results.  I noticed the results reflected Martin Luther KING rather than Martin Luther.  I revised my search to "Martin Luther Reformation" using the same limiters and ended up with 84 books and the "right" Martin Luther!  :)  I would recommend "Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World".   Brookings is the closest library that has this book available.

2.  I searched "graphic novels classic books".  I only "limited" my search to "books".  I ended up with 787 results.  I would recommend purchasing "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Marvel Publisher

3.  I searched "My Fair Lady musical score".  I got 82 results, and further limited it to "scores" which dropped it to 56 results.  The selection I chose has an Accession No. of OCLC: 998214.

Lesson 4 - Proquest

1.  Lunar eclipse search:  I found 1,675 results for lunar eclipse.  After narrowing the search down to Christopher Columbus, the results dropped to 4.  The computer automatically changed the date range.  This could be helpful for patrons seeking information on a specific person and wanting the most up-to-date information available on the subject or person being researched.

1a.  I peeked in on Rhonda's Reads and Research blog and left a comment! 

2.  To help a patron find information on lotteries in different states, I would recommend they search "lotteries" and narrow the search using "location", including the states they are interested in finding the information on.

Lesson 2: Learning Express Library

1. For the patron who does not have his high school diploma, and wants to get a better job, I would recommend he use Learning Express and go to GED Preparation. I would also show him Job Search & Workplace Skills, Jobs and Careers, as well as Skill Building for Adults. That's four, but I think he could benefit from any and all of these choices, especially if he is undecided as to what he would like to do.

2. For the patron needing to improve her skills before applying for a different job, I would show her Skill Building for Adults and/or Job Search and Workplace Skills. Both options would give her information to boost her skills.

3. For the high school student coming in for help on his career report on nurses or pharmacists, I would direct him to Learning Express, Jobs & Careers. Under this he could go to Nursing and Allied Health, and then choose Career Guidance.

Lesson 3: World Book Online Reference Center

I chose Andersen's Fairy Tales. Special tools include printing, translating the text (very cool!), I viewed this using Arabic (such a beautiful alphabet), as well as the Norwegian language (because I'm Norwegian and thought it would be fun!) :) You may also choose to down load the e-book, e-mail sections, hear the text read aloud, and save to your research files.

This would be very valuable for our patrons who can not speak English, or who are trying to learn English, as they could either translate the text, or listen aloud and follow along with the words as the story is being read. Especially children who can not speak English, or are unable to read yet.

Lesson 2: World Book Online InfoFinder*

I chose World Book Explores Virtual Tours. Due to the anniversary of the Titanic sinking coming up later this month, I chose to view the Titanic virtual tour. I can see these videos being used by students doing research for a project or patrons simply using them for their own personal interest in various topics. These videos would also be nice for patrons who are visually impaired and want/need information on various topics.

In fact, I know of one patron I will personally share this information with due to her interest in the Titantic.

Lesson 1: World Book Online Kids*

(Former Resource Challenge Participant)

1. I chose "Maps and More". We are given three choices: "Interactive Maps", "World Book Atlas", and "Outline Maps and Flags". This information can be used for students completing assignments on different countries or for personal research for a trip, or just for fun. Ways I could see myself using it in the library include assisting patrons with their questions and locating smaller, lesser-known countries that we may not have books available for. The interactive maps allow students to see satellite maps as well as roadway and terrain maps. World Book Atlas allows you to print maps as well as learn additional information about each county such as climate, temperatures, agriculture, fishing, mining and manufacturing in that area. Outline maps and flags allows users to view and print simple maps as well as see each country or state's flag.

Lesson 10 - Wrap Up

1. I really enjoyed doing this challenge. As the newest library staff here, it was a nice way to see what is available for our patrons, as well as for us. My "biggest discovery" was the World Book Online. I also really enjoyed the AncestryLibrary.

2. I will share this information with my son's teachers as well as with our patrons looking for information to research or for fun! Maybe we can come up with something to hand out to our storytime parents to let them know about all the information that is available online for them and their children?!

Lesson 9 - History and Genealogy Resources

1. AncestryLibrary. I looked myself up. My birthdate was listed incorrectly, and my address was from 25 years ago! My phone number was from 7 years ago. I was not able to find my marriage license. I would worry about some of the accuracy due to the mistakes I found on myself.

2. I searched for my great-grandma. It was so interesting to see the 1930 census information! My "granny" was 36 at the time and my grandma was listed as being 11!! Also viewed my great grandparent's marriage license from 1917. Very interesting! I can't wait to go back on my own time sometime and check out more family members!!

3. I searched under the "photos and Maps" tab for South Dakota and found 3,615,253 results! WOW!!!

4. Heritage Quest. I found this site difficult to use. Every search I did had no relevant results. I did use some very specific search words and didn't get anywhere near the results I thought I should get.

5. Sanborn Maps. I chose to search Yankton. I could see our old movie theater, the Hotel Charles Gurney, as well as several other buildings I am familiar with and that are still standing. Very interesting to also see what used to be where!

Lesson 8 - ArchiveGrid and CAMIO

ArchiveGrid
Discovery Exercise Part 1

1. I learned that Sitting Bull was a Native American shaman and leader of the Hunpapa Sioux. He led two tribes of warriors against the United States soldiers at Little Bighorn. After the battle, he led his tribe into Canada where they remained until surrendering. He then toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. He was killed while refusing to abandon the traditions of the ritual Ghost Dance.

2. I searched Harney peak. I got four results. They were from Stanford University, University of Wyoming, New York State Library and the Minnesota Historical Society.

CAMIO
Discovery Exercise Part 2

1. Paul Revere made teaspoons, sugar bowls and covers, Federal Style Tea service, cream pot, sauce boat, goblets, Cann, wine quart and more!

2. Sioux
Everything from clothing to paintings, furniture to photography, jewelry to dolls!

3. I tried Jon Crane, Harvey Dunn, Thomas Kincaid...all with no results. So I tried Picasso, even though I am not a fan! :) There were 1016 results for Picasso.

4. I could see students researching a famous artist using this database. Not only can you see the artwork itself, but you see the date it was made and the museum it is available in.

5. I chose jewelry because everything else I was interested in was not found! (I must have strange art tastes!) I liked that you could pick favorites to review later, especially since there were literally thousands of options to look at! This allows you to compare and further narrow down your search. Lots of neat options from the favorites list.

Lesson 7 - WorldCat and More FirstSearch Indexes

Discovery Exercise Part 1

I chose "One for the Money" as my book to search. I noted there were several results. Item #1 is owned by 2,070 libraries worldwide. I found Brookings to be the top library owning this item.

At our library we would use "FIC EVA" as our call number. The computer results showed the class description to be : LC:PS2555.V2126 Dewey: 813/.54


Discovery Exercise Part 2

I found OAIster very difficult to use. I had no trouble getting to OAIster from the dropdown menu, however, I could not find an option to select "subject phrase" in the keyword search box. Instead I just typed in "South Dakota". This brought up the following top result.

"Violinists Run Amuck in South Dakota" Screen doors down in the Badlands." This ended up being an article about abortion. There was no mention of violins, screen doors or the badlands!! :) I had a co-worker run through the process with me again to double check my work, and we again came up with the same thing! Also, the only library listed as "owning" this article was in Australia!!

Lesson 6 - EBooks on EbscoHost

1. First I searched "South Dakota history", but didn't see much pertinent information in the results. So chose to do a 2nd search for "crafts". Five pages of available books were offered. Lots of good possibilities for anyone looking for craft ideas.

2. Titles that could be recommended for Constitution day include: "The Constitution, the law, and Freedom of Expression 1787-1987" and "The American Republic: Constitution, Tendencies, and Destiny".

3. I used the advanced search to search Nebraska. I was honestly a little overwhelmed by the results. I'm not sure younger students would find this database helpful, but for older students it could be valuable.

Lesson 5 Gale Virtual Reference Library

1. Endangered Species, American Bison

Information includes classification, population, location, and description. This information could be used for researchers of local history as well as for students working on reports.

2. Zinc -

What foods have zinc in them. I chose 1 article to erad and was able to find the info I was looking for. The listen feature is nice. Ilike how it hilites the words on the screen as it goes along making it easy to follow along.

3. I read a few other blogs and found it interesting the different options chosen and their findings.

Lesson 4 - Proquest

1. A basic search on something of interest to me. I chose the artist Adele! After typing her name into the search box, I was given several articles, both large and small consisting of information on both her personal and professional life.

1.a. I chose to comment on Clueless's blog. I was hoping she was truly as clueless as me when it comes to all of this! :) What I found was she was NOT clueless, and I enjoyed her views and comments. I like that she was able to use some of the lessons in the challenge to prepare for things coming up at her work!

2. I used "library" as my key word. It gave me six different options to choose from. Once I made a selection, I was given several years of issues to choose from. After choosing which year and month, I was then able to view any of the articles available in that issue. I read about the Kindle/Nook debate! Interesting reading!

Lesson 3 - SIRS Issues Researcher and Discoverer

SIRS Discoverer

1. I decided to have my nine year old son help me with this one. I wanted to get his point of view. He chose to look up wolves. We were able to see graphics and noted that many reading levels were available. It did seem that most were at the moderate reading level for the wolves. It seems like graphics are readily available for each article.

2. Database Features.

Country Facts. We chose Turkey for this example. We noted that you were able to get the pronunciation, official name, year of independence, capital, population, map graphics, the turkey flag, religions, languages, education, work force, etc. Geography, weather, economy, government and history were other choices.

Maps of the World. We decided this section would come in very handy for geography lessons.

We chose Science Fair Explorer for our last database feature. It lets you explore a topic of your choice. We chose "In the Junk Drawer", and then chose electric animals. It gives you an article with key words. At the end you are able to test your reading comprehension by answering the questions in the discussion section. The correct answers then follow.

My son was very excited about the information and agreed that it would help with his research at school. He is planning on telling his teacher about the database. He also thought he would enjoy just "surfing" it on his own at home for fun!

SIRS Issues Researcher

1. I chose "banned books" for my issue. I like the format that is used. First a short summary of the issue and hand is given, and then the "pros" and "cons" are outlines. Each has several viewpoints to back up each side. Different perspectives are given, and critical thinking and analysis discussion questions are available as well.

2. Curriculum Pathfinders. I chose Journalism under Language Arts. Once I chose my subject, I was shown several matching subjects available in newspapers, magazines, government documents, references, graphics/media, and Web Select sites. I was also given the chance to define my selection further by choosing broadcast journalism, editorials, fighting words, foreign news and more!

Lesson 2 - Learning Express Library

I am currently the newest staff member at our community library, and am still learning all that the databases have to offer. So this is my first time visiting the Learning Express! ...and I love it!

I chose the College Preparation exam for my practice test. It's a great resource for someone preparing for the actual ACT test. I like the fact that is explains the reason behind each answer. It doesn't just tell you you were wrong or right, but explains WHY it is the correct answer so that if someone doesn't understand why their answer was incorrect, they are given the opportunity to learn why.

Job Source and Workplace Skills. I added the Job Search, Resumes and Interviewing course to "my center". From there, I looked into Creating Great Resumes and Cover Letters Career Course. I like the way the site asks relevant questions and is able to guide you to the format best suited for you. The guidelines are easy to follow and very helpful.

I chose "library science" as my career topic search. I was given several results in tests, courses and e-books. I did notice that some of these results were not relevant to library sciences, but it gives you a much shorter list to look through. I chose "Word Power in 15 Minutes a Day" for my e-book. This particular e-book has 256 pages available! As a library employee and someone who loves to read, I love their suggestion: "The single most effective way to improve your vocabulary is simply this: READ!"

The e-book included pretests, tools for building word power, vocabulary lessons, tips for keeping a personal word book, word of the day, and more! It also encourages goal setting. What a wonderful resource for those looking to expand their skills!

Lesson 1: World Book Online

1c World Book Foreign Language Edition

1. The visual dictionary can be handy when someone is not familiar with the English language or wants to improve their pronunciation. They are able to choose using a visual of the animal.

2. Spanish. Listening to an article read aloud can help patrons with correct pronunciation or fluency as well as helping those who are not able to read.

Lesson 1: World Book Online

1b Library Edition

Kids: I chose the 'civet' for my mammal this time. The format for the library edition is very similar to the school edition. Once again, it is very colorful and easy to use.

World Book online: There is a lot more information as well as being more detailed than the kids version.

World Book Online Reference Center: I chose Cambodia for my country of choice. Choices include maps, sounds, pictures, videos, e-books, and other websites as well as many others in the search results. The article I chose showed very specific links to the country of Cambodia, such as land, economy and history. There is even an interactive map.

Lesson 1: World Book Online

1a School Edition

1. Kids
Very colorful, easy to use format. I chose armadillo, and it quickly took me to a picture of one with some basic information. The type of information provided was very age appropriate...not too much to overwhelm a young child.

2. Student
The format is pretty much the same as the kids version. The information listed for the armadillo had more detail than the kids edition. Would give older kids more information to work with.

3. Advanced
I chose to search for Norway. Patrons will find information on government, ancestry, language, way of life, books to read, maps, food and drink, religion, climate, economy and more! Lots of choices with a wealth of information.

4. Discover
Articles can be translated to different languages for all readers. They can also be printed out or they can choose "read aloud". This would be handy for those who struggle with English or word pronunciation.