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!