Monthly Archives: May 2012

May 30 2012

OverDrive Read Coming Soon

Great news from OverDrive about a forthcoming browser-based eBook reader.  This should really open up many more eReading alternatives for patrons who don’t have a dedicated eReading device or a tablet. To view a demo title using OverDrive Read, please visit https://penelopiad-18893a.booki.sh/.

More from the press release:

(Cleveland) – May 30, 2012 – Leading global eBook distributor OverDrive today announced plans to launch later this year a new eBook reading platform, “OverDrive Read.”  Based on open standards HTML5 and EPUB, OverDrive Read creates a fresh, direct and immersive reading experience offering significant benefits for publishers, booksellers, libraries and schools.  Unlike eBook apps or devices, OverDrive Read enables readers using standard web browsers to enjoy eBooks online and offline without first installing any software or activating their device.  OverDrive will demonstrate this new eReading platform at Book Expo America, in New York City, June 5-7, 2012 (Booth #4340), as well as at the American Library Association annual conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 22-25.

Based on the best-of-breed technology developed by recently-acquired Australian eBook firm Booki.sh, OverDrive Read will provide new options for millions of readers who access eBooks from OverDrive’s global network of retail, library and school catalogs.  Browser-based eBooks improve discovery and social options for authors and publishers to more directly connect with readers. To that end, OverDrive Read creates a URL for each title where preview, review copies, browsing and sampling can be widely and easily promoted.  OverDrive Read supports both online and offline reading with configurable, industry-approved copyright protection for eBooks.

As with other browser-based systems, OverDrive Read will enable publishers, authors and retailers to benefit from more direct engagement with readers and to gather data about how users are discovering, browsing and selecting eBooks and catalogs through OverDrive global channels. “OverDrive Read’s use of open web standards will enable online communities to accelerate discovery and socialization of eBooks,” said Erica Lazzaro, OverDrive’s director of publisher relations.  ”It will enable OverDrive’s catalog of premium eBooks from over 1,000 publishers to be easily integrated across retail, school and library catalogs for standard computers and connected mobile devices.”

When launched, OverDrive Read will complement OverDrive’s support for EPUB and PDF eBooks on a broad range of dedicated e-Ink eReaders, smartphones, tablets and computers.  OverDrive also provides distribution of eBooks and audiobooks using OverDrive® Media Console™; the application has been installed more than 15 million times on PC, Mac®, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™, BlackBerry®, and Windows® Phone devices.  OverDrive Read will be available through all of OverDrive’s extensive eBook catalogs available to its global network of booksellers, OEMs and other resellers—as well as through public, school and corporate libraries—in more than 20 countries.

May 23 2012

ReferenceUSA Updates

ReferenceUSA has made recent updates to their Consumer databases.  The U.S. Census has finally made all their data available and it has been integrated it into ReferenceUSA.  They also had a very large increase in record quantity thanks to a significant investment in additional data resources.  The attached document will give you all the details on what they have done as well as some upcoming projects.

Consumer Update News 05-2012

May 23 2012

New Criticism eBooks for GVRL

The following have just been added to the Literature section of Gale Virtual Reference Library:

Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol 322

Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism Vol 257

Poetry Criticism Vol 128

Poetry Criticism Vol 129

Short Story Criticism Vol 166

Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol 266

Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol 267

 

Also added:

Contemporary Musicians, Vol. 73

 

May 15 2012

ALA Virtual Library Conference

This year’s ALA Virtual Library conference is July 18th and 19th (Wednesday and Thursday). HR has agreed to cover the cost of the conference. In order to register, I need some idea of how many people are interested in attending and where they are interested in viewing the conference. Currently, the conference programs are  not available so the poll is to gauge your interest, you are not committing to attending.

Please take the poll by May 25th so we can get your input.

About the conference:

Framing the ALA Virtual Conference on July 18 and 19, 2012, “Mapping Transformation” hosts keynote speakers and interactive 45-minute Web sessions providing insights from experts and offering opportunities for conversation around key issues related to transformation in libraries.

Speakers include: George Needham and Joan Frye Williams on Libraries in a Post-Print World; Lee Rainie (Director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project), on the rise of e-books and next steps in the Project’s research on the evolving role of libraries; Brian Mathews, Jamie LaRue, Emily Dowdall (Senior Associate- Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative), Nate Hill, and others on transformative thinking and activity in libraries, and more.

And back by popular demand–30-minute author lunches hosted by Booklist editors Brad Hooper (talking with Katherine Boo) and Donna Seaman.

The archive of ALA Virtual Conference will be available free to registrants for up to six months, and also free after the event to all full registrants of ALA Annual Conference.

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ALA 2012<br /><br /> Virtual Conference, Mapping Transformation, July 18 & 19, 2012″ width=”600″ height=”134″ /><span id= 

Registration Program Contact ALA Home 

Interactive conference on libraries in a post-print world, innovation, and more

 

Virtual Conference Speakers Interactive professional development ideal for anyone unable to attend Annual Conference as well as anyone ready for more—two days of keynote speakers and interactive 45-minute Web sessions providing insights from experts and offering opportunities for conversation with speakers and other attendees around key issues in library transformation.Topics include ebooks and ereaders; open source software; using Google products to enhance your mission and branding; libraries in a post-print world; publishers partnering with libraries; designing a superior library user experience; learning from startups and innovative organizations; and Urban Mediaspace Aarhus—building the library of the future.

Speakers include keynotes George Needham & Joan Frye Williams and Stephen Abram, plus Terry Ballard, Steven Bell, Emily Dowdall, Marlene Harris, Lisa Hickman, Nate Hill, James LaRue, Brian Mathews, Peter Murray, Marie Østergård, and others.

And back by popular demand—30-minute author lunches hosted by Booklist editors Brad Hooper and Donna Seaman.

Annual Conference full registrants save 25% on Virtual Conference! Registration is recommended to make the most of the interactivity and conversations.

The 2012 Virtual Conference Archive will be available free to registrants as well as to full registrants of ALA Annual Conference for up to six months.

$69 for Individuals 

$300 for Groups, up to 15 IP addresses 

 
May 11 2012

Rocket Languages

Please try out Rocket Languages and compare it to Tell Me More and PowerSpeak.

Login URL: http://admin.rocketlanguages.com
Username: stokesl@lvccld.org
Password: 5k1UTSav

Once you are logged in, you will be in the administrative portal. You will be able to see the usage reports here; it is very intuitive. You will see this registration URL in the bottom left corner: http://www.rocketlanguages.com/?libID=Y2NTBjNzI . This is the link you place on your library website. The Registration URL is currently “live” for library staff testing purposes.

Create an account using your barcode number and name for your first visit. Currently, only library cards  beginning with prefix 21133 will work.

Please test the system as soon as possible.

When you have reviewed PowerSpeak, Tell Me More (new interface) and Rocket Languages please Take Our Survey!

Our library has a 90 day Free Trial so it spans from May 9, 2012 – August 7, 2012.
We need to make our decision within the next couple of weeks so we need your feedback ASAP.

They have added some new features and upgrades, as well as a new language course: English for Spanish Speakers. The new software upgrades include the implementation of “Rocket Record,” which is a voice comparison technology that allows patrons to speak into their computer and compare their pronunciation to a native speaker.

You can also download MP3 audio files to your MP3 player to practice with while on the go.

They also have games to practice with, below is a couple of pictures from the German section.

May 10 2012

Tell Me More New Interface

Since we are evaluating language databases, we have learned that Tell Me More has a new user an updated user interface and is much easier to navigate for your patrons. Below I have a link that you can login and see it.

Please compare this new interface with the other language trial – PowerSpeak

Access TELL ME MORE by clicking the following link:

Access Link : http://v10librarytrialfull.tellmemore.com

Login: trial

Password: trial

After logging in,  click on demo and then create a log-in by clicking “New User”.

After reviewing the new interface for Tell Me More, PowerSpeak and Rocket Languages please Take Our Survey!

Trial ends June 10, 2012.

May 4 2012

TrueFlix

TrueFlix is a new online resource that leverages the award-winning content from True Books to help students learn through the inquiry process.

Before you begin your free trial, please carefully review the technical requirements listed below, then click on the following link to make sure every computer that will access TrueFlix has the proper plug-ins installed: http://go.grolier.com/browsercheck   After you have completed this diagnostic check you are ready to begin using TrueFlix.  To access your free trial please visit:

http://trueflix.scholastic.com/freetrial       

Username:  lvccl2012

Password:   lvccl2012

Please leave you comments about this database here on the blog. Thank you.

Your free trial will be active until July 02, 2012

May 4 2012

Bookflix

Before you begin your free trial, please carefully review the technical requirements listed below, then click on the following link to make sure every computer that will access BookFlix has the proper plug-ins installed: http://bkflix.grolier.com/browsercheck<br />
http://bkflix.grolier.com/browsercheck&#8221; href=”http://bkflix.grolier.com/browsercheck&#8221;>http://bkflix.grolier.com/browsercheck   After you have completed this diagnostic check you are ready to begin using BookFlix.  To access your free trial please visit:

http://bookflix.scholastic.com/freetrial       

Username:  lvccl2012

Password:   lvccl2012

Please leave your comments here on this post.

Your free trial will be active until July 02, 2012

May 4 2012

America the Beautiful Trial

To access your free trial:

1.  Go to http://go.grolier.com/freetrial

2.  Enter in the username and password below, in all lowercase:

User name:  lvccl2012

Password:  lvccl2012

3.  Explore America the Beautiful

4.  After reviewing the trial database please

Your free trial subscription to the following databases will end on July 2, 2012

May 3 2012

Facebook Weekly Winners

Our weekly Facebook winners in the following categories for last week are:

By the Numbers:

New Likes:  Whitney Library – 15

New Check-ins: Summerlin Library – 45

Talking About This: Whitney Library  - 36

Largest Total  Reach:  Windmill Library – 2,659

 

By the Percentage increase:

Talking About This Largest % Increase: Sunrise Library – 180%

Weekly Total Reach % Increase: West Las Vegas Library – 407%

May 3 2012

New Reference Books in Gale Virtual Reference Library

The Virtual Library reference collection has just received these great resources to the Gale Virtual Reference Library:

Animals

Atlas of the World’s Strangest Animals (Science)

DK Eyewitness Books: Endangered Animals (General Reference)

Mammals of the Northern Hemisphere (Science)

Mammals of the Southern Hemisphere(Science)

Rourke’s World of Science Encyclopedia: Animal Life (Science)


College

College Financing Information for Teens, 2nd Edition (General Reference)

Economy

American Incomes: Demographics of Who Has Money, 8th ed. (Social Sciences)

Household Spending: Who Spends How Much on What, 16th ed. (Social Sciences)
Health (Medicine)

Adolescent Health Sourcebook (Medicine)

Alcoholism Sourcebook (Medicine)

Alzheimer Disease Sourcebook (Medicine)

Asthma Sourcebook, 3rd Edition (Medicine)

Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Sourcebook (Medicine)

Cancer Sourcebook (Medicine)

Diabetes Sourcebook (Medicine)

Diet & Nutrition Sourcebook (Medicine)

Diet Information for Teens (Medicine)

Disabilities Sourcebook, 2nd Edition (Medicine)

Sleep Disorders Sourcebook (Medicine)

History

9/11 and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: A Chronology and Reference Guide (History)

Baby Boomer Encyclopedia, The (History)

May 1 2012

New Interface Coming Soon

Beginning this June, Business & Company Resource Center will be migrating to a new and improved interface! The new BCRC resource will be called Business Insights: Essentials.  Here is a fact sheet for you to review on this updated resource.

Below is a link to a free trial of Business Insights: Global, which is the upgraded international business resource that has the same interface as you will see when you migrate over to Business Insights: Essentials. We will have from June to December 2012 to decide when you are ready to migrate your system over to the new interface. I would like to migrate to the new interface as soon as possible.

Follow the link below to view the new interface and functionality of BCRC:

http://www.galetrials.com/default.aspx?TrialID=32890;ContactID=38731

The trial lasts until 5/23/2012.

Please leave comments on this blog post about the new interface.

May 1 2012

Gale Database Trials

We have a trial with Gale setup for Chiltons, Nevada Legal Forms (shows Michigan) and PowerSpeak.

For Chiltons and PowerSpeak we would be looking to replace similar databases we already have (Auto Repair and Tell Me Morew)

When evaluating the Legal forms keep in mind we have free resources for forms on the Hot Topic – Law and Legal Assistance. We could look at reformating  Hot Topics to give them a different  look.

When you have finished reviewing the three databases please return here and take the survey and leave any comments you think would be helpful to us.

Please review the Gale Trial Access site.

Please click to

May 1 2012

June Programming: Men’s Health

by hwatkins

To support your library’s health programming strategy, here are June health programing ideas – brought to you by The Pulse, part of the Gale Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Sunday, June 17th is Father’s Day, a time to celebrate the fathers and father-figures in our lives. Perhaps the best gift we can give our fathers is the gift of health. Celebrate fathers and promote National Men’s Health Month in your library this June with these free resources and with information from Gale Health and Wellness Resource Center:

  • Quick and Easy: printable coloring pages and other activities for children and teens.
  • Featured Resources: books for children and their caregivers and links to reliable online information
  • Book Club: adult book club ideas
  • Tie In:  ideas for library programs
  • Community Resources: local agencies to contact
  • Publicity Resources: free resources to help you publicize National Men’s Health Month at your library through social networking sites or traditional printed materials
  • Fun Stuff: links to interactive websites and apps

Quick and Easy

Coloring Pages:

Activity Pages:

Printables for Adults

Featured Resources

Books

Reliable Online Information for Adults:

Book Club

Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts, Jr. (Agate, 2009)

“In a seamless transition to fiction, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Pitts Jr. delivers an unsettling, compelling first novel about secrets, illness, and the role of African-American men in society and family life.” Publisher’s Weekly, Starred review.

Tie Ins

Father’s Day Crafty Gifts to Make

Dad and Me Movie Time

  • In His Father’s Shoes – A son learns about the life of his cancer-stricken father with the help of time travel shoes.
  • The Pursuit of Happyness – “A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.”

Community Resources

Find a local agency to partner with, a speaker, or other local resources:

Publicity Resources

Use these free publicity resources alongside your library’s June programming information – newsletter, blog, posters, or fliers – to promote National Men’s Health month at your library This June.

Fun Stuff

Add these interesting and helpful interactive links to your library’s website, Facebook page, or Twitter feed:

For Children

For Adults