OverDrive updates Media Console for WMA Music to iPods & iPhones November 20, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: downloadables, Media console, OverDrive
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OverDrive has released the latest update of OverDrive® Media Console™ for Windows®, which enables library users to transfer OverDrive WMA Music to iPod® and iPhone™. Albums from blues label Alligator Records will be the first music downloads that can be transferred to Apple® devices, and they expect more publishers to allow iPod transfer in the future.
As part of the update, they have optimized the music transfer experience for iPod owners. When OverDrive WMA Music is transferred to an Apple device, it will be categorized as ‘Music,’ and we will enable ‘Remember playback position’ and ‘Skip when shuffling’.
Download OverDrive Media Console v.3.2.0.3 with OverDrive WMA Music to iPod transfers.
Right now, OverDrive is refreshing the existing Help pages on our download website, and on overdrive.com, to support OverDrive Media Console v3.2.0.3 for Windows. They will also update the Title Details page for OverDrive WMA Music titles that can be transferred to Apple devices. The ‘iPod’ icon in the ‘Plays on’ section of the screen will be enabled where this support exists.
EBSCO Mobile Going Live November 13, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Featured, Databases - Updates.Tags: EBSCO Mobile, mobile sites
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Next week the EBSCO Mobile version for our site will go live on the district’s databases A-Z page. Get a Preview – EBSCO Mobile.
Adult Learning Center September 28, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: adult learners, BrainFuse, Citizenship test, GED, helpNow
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Our newest addition to the Brainfuse HelpNow suite is the Adult Learning Center. 
The Adult Learning Center has been specially designed for the needs of adults. The Adult Learning Center offers test preparation (including the GED and the USCIS citizenship test), and a unique academic skills center featuring live, online tutors. The Adult Learning Center consists of the following services:
- LIVE ACADEMIC TUTORING: Adult learners who need help with an assignment in class or need academic support for any other reason can connect with a live HelpNow tutor through an online classroom that has been completely specially redesigned for adult patrons. Tutors are trained to not simply provide answers but to help Patrons master underlying academic concepts.
- LIVE SKILLS TUTORING: skills building service draws upon the successful skills building model of our K-12 HelpNow service but has been completely redesigned for adult learners who want to go beyond basic homework help to master an academic skill.
- WRITING ASSISTANCE: The Adult Learning Center offers both live writing assistance and an intensive writing lab to help you produce business letters, term papers, job resumes, or any other piece of writing:
- TEST CENTER: The Adult Test Center provides 24-hour access to an ever-expanding library of tests designed for adult learners, including academic skills-assessments, GED tests, and unique U.S. Citizenship Test course, consisting of sample tests and a full audio tutorial. After completing one of our online assessments, you instantly receive your results, broken down by specific skill sets that can be shared with a HelpNow tutor for targeted skills building.
- 24/7 QUESTION CENTER: The 24/7 Question Center is ideal for patrons who have questions outside of service hours or who require a detailed, structured explanation of a difficult academic concept. Simply submit your question (and even attach supporting documents) and you will get a respond within 24 hours.
What’s New @ OverDrive September 23, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: emedia, OverDrive
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I had a training session on Tuesday with OverDrive on What’s New and Coming Soon to OverDrive.
They reminded us that almost all audio books are now compatible with iPods. ePub and PDF formats both work on Sony Readers. They have added new publishers in all formats including Peguin Audio and Scholastic Audio. One neat ebook publisher is Teacher Created Materials. These ebooks contain lesson plans and activities on a number of subjects.
Most of the items have already been added to our site but there are a few new ones coming soon.
- Social Media links – to share a title with a friend via email, Facebook or Twitter.
- Media Console Version 4 - will have new graphic interface, rotating covers, real time updates & alerts and patrons will be able opt in to receive notices for new books by their favorite author or on their favorite subjects.
Want to know more? Attached is the Training Month_Partner Update and the audio link.
Questions asked during the session:
Q: Can an audiobook fit in an iPod Shuffle?
A: Yes, the audiobooks are able to be transferred to the iPod Shuffle.
Q: Are the ratings an average of ratings from our library (our consortium) or from ALL overdrive users?
A: The ratings are based on each Virtual Branch’s ratings.
Q: Can you change your loan period choice after checkout?
A: The loan choice cannot be changed once the titles have been checked out.
Q: Twitter, Face Book, email links — are these a feature we need to request?
A: Your OverDrive Project Manager will be contacting your library’s coordinator shortly.
Q: Will OverDrive iPod-compatible audiobooks work with ITunes 9?
A: Yes, OverDrive’s iPod-compatible audiobooks are compatible with iTunes 9.
Q: Are the Chinese All books in mandarin or another Chinese language?
A: The audiobook titles provided by Chinese All are in the Mandarin dialect. The eBooks are Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
OverDrive and Sony to Promote eBooks from Libraries September 16, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: ebooks, epub, marketing, Sony Reader
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 Sony Electronics, Inc., developer of the Sony Reader Digital Book, recently announced a joint marketing agreement with OverDrive. Both companies will market OverDrive’s network of more than 9,000 libraries worldwide and Sony Reader devices, which are compatible with all EPUB eBooks and most Adobe PDF eBooks offered on hundreds of OverDrive-powered download websites. With this announcement, we can anticipate increased traffic to our ‘Virtual Branch’ website by Sony Reader owners looking to borrow EPUB and PDF eBooks using the Library Finder powered by OverDrive or http://search.overdrive.com. is the new industry standard for eBooks, as accepted by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), and is compatible with Windows® and Mac®. EPUB offers reflowable text to fit any screen size and supports interactive graphics. In addition, Sony also announced the release of a lower cost Reader model, the Reader Pocket Edition™, which retails for $199.99 USD and is available in three different colors. Sony is expected to also release a model featuring Wi-Fi connectivity (Reader Daily Edition™) by year-end. To date, our patrons can purchase the Sony Reader PRS-505, PRS-700, the new Reader Touch Edition™, and the Reader Pocket Edition. |
New Mobile OverDrive Console for Cell Phones September 15, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: cell phones, eaudio books, ebooks to go, OverDrive
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Our library’s download service eBooks to Go (OverDrive) just became even more portable with the release of OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile. Now you can wirelessly download audiobooks, music, and video to your Windows Mobile phone from the library’s download website eBooks to Go and play the titles with the same superior navigation features of OverDrive’s desktop software.
The free OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile application also works with dozens of other Windows Mobile phones. You can find a list of compatible devices can be found on the Windows Mobile website.
And don’t think that OverDrive is going to stop with OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile. This digital book application is just the first in a series of releases for mobile devices that will expand mobility and access to library downloads. They are actively developing additional apps for other platforms. (As soon as we have more news, you’ll hear about it right here.) For now, you can add the Windows Mobile phone console and begin downloading for free from the library anywhere you have phone reception.
New Features for Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos August 27, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: Spanish Encyclopedia, WorldBook Online
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Announcing Exciting New Enhancements to Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos
Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos, World Book’s beginning Spanish-language reference site, will be launched in early September with a new design, new content, and additional functionality.
Key features include:
• High interest, easy-to-read content captivates and inspires learners.
• Search and browse options make finding content easy.
• Dozens of hands-on activities engage different learning styles.
• Spanish-language Web sites and news from around the world make up-to-date information accessible.
• The World of Animals feature allows users to explore a wealth of animal facts, images, and videos, and compare animals side by side.
• A Spanish visual dictionary helps young learners clarify word meanings and grasp complex visual topics in Spanish and English.
• Bilingual browse feature allows users to switch between Spanish and English content
• Articles link to English-language versions of the articles in World Book Kids.
New Literature Criticism August 25, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: literature criticism
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The following titles have been added to Literature Criticism.
Titles
Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol 274
Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol 275
Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism Vol 212
Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism Vol 213
Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism Vol 214
Poetry Criticism Vol 097
Short Story Criticism Vol 124
Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol 219
Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol 220
eLibrary Elementary New Titles August 25, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: archaeologists, archaeology, Biographies, buffalo soldiers, Civil war, history, jazz, maps, Mummies, Pyramids, Space, U.S. Presidents
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The following are new ebook titles which are now available in eLibrary Elementary.
American Journalists: Getting the Story .
Archaeologists: Explorers of the Human Past
Archaeology: Discovering the Past
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, v 3.0
Compton’s by Britannica, v 6.0
Child of the Fighting Tenth: On the Frontier with the Buffalo Soldiers
GeoNova City Maps
GeoNova Continent Maps
GeoNova Country Maps
GeoNova Flags
GeoNova Ocean Maps
GeoNova Province Maps
GeoNova Region Maps
GeoNova State Maps
GeoNova Territory Maps
GeoNova Thematic Maps
Jazz Makers: Vanguards of Sound
Postwar America: A Student Companion
Pyramids
The Boy of Chancellorville and Other Civil War Stories
The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy
The Presidency of the United States: A Student Companion
The Middle Ages: An Illustrated History
USA in Space
Weekly Reader Graphic Biographies Series
Weekly Reader Graphic Histories Series
WorldBook Spanish Encyclopedia August 20, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates, Training.Tags: Spanish Encyclopedia, worldbook
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Below is a short video link which shows you the new interface for Hispanica Saber and all the great content found within.
Click on the Picture to start the video
WorldBook Gets a Face Lift August 19, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases, Databases - Updates.Tags: WorldBook Online
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WorldBook Online has turned on their new interface for us today. In additon to the new look there are a lot of new cool features.
WorldBook Student has been replaced with Info Finder and a new section has been added called Reference Center.
The Reference Center has a host of tools to learn with and use. Includes tutorials on how to use computers and the Internet; A citation builder, build your own timeline and Pathfinders. PathFinders are like our InfoGuides. The contain WorldBook articles, magazine articles, websites, suggested books to read, media and questions.
Info Finder has all new Science Projects and Biography Center which has a great section called WorldBook Picks – lists of most often requested biographies like Famous leaders who were assassinated, Famous Baseball Pitchers, Famous divas, or Notable African-American Firsts.
Animals. From aardvark to zorilla. August 13, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases, Databases - Featured, Databases - Updates.Tags: animals, Grzimek's
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Grzimek’s acclaimed 17-volume Animal Life Encyclopedia is the print standard for conventional animal reference collections. But students and researchers today need dynamic resources that foster discussion and critical thinking. That’s why Grzimek and Gale offer an online solution that sets the benchmark for comprehensive and credible animal information while facilitating interaction.
Grzimek’s Animal Life is a perfect example of the new generation of resources from Gale this fall, designed with users in mind. Constantly updated with facts, figures, news and views, this image-rich resource is a true educational experience where a quick trip to find specific information can lead to the desire to explore and learn more. This fall, users will be inspired by:
- Unequaled coverage — more than 4,000 species categorized by Amphibians, Birds, Fish, Insects, Invertebrates, Mammals and Reptiles, including information on evolution, habitat, behavior, range and more
- Authoritative, peer-reviewed content — updated regularly by a worldwide network of experts
- Ease of use — immersive tools like interactive range maps and an intuitive interface let users discover while also supporting serious academic research
- Media richness — thousands of photos, maps, videos, audio tracks and more
Planned enhancements include:
- Ancillary topics — such as endangered species, biomes, prehistoric animals and others
- Feeling of community — connecting experts, educators and users
- Critical thinking opportunities — nurturing valuable skills needed to truly examine issues and how they relate to others
- Curriculum correlations — content corresponds to National Science Curriculum
Release date is Fall 2009.
Sony Reader and OverDrive August 13, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates, Techology Update.Tags: ebooks, epub, OverDrive
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Did you know that Adobe EPUB and PDF eBooks already in our eBooks to Go (OverDrive) download collection are compatible with the Sony® Reader?
This is good news for patrons who love to read eBooks on the go! It’s a win for “open standards” for eBooks. Sony and OverDrive are promoting the new EPUB (XML) format, so we can offered hundreds ebooks to them. They will be compatible with many new devices in addition to Windows and Mac.
We’re also anticipating announcements later this month from Sony on a less expensive Reader and other lower priced products are expected to follow. The key to this story is EPUB is supported by OverDrive. This is the only eBook format needed and it will eventually be compatible with most portable devices (iPhones, Blackberries, etc.) and many e-Ink readers.
WorldCat Introduces Single Search August 10, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: worldcat
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Your WorldCat search experience just got better! Users can now search all of our OCLC electronic resource services. Integrated search results currently include resources from the library catalog and NetLibrary™ eBooks and eAudiobooks.
The interface for WorldCat Local is similiar to Encore. Do your search then refine it with a variety of tools which include year, language, audience, format and etc.
Give it a try and let me know what you think by submitting your comments.
Gale Databases New Look and Features July 31, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: gale
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Our Gale databases have a new look and a bunch of new features. Take a look at InfoTrac OneFile to view the changes and try it out.
Features
New Lit Critisicism July 28, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: literature critisicism
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These new titles can now be found in Literature Criticism Online -
Titles
Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol 272
Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism Vol 211
Poetry Criticism Vol 096
Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol 218
Worldcat Mobile APP July 27, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates, Techology Update.Tags: finding books, library catalogs, worldcat
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OCLC is piloting a WorldCat Mobile App – a program that makes collections from libraries visible through mobile devices.The WorldCat Mobile pilot allows users to search for and find books and other materials available in libraries near them through a Web application they can access from a PDA or smartphone.
Created in collaboration with Boopsie, Inc., a U.S.-based provider of software for mobile devices, the WorldCat Mobile pilot is a downloadable application that supports many devices, including Nokia, Blackberry and iPhone.
Credo Reference July 24, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: health, medicine, nursing
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Recently updated is the Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professions, from Elsevier Health Sciences found in Credo Reference. This title is “so much more than just a dictionary…the completely revised, bestselling, trusted Mosby’s Dictionary is the all-in-one reference you need to help you make sense of the complex world of health care, from a to zymorphic. It features superior-quality definitions plus full-color illustrations. But that’s only the beginning. Mosby’s Dictionary also includes encyclopedic entries to explain more difficult concepts in depth, appendixes with practical quick-reference information. It’s the ONE reference you’ll turn to from beginning to end!”. It also contains over 4,000 images!
Sonia Sotomayor July 24, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: Sonia Sotomayor
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Biography Resource Center has updated Sonia Sotomayor’s information. In addition to Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the Supreme Court, we now have a full-length narrative biography available (1,354 words for those who are counting).
Databases Going Going Gone July 7, 2009
Posted by virtualnotes in Databases - Updates.Tags: deleted database
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Go Soar (Grolier): end 5-29-09
Mergent: end 7-31-09
Tutor.com: end 7-31-09
