New Database Trial: Educator's Reference Complete

Perhaps you remember Tuesday, March 10th when I wrote about a four week trial we were given for a couple of Gale databases, perhaps you don't remember...

Well in case you don't remember be sure to check out my earlier post: Tuesday, March 10th.

Anyways, after this trial we sent our Gale Representative feedback on our experience using their products which was for the most part very positive, we had just a few suggestions concerning the database interface.

Today, I received a phone call and an offer from our Gale Representative to setup another four week trial of the Educator's Reference Complete, this time to preview and explore their updated interface. I encourage you all to visit the library's Database Trial page to see the improvements Gale has given Educator's Reference Complete and send us your feedback.

As for myself, I really like the look and feel of the new interface.

New Database Trial: EBSCOHost Research Starters - Sociology

The library once again has a chance to Sample another great EBSCO database product! Research Starters - Sociology follows the same construction as Research Starters - Business and Education offering users guides in discipline specific topics (By the way the Business and Education trial expire June 30th).

Description from EBSCO

Research Starters - Sociology contains Abstracts, a Keyword List of words pertinent to the articles, an Overview to explain various topics' relevance to sociology, Further Insights/Applications to demonstrate how the points discussed in the overview can be applied to everyday or academic issues in sociology, a Viewpoints/Issues/Discourse section to help the reader develop a critical perspective on a topic, a glossary of Terms & Concepts, a Bibliography and a Suggested Reading list.

This is a limited time trial so please take advantage of this trial and send us your feedback.

MARVEL: Statewide database collection additions for 2009-2010

Announcement from Linda Lord, acting Maine State Librarian:

The only change to MARVEL content for FY10 is the addition of Novelist Plus and Novelist K-8 Plus. These
will start around July 1.

Descriptions:

NoveList Plus is a comprehensive online readers' advisory tool used to search hundreds of thousands of popular fiction and nonfiction titles, and also retrieve author read-alikes, book lists, book discussion guides, and more. It includes genre outlines and online training materials for librarians to familiarize staff with appeal factors, the RA interview, and other aspects of readers' advisory.

NoveList K-8 Plus is a reader's advisory tool designed for librarians, school media specialists, teachers, and parents assisting elementary and middle school students. It includes fiction and nonfiction titles chosen specifically to support the school curriculum as well as the pleasure reading needs of students. It has Recommended Reads book lists, book jacket images, annotations, first chapter excerpts, Lexile scores and popularity ratings. Professional resources include Grab and Go Book Lists (vetted lists of high-interest titles on a variety of curriculum-based topics, segmented by grade level); BookTalks to generate enthusiasm about reading; and Curricular Connections to find resources to help lead kids to books.

These additions were made possible by a $50,000 increase in database funding from the Maine Telecommunications Access Fund (a.k.a. state E-rate). This increase was approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Many folks have asked for these additions, and we are thrilled to be able to provide them in these challenging economic times.

Best, Linda

Ebsco Database Enhancements - Wildlife and Ecology Studies Worldwide

EBSCO Publishing recently announced its acquisition of several NISC databases including our own Wildlife and Ecology Studies Worldwide. This acquisition will positively affect users through the standardization of EBSCO and NISC search fields and indexing terms in the acquired databases.

Users will now experience greater consistency in their search experience while searching EBSCO and former NISC products. Other positives aspects of this acquisition include an increase in the frequency that these databases are updated. Wildlife and Ecology Studies Worldwide will now be updated twice a month, up from just a single monthly update.

This is part of EBSCO's ongoing efforts to streamline the controlled vocabulary and improve users search experiences.