Monday, May 20, 2013

Gale Directory Library


The Gale Directory Library (GDL) is a new addition to the St. Louis County Library’s database collection. The GDL allows you to search electronic directories to find the information you need about associations, companies, products and business rankings. You can browse or search a single directory or multiple directories at once.

GDL is a great resource for marketing and business research. Perhaps you are looking to change careers and want to know the best companies in Missouri to work for or the largest companies in Missouri. The Business Rankings Annual Directory provides that information. Maybe you want to send a mailing to health associations in the state. The Encyclopedia of Associations: Regional, State and Local Organizations contains the information you need.

This database can also assist you in your personal life. Do you wish you could remember who made the Go-Gurt snacks that your kids like so much? Brands and Their Companies Directory will not only identify Yoplait as the company you are looking for, but also include a local phone number, toll-free number, address and website. If you want to try a new yogurt brand, choose from the top yogurt brands for 2011 listed in the Market Share Reporter Directory.

Please contact the Reference Department at extension 2050 if you have any questions about the Gale Directory Library or any other SLCL electronic resource.

--Stacey L., Reference

Monday, May 13, 2013

Taking a Ride with Research Pro

For those pressed for time or wanting one-stop research help, the St. Louis County Library research section has turbocharged help in Research Pro.  After selecting the Research tab on the home page, on the left side, under databases A-Z, is Research Pro.

This metasearch engine allows the researcher to view results across the internet and library databases.  Searches can be done by keyword, author, title or subject.  The advanced search feature allows for Boolean searches (and/or).

Assume that a student is searching for Jimi Hendrix materials.   Typing "Jimi Hendrix" in the search box as a keyword yields not only his official website, his entry at biography.com, but images, You Tube videos, and database results.  For the serious student, the article "Castles Made of Sand--a Psychodynamic Interpretation of Hendrix's Life and Music" from the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy may be just the ticket.  For more casual fans, "Readers' Poll:  the 10 Best Jimi Hendrix Songs" from Rolling Stone may satisfy.

Research Pro provides a fast, luxurious ride to comprehensive reference results.

--Harry C., Reference