Today's Science

Today's Science by Facts on File is a well-produced, fascinating database for students and others interested in science.  The site is geared toward students, with a topic index and a resources index (including a science fair guide and research paper guide).  For the non-student and the student, what was appealing was the section "Conversations with Scientists," in which scientists described their research, why they are interested in their subject, and how they spend their day.  A glaciologist, Ian Joughlin of the University of Washington, recommended taking lots of math and science, as well as english classes.  He "keeps sane" by visiting Greenland and Antarctica every year. Among the others profiled were a neuroscientist who studies the brain and a gerontologist who studies whether calorie restriction can extend lives.  The interviews can be viewed by type of scientist.  This could be inspiring and helpful for young science students.

The body of the colorful site consists of articles on current topics, such as "Diagnosing Disease with DNA."  The articles are full of color photos and graphs, as well as video, and have the added feature of links to the scientists' articles discussed.

For science news presented in an attractive package, Today's Science has much to recommend it.  Home-schooled and other students will find much to like about this site.

--Harry C., Reference

Teacher Reference Center--a Shortcut for Busy Educators

While St. Louis County Library offers excellent databases for academic research, such as Academic Onefile and Academic Search Elite, teachers have their own specialized database.  This database, Teacher Reference Center, allows users to search 280 peer-reviewed journals and obtain either full text or abstracts or articles.

The database features multiple search methods, by boolean search, keyword, whole word, and SmartText search (allows for the search for an entire extract of material).  Teacher Reference Center permits users to search for images, such as graphs and photographs.  A search for "assessment and quizzes" yielded an August 2007 full text article on the value of weekly class quizzes from Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education.  The article concluded that regular quizzes made students more efficient in reviewing their notes from the previous class.

With the growth of online degrees, the Teacher Reference Center allows education students and teachers to conduct research from their home computer or mobile device.  The flexible search methods of the database and its narrow focus save time for educators.

--Harry C., Reference

Value Line update

The Value Line access issue has been resolved. The platform has been updated. Value Line has created videos tutorials for navigating the new site: http://www.valuelinepro.com/videos.

If you need additional assistance, contact the Reference Department at x2050.

Value Line Access Issues

A note from Value Line: 

Please note that we rolled out our new digital upgrade last night and we are currently experiencing some technical issues. There is a chance that you may not be able to access the site or you may have usage issues.

Please know that we are aware of this and we are working quickly to rectify the situation.

We will update you when we have more information.

Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Business Insights Database

Gale's Business Insights Database provides an excellent resource for those interested in learning a company's history, its ranking among peers, and its historical earnings.  Unlike real-time sites like Google Finance or Yahoo Finance, the Business Insights database provides a larger, long-term perspective.  Users can search for a company by name or ticker, industry or topic.  They can compare companies.  For example, the site allows a comparison among multiple companies, by name or ticker symbol.  Comparing medical equipment companies Baxter International, Stryker, and Medtronic in a sales graph shows that Baxter used to be first in sales but was eclipsed recently by Medtronic.  The site also allows the user to generate very specific rankings, such as top manufacturers of dialysis equipment.  Another interesting feature was the rankings tab for companies.  For example, Express Scripts was listed as number 2 pharmaceutical brand, after Pfizer.

Business Insights Database, when used in conjunction with other databases such as D & B Key Business Ratios and Morningstar Investment Research Center, is a powerful tool for analyzing a company on its own or among its peers.

--Harry C., Reference

Value Line Accessibility

We are currently having accessibility issues with Value Line. The vendor is working to resolve the issue. In the meantime, to access our subscription, hover over Research Hub and choose the category you wish to access. If we subscribe, the link will work. 

Value Line maintenance

Message from Value Line: On June 28th, Value Line will be upgrading some of our online services.  Customers who access online the Investment Survey (both the Standard and the Small & Mid-cap Editions), the Value Line 600, and Research Center will NOT be able to access their subscriptions on June 28th and June 29th.  This maintenance window may last as long as 18 hours starting at 10AM ET, June 28th.  We thank you for your patience while we work to continually upgrade your online experience. 

LearningExpress Library reminder!

LearningExpress Library's old platform will no longer be available after June 30. You will not be able to access any practice tests, resumes, etc. that are saved in the old LearningExpress Library so be sure to save anything that you would like to keep.

Ancestry

Ancestry is currently experiencing problems with their website. They are currently working to resolve the issue.

NoveList Plus: Listen-alikes

Are you an audiobook listener? Good news! Now you can find listen-alikes in NoveList Plus. From our Research page, click on Databases A-Z and choose "N." Audiobook recommendations from Novelist will help you find titles that are similar to ones you currently enjoy. You can also preview audio samples and read audio reviews.

American Indian History Online

The American Indian History Online database is an excellent resource for students and those interested in American history.  Publisher Facts on File has prepared a comprehensive database on tribes, events, and individuals.  The database has sections on biographies, events & topics, primary sources, timelines, images & videos, and maps & charts.  The topic centers are further divided by time period and North American culture area.

What is attractive about this database is the ability to look up a biography, such as that of famous Chief Sitting Bull, and link to key events such as the 1887 General Allotment Act for an explanation.  Clicking on such a link results in a superimposed text box, so that the reader does not lose their original search.  The Sitting Bull biography, besides citing in MLA and APA format to its encyclopedia source, also listed three authoritative books on the chief.  Alongside the biography are links to other individuals who related to Sitting Bull, such as Buffalo Bill Cody and the Battle of Little Big Horn.  Another useful feature is the set of tabs at the top of the search result, showing the search result in different sections, such as images & video and maps.

For further research, the database user should also consult the library's Gale U.S. History in Context.  That database has additional sources on Sitting Bull, for example, including academic articles and a New York Times retrospective.

--Harry C., Reference

EBSCOhost network upgrades

On Friday, May 30, 2014, EBSCO databases and services may be intermittently unavailable while network upgrades are performed. The service window is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM CST. You may experience intermittent access to EBSCOhost products and services for the duration of the service window, which is scheduled to end at 10:00 PM CST.

Reference Quick Tip: Hoovers Online

--Tiffany D., Reference

Using ALLDATA to Repair & Check Out Cars

ALLDATA, the automotive repair database, is not just for car repair.  The database can be very useful in making a vehicle purchase. (Note: ALLDATA can only be accessed in the Library.) After selecting the Research tab at www.slcl.org, proceed to databases A-Z, then ALLDATA under A.  The database requires the user to choose the year, make and model of the vehicle.  Assume that a user is deciding between a 2013 BMW 320i Sedan and a 2013 Lexus ES 350, both entry-level luxury cars.

Once they select the vehicles, they will see Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), as a link on the left hand side.  These are sent from the manufacturer to dealers, indicating repair items.  For the BMW, there are 43 items, 22 listed as being of consumer interest.  For the Lexus, there are 22 items, with 2 listed as being of consumer interest.  The database user can read the entire bulletin and see what repairs are recommended.

For those wanting to make their own repairs, ALLDATA provides a menu of vehicle areas, such as accessories, body & frame, and wipe & washer systems.  The user can make a component selection, find repair information, and even find the parts (including OEM part # and cost) and estimated labor for the repair.  The database provides diagrams and repair steps.

For those comparing cars and repairing them, ALLDATA is an invaluable resource.

--Harry C., Reference

EBSCOhost databases [RESOLVED]

We are having access issues with our EBSCOhost databases. It has been reported to our vendor. At this time, there is no ETA for resolution. This post will be updated when everything is back in working order. Thank you for your patience!

Reference Quick Tip: NewspaperDirect Press Display

--Tiffany D., Reference

Finding the Right Doctor Using ABMS Directory

Many callers to Reference ask about a physician's background.  ABMS Directory provides a comprehensive way to find and compare doctors using this helpful database.  Looking for a plastic surgeon to repair a damaged hand who is located near the Headquarters of St. Louis County Library?  Proceed to the library's home page, then click on the Research tab.  On the left hand side of the web page, pick Databases A-Z, then A and select ABMS Directory.  In the search boxes, insert zip code 63131 and select plastic surgery as the board specialty.  31 doctors show up on the list.  Some show subspecialties for hand surgery.  Selecting two for comparison (using the Compare Specialists button), Richard Crandall and Edmond Cabbabe, we find that they are not subcertified for hand surgery.  Returning to the list, we find that Dr. David German is subcertified for hand surgery by the American Board for Plastic Surgery.

In some cases, the site has information on where the specialist trained and went to school.  For a truly comprehensive search, users should check Missouri Case.net, the Missouri Courts website, which allows users to check court cases, such as malpractice suits, involving the doctor.  With all information, the user can make an informed decision.

In conclusion, the ABMS Directory is handy for doctor evaluation.

--Harry C., Reference

eCourses change

Starting on April 21, you may notice a minor change to our eCourses. Learn4Life has been rebranded and will be known as Gale Courses. Everything else will remain the same.

Videos and Tutorials

Are you a visual learner? Do you like to see how things are done before trying them out yourself? If you answered yes then you're in luck, in December 2013, Reference launched a Videos and Tutorials page on our website. If you're a regular reader of the blog, you may have seen these videos. In each video we show you the step-by-step process of accessing the database from our homepage, along with the basics of the database.

To access our Videos and Tutorial page from our homepage (www.slcl.org) click on Research, then click on the link to Videos and Tutorials on the left-hand side of the screen.

We like to showcase commonly used databases along with favorites. Some of our most viewed are “Getting started with Consumer Reports” and “Learn a New Language with Mango.” Keep checking back; more videos are in the process of being created!

--Tiffany D., Reference

EBSCOhost Network Upgrades

On Friday, March 28, 2014,  EBSCOhost databases and services may be intermittently unavailable while network upgrades are performed. The service window is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. You may experience intermittent access to EBSCOhost products and services for the duration of the service window, which is scheduled to end at 10:00 PM.

Are You Ready?

The other day something scary happened…someone I loved faced an emergency. Gram called complaining about headaches and a gas smell permeating from the house. Thanks to some quick thinking and advanced planning, we avoided the type of situation that often results in tragedy. It’s never too late to get started. Taking a few minutes to gather supplies and drafting a plan can mean the difference between life and death. Check out our links to Emergency Preparedness on the St. Louis County Library site.

The American Red Cross – This site contains information about preparing for situations, no matter where and what they are. Use the Red Cross Ready tool to help you plan your emergency plan and kit.

Disaster Assistance.gov – Your direct link to news and resources for the U. S. government about getting connected to help in disaster situations.

Humane Society of Missouri – Protect your animal companions by following this site’s to do list.

Prepared.gov – The U. S. government’s guide to disaster preparedness with everyday tips on taking precautions to live safely.

Food Safety.gov – Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency, such as a flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power.

A little planning could save your life and the lives of those you love. It’s never too late to get started.

--Anna H., Jamestown Bluffs Branch

Reference Quick Tip: Culturegrams

--Tiffany D., Reference

eCourses update!

Our eCourses provider, Learn4Life, has removed the 5 classes per calendar year limit, effective immediately. You can register for new courses using your St. Louis County Library card number at our eCourses site. 

Using Culturegrams to Understand the Olympics

Viewers of the Winter and Summer Olympics may want to understand why certain countries dominate the medals count.  For example, as of February 14, Germany was first in the Winter Olympics in gold medals, followed by Switzerland, Canada and the Netherlands.  For the last Summer Olympics, in 2012, the top gold medal winners were the United States, China, Great Britain and Russia.

The library's Culturegrams database is a good source for learning about the recreation pursuits of countries.  To reach the database, go to www.slcl.org, then select the Research tab, then select databases a-z on the left side, then C, then Culturegrams.  Once in the database, choose the world edition, then type in the name of the country.  In the country's profile is a link for recreation.  This informative database tells us that the most common sports in Germany are hiking, skiing, swimming, cycling, tennis and soccer. In Switzerland, the popular sports are ice hockey, soccer, skiing, biking, and tennis.  For China, the top sports are soccer, table tennis, swimming and badminton.  Those who live in the Netherlands enjoy soccer, tennis, hockey, ice skating and cycling.

One of the best features of this database is that it gives users a sense of what it is like to live in a country.  At the top of each country's profile is a section called "Did you know?"
For the Netherlands, a fun fact is that Christmas gifts are exchanged on December 6, St. Nicholas Day.  Canada stretches across six time zones.

For the curious, as well as students and their teachers, Culturegrams is an invaluable supplement to the Olympics.

--Harry C., Reference

Movie Time

Do you want to find out more about Oscar-nominated films? Along with library subscription databases, the St. Louis County Library Research page has a curated list of useful websites, such as Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Fans of 2013's top movies can find a wealth of information from the library's home page.

Which Best Picture nominee received the highest rating from users of  IMDb? Was it American Hustle, Gravity, Captain Phillips, or Dallas Buyers Club? The highest rated film by viewers was Gravity with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Did you know that the movie is 90 minutes long, the same time that it takes the International Space Station to orbit the Earth?

IMDb also has links to biographical information for actors, directors, producers and others involved with films. An intrepid user can use IMDb to locate similar films to favorite ones ("People who liked this also liked" feature).

For those actors who are deceased, the database American National Biography offers authoritative biographies, along with a bibliography of books about the subject.  The listing for Bob Hope features nine book references and the date of his New York Times obituary. The database Biography Reference Bank features both living and deceased celebrities. The Historical New York Times database and the General OneFile and Masterfile Premier magazine databases allow for exhaustive research on a film or celebrity. With the library's tools at hand, the movie buff will impress all at Oscar time.

--Harry C., Reference

Personalized Reading List

In August, the Reference Department launched a new Readers’ Advisory service called Personalized Reading List for Adults. This service helps readers find the most suitable and most enjoyable reading materials to match their needs and interests. You can find the form on the left side of the “Books, eMedia, & More” webpage on the SLCL website.

The form lets you indicate genre, format, and page limit preferences, as well as tell us about your author and title likes and dislikes or other personal information that may influence your reading choices. An email address is required, but a library card number is not necessary. You will receive your customized reading list, of three to five titles, via email within a week.

So the next time you are looking for a read-alike for your favorite author, or want to explore a new genre, try our Personalized Reading List service.

--Peggy D. and Sarah S., Reference

LearningExpress Library

LearningExpress Library will soon be launching a new platform. The old platform will continue to work until June 30. You will not be able to access any practice tests, resumes, etc. that are saved in the old LearningExpress Library after June 30 date so be sure to save anything that you would like to keep.

Name: Tourist. Destination: Home.

My New Year’s Resolution is to explore the great city of St. Louis in 2014. There couldn’t be a better year than the 250^th anniversary of St. Louis’s birth to see what sights are in store. When I arrived home after living away for some years, I came back to a city in transition. The Grove sprang up overnight. Washington Avenue and downtown living was a reality. Food trucks took over Tower Grove Park. The Peabody Opera House was resurrected.

It’s impossible to go a weekend without finding something interesting to do in this town. Check out your local St. Louis County Library for free events and classes or take a guidebook home. Browse our collection of links to all things St. Louis under the topics: Art, Entertainment, and St. Louis. Some of my favorites include - 

• St. Louis Art - Links to galleries, artists, events and groups in St. Louis. This site does a great job breaking down art by medium, with links to artist websites, venders of fine art, and events throughout the year.
• Explore St. Louis - The official website of the St. Louis Convention and Visitor's Commission, this website features complete travel information for St. Louis visitors and resources and planning assistance for group tour planners and meeting planners.
• St. Louis Zoo - One of my favorite places to visit, this site has all the events and showtimes for the world famous St. Louis Zoo, complete with links to educational resources.

Join us in celebrating St. Louis this year by traveling your hometown! Meet me in St. Louis! For more information about STL250 events, visit the official site.

--Anna H., Jamestown Bluffs

ProQuest Digital Microfilm

Did you know that ProQuest Digital Microfilm provides instant, online access to digitized images of actual microfilm from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and New York Times? It is available through the Research link on the library homepage and the News, Sports and Weather subject guide or the Databases A-Z link 24/7. ProQuest Digital Microfilm provides cover-to-cover page images from both newspapers including all graphics, advertisements and other features of the print edition, but does not provide searching capability. You must select a newspaper (click on select at the top left of the page), then choose a year, month and day. When these are selected, the viewer automatically opens to page 1 of the issue selected. It is perfect to look up a story when you can recall the specific date. It’s like looking at the actual newspaper! It can also be used in conjunction with ProQuest Newsstand which indexes both the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and New York Times to obtain the citation information needed to view specific page images. Pages can be viewed, image readability adjusted, downloaded in PDF or printed. You can view images from the newspapers from 2008 to present, with an approximate three to four month delay.

If you have any questions about ProQuest Digital Microfilm or any of the St. Louis County Library electronic resources, please contact the Reference Department at extension 2050.

--Maria D., Reference

Reference Quick Tip: American National Biography

--Tiffany D., Reference

Pulitzer, Carnegie and Caldecott - Oh My!

There are a number of literary awards given each year, so how do you stay on top of this  information? With the NoveList database, you can easily find award winning and notable books by award name or genre.

To get started, first go to Research from the library’s homepage. Then, choose Literature and scroll down to find NoveList Plus. On the right side of the NoveList home page, you will find a list of resources.  Award Winners is the first choice listed under Professional Resources. The most common awards are listed first; organized by materials for adults, teens and children.  You can view all award winning and notable book lists by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.  Lists are sortable by award name or by genre.

Since I am an avid horror reader, I wanted to locate great books in that genre. After navigating to the awards page, I selected “horror” from the genre list on the right side of the screen. Fortunately for me, there are 18 lists of award winning horror titles.  Not only was I able to read about each award, but I found several titles to sufficiently scare me the rest of the year!

--Stacey L., Reference