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.