CNet Review - How do I know what to buy?

Looking for the perfect present for yourself or someone else? Check out our link to CNet Reviews (Research > Consumers). This resource has the latest reviews on new products as well as their “Hottest Reviews” and “Top Review Categories.”  From Camcorders to Wearable Tech, you can find reviews on many tech items here.

For the “Hottest Reviews,” you can glance at the subject headings; price and ratings or you can click on an item of interest and get a more in-depth review. For instance, when you click on Our Favorite Windows Laptop of the year, it lists the good, the bad and the bottom line and a full synopsis as well as quick specifications. The page also details the CNet Editors’ Rating and the Average User Rating.  The price range and the review date are also given.

By looking at the “Top Review Categories” you can pick the item you are interested in and click on it or you can click on Best and the results will be a list of items reviewed.  The review will include the name, price point, stars and a brief description.  More information on that product is available by clicking on the full review.

While this is not the only source for finding reviewed items and it won't tell you where to find the item, it is a good and reliable place to start your search.

Happy reviewing and good luck finding that perfect gift!

--Cindy M., Indian Trails Branch

Help! I need a book!

What happens when you have just finished the last book in your favorite series?  If you are like me, you have a good cry and then you begin your search for another book. Although there are many sources for book suggestions, my personal go-to is the NoveList Plus database for the  Recommended Reading Lists.

To get started, first go to Research from the library’s homepage. Then, choose Literature and scroll down to find NoveList Plus. On the left side of the NoveList home page, you will find several choices for recommended reading lists.  First, select the Fiction tab or the NonFiction tab.  Then, choose the age group you are interested in.  Finally, select the genre or subject. There are typically multiple lists within a genre or subject, depending on what you are in the mood to read.

I do love a good teen book that makes me laugh out loud, so I selected the Fiction tab, the Teen age group and the Humor subject.  I had my choice between Humor, Humourous Short Takes and Humor for Guys reading lists.  After reading the book summaries and various reviews, I made my decision and checked out Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, which promised to be a hilarious read!

--Stacey L., Reference

Using the Oxford African American Studies Center to Research "Twelve Years a Slave"

How can we verify the accuracy and background of the hit film "Twelve Years a Slave," based on the book by the same name? Among the St. Louis County Library's rich African American research tools is the Oxford African American Studies Center, which is available at the Research tab on the library's home page in the African American subject guide section.  The book was written by Solomon Northup (or Northrup) and the top of the database home page has a search box.  Typing in "Solomon Northup" yields a biographical entry for the author.  The entry, taken from the treatise American National Biography, gives a detailed biography of Mr. Northup and additional bibliographic references.  We learn that his book is one of the most detailed and realistic accounts of life as a slave published.  The sale of the book earned him $3,000, which he used to buy property and work as a carpenter. The database features a chapter from the book and 11 related entries on subjects such as slave narratives, kidnapping and the antislavery movement.

This database permits users to search by keyword, biographical subject, for images and multimedia, and for primary sources.  Articles can be e-mailed, printed and cited in either MLA or Chicago format.

For the casual or serious researcher, the Oxford African Studies Center provides a wealth of information in several formats.  It can enhance a trip to the movies, too.

--Harry C., Reference

Reference Quick Tip: Morningstar

--Tiffany D., Reference

Culinary Arts Collection: Dive into Food

Once there was a touch of fall in the air, I began thinking about all the food I wanted to cook for the upcoming Holiday Season. I know Halloween is right behind us, but I don’t think it’s too soon to imagine the mouthwatering pies and scrumptious dish of mashed potatoes I’ll be inhaling in just a few weeks. Enter “Culinary Arts Collection,” a fantastic database with major cooking and nutrition magazines. You can search through thousands of recipes, peruse restaurant reviews, and read the very latest of industry news. If you’re planning to impress your mother-in-law with your amazing cooking skills, you can find menus with recipes for just about any Holiday meal. Considering a new eating lifestyle, vegetarianism, paleo diet, or gluten free? You’ll discover information about it here. The world of food is your oyster! Mmm…that sounds good. I’m going to look up a recipe for Oysters Rockefeller now.

--Anna H., Jamestown Bluffs

Fold3 Access

We are having access issues with Fold3. Our vendor is looking into the issue. I'll update this blog post once it is resolved.

Converting your currency

Traveling abroad or purchasing something online from a country outside the U.S.?

You can use the Currency Converter to figure out the exchange rate for many types of currency. It can give you the conversion rate not only from US dollars but there are also over 150 types of currency to choose from.

For instance, how many pesos would equal $20.00 in Mexico? As of today, that would be nearly 260 pesos (259.7 to be exact).

Additionally, the Market Analysis section gives you an overall view of the North American, European, and Asian markets.

With the Quick Links, you can get a current and historical rate table.

This is an invaluable tool for travel and can be accessed by going to www.slcl.org, click on Research, click Geography and Travel, and then click on Currency Converter. Select the amount, the currency and the currency you would like it converted to then click the arrow; your conversion will appear.

Happy Travels and Conversions!

--Cindy M., Indian Trails