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.