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