Today is the first day of the season we call Spring! A search of GALILEO resources brought up zero articles- because I typed "spring sweason". The mind is willing but the fingers do their own thing.
Limiting the search to full text, peer reviewed, a time period, and assorted databases is so easy with the new interface. The clue in the search button on how many databases have been selected is interesting.
Exploring the new interface is not a chore. I keep having "ah ha" moments - like noticing the number changing on the search button as I select more databases.
If you find something unique or intriguing in the "new" GALILEO , please do share.
You may get the password to use GALILEO at home from your Georgia librarian.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Something new
I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the
"new" GALILEO. I think you will enjoy it also. The tabs I spoke of from the "old" GALILEO used to show the topics in a subject area- no tabs now but links are available that do the same thing. It really does look cleaner and tidier. I think it is easier to use - we'll see.
Today the OPAC vendor we use at NMTC (Surpass) provided me with the HTML code to add a search box in GALILEO that goes right to the card catalog. I was also able to use the code on MySpace and the blog to create direct access points to our catalog. I can say very nice things about our vendor.
A lovely day for adding ways that our users can find the resource they need.
"new" GALILEO. I think you will enjoy it also. The tabs I spoke of from the "old" GALILEO used to show the topics in a subject area- no tabs now but links are available that do the same thing. It really does look cleaner and tidier. I think it is easier to use - we'll see.
Today the OPAC vendor we use at NMTC (Surpass) provided me with the HTML code to add a search box in GALILEO that goes right to the card catalog. I was also able to use the code on MySpace and the blog to create direct access points to our catalog. I can say very nice things about our vendor.
A lovely day for adding ways that our users can find the resource they need.
Monday, March 17, 2008
A tip of the day
Something else the GALILEO folks have done is add "tips". It's handy to have the "tips" right next to a choice. You can read what the options are and how best to find the information you need.
Exploring the new GALILEO is a delightful adventure.
You may get the password for home use of GALILEO from your Georgia librarian.
Exploring the new GALILEO is a delightful adventure.
You may get the password for home use of GALILEO from your Georgia librarian.
To tab or not to tab
In my first post I said I had noticed there were "no tabs" on the new GALILEO page.
Well - that's not correct.
The "old" GALILEO had placeholders that looked like file folder tabs. The new GALILEO has a straight box with text links. When you click on a link it highlights that area so it is a "tab" but it's not a "tab"- if you follow me.
This is fun. The folks at GALILEO have worked hard and we will reap the benefits!
Well - that's not correct.
The "old" GALILEO had placeholders that looked like file folder tabs. The new GALILEO has a straight box with text links. When you click on a link it highlights that area so it is a "tab" but it's not a "tab"- if you follow me.
This is fun. The folks at GALILEO have worked hard and we will reap the benefits!
Worth the wait
Today is the day. A day for everyone to be Irish - well, that too.
Last week, GALILEO folks sent encouraging e-mails reminding users that today was "the day". I checked over the weekend to see if maybe another day was "the day" but it wasn't.
This morning, I fixed breakfast, checked my e-mails- delayed, waited, not wanting to be disappointed. When I finally accessed GALILEO I was thrilled to see the new opening page. I was not disappointed - and you won't be either!
What did I notice first? No tabs. Then I saw my name - well, not my name but the library name, on the right side. A link to the NMTC Library page, a link to the NMTC catalog, and a link to Ask-A-Librarian which looks like it will come to me personally (and yes, I wrote a query to test the system). Nice, very nice. The query box reminds me of the InterLibrary Loan forms - clear, complete, and logical.
I'll be spending the day exploring and creating instructional videos to help my patrons find and use the resources for their program.
Happy St. Patricks Day and do enjoy the new and improved GALILEO.
You can get the current password to use GALILEO at home from your Georgia librarian.
Last week, GALILEO folks sent encouraging e-mails reminding users that today was "the day". I checked over the weekend to see if maybe another day was "the day" but it wasn't.
This morning, I fixed breakfast, checked my e-mails- delayed, waited, not wanting to be disappointed. When I finally accessed GALILEO I was thrilled to see the new opening page. I was not disappointed - and you won't be either!
What did I notice first? No tabs. Then I saw my name - well, not my name but the library name, on the right side. A link to the NMTC Library page, a link to the NMTC catalog, and a link to Ask-A-Librarian which looks like it will come to me personally (and yes, I wrote a query to test the system). Nice, very nice. The query box reminds me of the InterLibrary Loan forms - clear, complete, and logical.
I'll be spending the day exploring and creating instructional videos to help my patrons find and use the resources for their program.
Happy St. Patricks Day and do enjoy the new and improved GALILEO.
You can get the current password to use GALILEO at home from your Georgia librarian.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
An exploding star
I'm working my way through the Library Journals that have stacked up on my desk. The Feb 15 issue with the Reference Backtalk article Bibliographic Supernova by Steve Ostrem caught my eye. (I like how I could create a persistent link through Ebsco's Academic Search Complete in GALILEO).
Mr. Ostrem shares examples of "Ranganathan's Fourth Law (i.e., save the time of the reader)" with pithy stories of how GBS tied online resources to his own library.
The linkability of Google Books Search with WorldCat with a library catalog offers the book lover a way to find something interesting and find out where it is!
Mr. Ostrem shares examples of "Ranganathan's Fourth Law (i.e., save the time of the reader)" with pithy stories of how GBS tied online resources to his own library.
The linkability of Google Books Search with WorldCat with a library catalog offers the book lover a way to find something interesting and find out where it is!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Easy reading
A note from Karen Minton at GALILEO:
New interfaces for NoveList and NoveList K-8 are now in production. The new interfaces feature direct access to much of the collateral content that was previously deeper in the site and often overlooked, in addition to more intuitive navigation. Below are some of the new features.
* A single search box where users will be able to enter the author name, title, genre or topic all at once, combining search types for convenience and efficiency
* BookTalks, Recommended Reads reading lists, Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, and other editorial features are directly accessible from the homepage. These features are also easily accessible through tabbed results after a search.
* A browse feature allows browsing for subjects, titles, authors, series, and Dewey numbers
* A revamped and expanded readers' advisory section includes Genre Outlines designed for librarians and a five-unit training series
* Expanded result lists include book jacket images, links to feature content, and more.
* Author nationality, gender, cultural identity, and pseudonyms for key authors in a new author information field
* RSS feeds, easier persistent linking and simplified alerts for keeping current on newly-added titles and content
Go and play- you will need to get the password for home use of GALILEO from your Georgia librarian!
I smiled when I opened this e-mail- the new rep for Ebsco had just been in to visit. Timing.
New interfaces for NoveList and NoveList K-8 are now in production. The new interfaces feature direct access to much of the collateral content that was previously deeper in the site and often overlooked, in addition to more intuitive navigation. Below are some of the new features.
* A single search box where users will be able to enter the author name, title, genre or topic all at once, combining search types for convenience and efficiency
* BookTalks, Recommended Reads reading lists, Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, and other editorial features are directly accessible from the homepage. These features are also easily accessible through tabbed results after a search.
* A browse feature allows browsing for subjects, titles, authors, series, and Dewey numbers
* A revamped and expanded readers' advisory section includes Genre Outlines designed for librarians and a five-unit training series
* Expanded result lists include book jacket images, links to feature content, and more.
* Author nationality, gender, cultural identity, and pseudonyms for key authors in a new author information field
* RSS feeds, easier persistent linking and simplified alerts for keeping current on newly-added titles and content
Go and play- you will need to get the password for home use of GALILEO from your Georgia librarian!
I smiled when I opened this e-mail- the new rep for Ebsco had just been in to visit. Timing.
A birds eye view
Gas prices keep rising - wouldn't it be nice to lift off like a bird to get from here to there?
If you'd like to see what Georgia looks like from the air without spending oodles on gasoline....try the Georgia Aerial Photographs from the Digital Library of Georgia.
It won't be quite the same as seeing the landscape from the air but still - you can imagine the flight!
If you'd like to see what Georgia looks like from the air without spending oodles on gasoline....try the Georgia Aerial Photographs from the Digital Library of Georgia.
The Georgia Aerial Photographs database provides online access to approximately 50,000 black and white aerial photographs and indexes of selected counties from the State of Georgia.
It won't be quite the same as seeing the landscape from the air but still - you can imagine the flight!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Armchair traveler
Spring break begins in a week.
The Times Atlas of World History [G 1030 T54 1993] rests on the map stand beckoning the casual browser. One can imagine a trip through time as well as space by running ones fingers across the pages.
Amazon notes a review from Booklist that begins:
Rest a bit and let your mind wander while you save on gasoline costs!
The Times Atlas of World History [G 1030 T54 1993] rests on the map stand beckoning the casual browser. One can imagine a trip through time as well as space by running ones fingers across the pages.
Amazon notes a review from Booklist that begins:
First published to considerable acclaim in 1978 (revised editions followed in 1984 and 1989), this atlas contains 600 visually exciting maps, 300,000 words of text, and 128 double-page spreads on major themes in world history. This fourth edition is the most radically revised, according to the publisher. Thirty maps have been replaced, and another 29 have been substantially changed. All the drawings that appeared in the last edition have been replaced by photographs.
Rest a bit and let your mind wander while you save on gasoline costs!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Three leaves on a stem
Leland Meitzler at Everton Publishers Genealogy Blog - found statistics on places in the United States named Shamrock!
My first thought was to use the Geographical Dictionary (my 1977 Websters Geographical Dictionary only lists 1 place in the US named Shamrock) but how many folks can lay their hands on a print edition - at home no less.
Then I thought about the World Almanac in GALILEO - no luck there noting locations in the US named Shamrock.
So I skimmed the rest of Leiland's entry- and (well, go read for yourself the sources he used). See if you would have thought to use those sites!
My first thought was to use the Geographical Dictionary (my 1977 Websters Geographical Dictionary only lists 1 place in the US named Shamrock) but how many folks can lay their hands on a print edition - at home no less.
Then I thought about the World Almanac in GALILEO - no luck there noting locations in the US named Shamrock.
So I skimmed the rest of Leiland's entry- and (well, go read for yourself the sources he used). See if you would have thought to use those sites!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Where is a library or bookstore?
If you are a lover of books- when you travel, you might like to stop in and visit with the local librarian or visit the local bookstore. How do you find the local purveyor of books?
The Librarian In Black noted Library Thing Local. This tool gives you the chance to note your favorite venue and see what's available in an area.
Yes, I posted the NMTC Library.
The Librarian In Black noted Library Thing Local. This tool gives you the chance to note your favorite venue and see what's available in an area.
Yes, I posted the NMTC Library.
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Just in from GALILEO
Yes, I am looking forward to the launch! The Beta looks great.
You do need the password that your Georgia librarian can give you!
We are delighted to announce the planned production launch date of the new GALILEO user views currently in beta: Monday, March 17th. As you know, this has been a major effort involving the Community Customizations Working Groups, users, the library staff of all of the libraries, and the GALILEO staff. Thank you to everyone who has contributed -- overall, the feedback has been very positive, and all deserve appreciation!
Yes, I am looking forward to the launch! The Beta looks great.
You do need the password that your Georgia librarian can give you!
It's up!
Not GALILEO-beta (soon...) but NoveList...it did take a bit longer than a few hours but frequently technology changes take longer than anticipated.
NoveList offers a A short video tour to assist you in navigating NoveList. This tour covers the basic features of the database. This file may take a minute to load. We recommend that you view this presentation in full screen mode; use the F11 key in Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to toggle between regular view and full screen view.
I do like the intuitive ease of use. It seems like interface designers are talking to each other so there are commonalities that make going from one vendor to another seamless.
The password to access GALILEO and then get to NoveList is available from your Georgia Librarian
NoveList offers a A short video tour to assist you in navigating NoveList. This tour covers the basic features of the database. This file may take a minute to load. We recommend that you view this presentation in full screen mode; use the F11 key in Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to toggle between regular view and full screen view.
I do like the intuitive ease of use. It seems like interface designers are talking to each other so there are commonalities that make going from one vendor to another seamless.
The password to access GALILEO and then get to NoveList is available from your Georgia Librarian
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Anticipation
Earlier in the week- EBSCO sent an announcement that the interface for NoveList would change in a few days. Today is the day. I looked in on NoveList and was greeted with this message:
I'll check back after lunch. If you're very curious, they offer a beta page.
Announcement to NoveList and NoveList K-8 Customers
Dear NoveList Customer –
We apologize for the inconvenience but NoveList and NoveList K-8 are not available right now while we upgrade our servers to the new version. The product will be unavailable for a few hours.
You should be able to access NoveList or NoveList K-8 again very soon and when you do, you will have access to our newest version with an exciting new interface.
I'll check back after lunch. If you're very curious, they offer a beta page.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Are they reading my blog?
Just got this from EBSCO. Please do go and watch the flash promo, check out the Beta site:
Notice the colors and pictures - I am so pleased. Since they refer to extensive testing, I must not be the only one who was disgruntled with the orange and green interface.We have some very exciting news about EBSCOhost. This summer (July 2008), EBSCOhost will receive a brand new look and feel, based on extensive user testing and feedback, to provide you with the most powerful, clean and intuitive interface available.
This is the first redesign of the EBSCOhost interface since 2002, and its functionality incorporates the latest technological advances.
In future email messages, we will notify you about the wide range of tools and information available to help you learn about the new interface and its many features, and to streamline the transition in July 2008. An overview of EBSCOhost 2.0 is provided in the Flash demonstration here.
(If you cannot open this link, paste this URL into your browser: http://www.ebscohost.com/2.0_flash).
To view the EBSCOhost 2.0 web pages and learn more about its key features, click here. (If you cannot open the link, paste this URL into your browser: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=1&topicID=969).
Stay tuned for additional information about the exciting new EBSCOhost 2.0!
Carmen Agra Deedy
A post from the Georgia Library Association list:
Book Index with Reviews (also through GALILEO) notes 38 titles by Ms. Deedy. BIR has a link to WorldCat right next to the title in the list.
The WorldCat link is very handy for finding the closest library that has the title you're looking for!
You know who can give you the password to use GALILEO at home - your Georgia librarian.
Award- winning author Carmen Agra Deedy whose works include the Library Dragon and Growing up Cuban in Decatur Georgia, has been named spokesperson for School Library Media Month by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of ALA. For more information, see the following ALA link:NoveList in GALILEO provides information (reviews, reading levels, etc)and ideas for Teaching with Fiction. NoveList has 6 of Ms. Deedy's books listed. The link to WorldCat appears after you've selected the title from the list.
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/february2008/deedy08.htm
Book Index with Reviews (also through GALILEO) notes 38 titles by Ms. Deedy. BIR has a link to WorldCat right next to the title in the list.
The WorldCat link is very handy for finding the closest library that has the title you're looking for!
You know who can give you the password to use GALILEO at home - your Georgia librarian.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Well, ahem, well
Yesterday I was a bit miffed that I was paying for Magill and yet I could access it through Student Research Center- well, ahem, well - after phones calls and e-mails with other librarians who share GALILEO - it seems if one pays for Magill it is automatically routed through Student Research Center by EBSCO.
Which brings up the question- why aren't all the EBSCO databases routed through Student Research Center? I don't think of Magill as necessarily appropriate for Middle and High School researchers - more High School than Middle. Auto Repair Reference Center would surely appeal to High School students. I just did a quick look for an "administrator" control. That might be handy. The Librarian could add EBSCO databases to the Student Research Center.
EBSCO can create a colorful interface for their document search. I wonder if they leave the Academic Search Complete interface plain for a reason? Do "serious" researchers prefer the austere look? Probably - because it's not as distracting. Obviously, I'm not a serious researcher since I would like pictures and colors!
You can explore the resources in GALILEO by getting the password for home use from your Georgia librarian!
Which brings up the question- why aren't all the EBSCO databases routed through Student Research Center? I don't think of Magill as necessarily appropriate for Middle and High School researchers - more High School than Middle. Auto Repair Reference Center would surely appeal to High School students. I just did a quick look for an "administrator" control. That might be handy. The Librarian could add EBSCO databases to the Student Research Center.
EBSCO can create a colorful interface for their document search. I wonder if they leave the Academic Search Complete interface plain for a reason? Do "serious" researchers prefer the austere look? Probably - because it's not as distracting. Obviously, I'm not a serious researcher since I would like pictures and colors!
You can explore the resources in GALILEO by getting the password for home use from your Georgia librarian!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hidden resource
Pictures do help with searches. We've gotten accustomed to icons rather than text as a way to communicate information quickly and easily. The red stop sign is a universal symbol, a house for home, you can think of other symbols used regularly to note directions.
I've mumbled about Ebsco's plain and simple text portal to the databases but they can make it "pretty". Check out Student Research Center - aimed at middle and high school. Look at the pictures that help you decide what you want to select.
Most amazing is what I found when I was looking through the titles included to see what was included - and look at what I found :
That is amazing. In Advanced Search you can use the special limiters just for Magill - . And I'm paying for the MagillOnLiterature Plus - harumph. Not next year.
Don't be put off by a title like Student Research Center- there is more in there than the title indicates!
Get the password to access GALILEO from your Georgia Librarian!
I've mumbled about Ebsco's plain and simple text portal to the databases but they can make it "pretty". Check out Student Research Center - aimed at middle and high school. Look at the pictures that help you decide what you want to select.
Most amazing is what I found when I was looking through the titles included to see what was included - and look at what I found :
MagillOnLiterature Plus
MagillOnLiterature Plus, produced by Salem Press, is the premier literary database, combining MagillOnLiterature and MagillOnAuthors. This database includes all the literary works, reviewed critical analyses and brief plot summaries that are included in MagillOnLiterature, as well as all the biographies and author essays included in MagillOnAuthors.
That is amazing. In Advanced Search you can use the special limiters just for Magill - . And I'm paying for the MagillOnLiterature Plus - harumph. Not next year.
Don't be put off by a title like Student Research Center- there is more in there than the title indicates!
Get the password to access GALILEO from your Georgia Librarian!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Search tool
At first glance, I wasn't sure what the benefit of E-Books Index by First Search would be-
yes, it's a catalog of electronic books but I can search through the NMTC OPAC to find the electronic books we have access to....
Then I did a search and noticed- the URL's gave me clues- for example- Heritage Quest. I don't have access to Heritage Quest from my school GALILEO but I do have access through the public library GALILEO.
What a treat - I can look in one place and figure out where to go next for an online book.
Get the password to use GALILEO at home from your Georgia librarian.
provides records for more than 450,000 eBooks that have been cataloged by OCLC member libraries, including titles available from NetLibrary and other providers.
Key features:
.....Links to full-text content: Users can access Web links to full-text electronic book collections licensed by their libraries from NetLibrary and other providers and free resources that are available in the public domain from education, government and commercial Web sites.
.....Links to library holdings in WorldCat. Within E-Books, you can view a list of libraries (or library groups) in your region or state that own specific titles.
.....Searches can be limited to NetLibrary titles.
yes, it's a catalog of electronic books but I can search through the NMTC OPAC to find the electronic books we have access to....
Then I did a search and noticed- the URL's gave me clues- for example- Heritage Quest. I don't have access to Heritage Quest from my school GALILEO but I do have access through the public library GALILEO.
What a treat - I can look in one place and figure out where to go next for an online book.
Get the password to use GALILEO at home from your Georgia librarian.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Green or Blue
On As Time Goes By (a British Comedy on PBS in Atlanta) , Lionel is reading Winnie the Pooh. I plucked my copy off the shelf and began to enjoy again the tale of friends who accept each other- foibles and failings and all.
Each chapter is a story in itself which makes the book a delightful read aloud (for children and adults) . I can't decide if my favorite story is Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in Rabbit's hole and having to diet for a week while Rabbit used Pooh's feet as a towel rack or the process used to decide whether a green or blue balloon would be best to float up to get the honey from the top of the tree?
We don't have a copy at North Metro. I think I'll add it to my wish list. We do have a Children's Literature collection so purchasing the A. A. Milne classic will meet the criteria for collection development (supports the program area).
TV can inspire one to read!
Each chapter is a story in itself which makes the book a delightful read aloud (for children and adults) . I can't decide if my favorite story is Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in Rabbit's hole and having to diet for a week while Rabbit used Pooh's feet as a towel rack or the process used to decide whether a green or blue balloon would be best to float up to get the honey from the top of the tree?
We don't have a copy at North Metro. I think I'll add it to my wish list. We do have a Children's Literature collection so purchasing the A. A. Milne classic will meet the criteria for collection development (supports the program area).
TV can inspire one to read!
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