NewsBank Enhancements

There have been a few design enhancements to the Newsbank family of databases: America's Newspapers, Access World News and America's Genealogy Bank.

Through a streamlined design and robust new search capabilities, users can easily:
• compare and contrast different perspectives by state, region, country or continent
• refine searches for more relevant returns
• sort by name, date range, location and source type
• limit searches by article word count to filter out news briefs and minor articles

Users receive finely targeted results through unique search navigators that:
• refine results and pinpoint articles by title, date, source type and geographic location
• display topic and events results over time
• uncover differing viewpoints and differences in the way news is presented
• show search terms in context to help users identify the most relevant articles

Other enhancements include:
• an intuitive map that helps users pinpoint searches by location
• an improved toolbox that makes it easy to print, email or cite articles
• context-sensitive help throughout
• flexible tools for exporting citations to programs such as RefWorks, EndNote and ProCite

View a brief online demo of the changes.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Ltd. recently introduced Rosetta Stone Version3, which will replace the Rosetta Stone Version 2 that we are currently using for online access. After careful analysis, the company has decided to discontinue access online for public libraries. As a result, our online access will no longer be available after December 31, 2007, which is when our subscritption ends. We will be investigating other online language products for use in the future. In the interim don't forget about the Pimsleur Language Studies Audiobooks offered by NetLibrary.

The Top 10s of 2007

How about some information fun to finish out the year?


Here are some top 10 and best of 2007 lists from around the Web:

• Top 10 Quotes of 2007 from the Yale Book of Quotations.
• New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2007.
• Billboard Magazine’s 2007 Year End Charts covering all genres of music.
• How about the Top 10 Baby Names of 2007 from the BabyCenter. (You can also get previous year's names from the Social Security Administration.)
• CNET’s Top 10 Games of 2007. See all of CNET's year end lists and reviews.
• Time Magazine's 50 Top 10 Lists of 2007 - the year in news, entertainment, science, business and pop culture.
• Lifehacker’s 2007 Guide to Free Software & Webapps.
• Teens’ Top 10 ( books chosen by teens, ALA)
• The Top Internet Searches of the year courtesy of Google's year-End ZeitGeist)
  

Didn't get enough of 2007? Hungry for more?

Try ResourceShelf's Lists and Rankings Section or your can do a Google Search for "Top 10 of 2007".

New “Visual Search” Option

The research databases provided by Ebsco* now offer a “visual search” option that will let you search and have your results presented in an interactive, visual map. You can change the style of the Result List at any time by selecting either Block style or Column style from the Display Style menu. Never lose track of your search path again; you can easily navigate back and forth through your search results.

Visual Search gives you options for different ways to group, sort, or filter your search - you can select these options at any time – before you run your search, or after, when you are viewing your results.

Use the Collect Articles area to "drag-and-drop" articles that you are interested in. Items that you "collect" will remain there for the current session, unless you remove them.

A comprehensive tutorial will open automatically when you click on the Visual Search tab in any EBSCO database, to guide you through the functionality of the new Visual Search screens.

*The Visual Search option is available using the following databases: MagillOnLiteraturePlus, Psychology & Behavioral Science Collection and the Religion & Philosophy Collection.

Government Statistics - Hot Off The Press!

Several new editions of major US Government statistical handbooks have been released:

Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2008: The National Data Book

The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.

Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information both in print and on the Web

Sources of data include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other Federal agencies and private organizations.

This year’s Statistical Abstract includes 64 new tables covering a variety of currently relevant topics, including:

-Components of Population Change by Race and Hispanic Origin
-Estimated Unauthorized Immigrants
-Public Schools Reporting Crime Incidents
-Selected Security Measures in Place in Public Schools
-Internet Service Providers
-Tobacco consumption by Country and Sex
-Top 20 U.S. Gateways for Nonstop International Air Travel
-Life Expectancy at Birth and at 65 Years of Age, by Sex
-Percent of Household Final consumption Expenditures Spent on food, alcohol, and Tobacco

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition

For hundreds of different types of jobs—such as teacher, lawyer, and nurse—the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you:

-the training and education needed
-earnings
-expected job prospects
-what workers do on the job
-working conditions

In addition, the Handbook gives you job search tips, links to information about the job market in each State, and more.

Ways to use the Occupational Outlook Handbook site: (1) To find out about a specific occupation or topic, use the Search box that is on every page—enter your search term in the box. (2) To find out about many occupations, browse through listings using the Occupations links that are on the right side of each page. (3) For a listing of all occupations in alphabetical order, go to the A-Z Index and select a letter.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is revised every two years.

Career Guide to Industries (CGI), 2008-09 Edition

For dozens of different kinds of industries—such as educational services, health care, and motor vehicle and parts manufacturing —the Career Guide to Industries tells you about:

-occupations in the industry
-training and advancement
-earnings
-expected job prospects
-working conditions

In addition, the Career Guide gives you links to information about the job market in each State and more.

Ways to use the Career Guide to Industries site: (1) To find out about a specific industry or topic, use the Search box that is on every page—enter your search term in the box. (2) To find out about many industries, browse through listings using the Industries links that are on the right side of each page. (3) For a listing of all industries in alphabetical order, go to the A-Z Index and select a letter.

The Career Guide to Industries is a companion to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides information on careers from an occupational perspective.

Tutor.com Holiday Closings

Tutor.com, and all Live Homework Help programs, will be closed on December 25, Christmas Day and January 1, New Years Day, so
that staff and tutors may celebrate the holidays with their family and friends.