Wrap Up:
1.  One of the databases that impressed me is the SIRS Discoverer and Researcher.  This is because I haven't used them previously and most of the others I had used.  The SIRS are helpful for students looking for help with homework.  I also didn't realize or remember that WorldCat has the OAIster database for articles.

2.  I will continue to use the databases to assist customers with Auto Repair, studying for exams, ProQuest article searches, and much more.

Geneology:
Basic Exercise:
5.  In Sanborn Maps, the small towns I have lived in were not listed, except for one.  I moved from that town in 1970 and the map showed the 30s - 40s.  I saw the high school, but I'm not really sure if it was in the same location.

Geneology:
Basic Exercise:
4.  In HeritageQuest I searched for "Black River Falls, Wis" where my parents grew up and my ancesteries lived.  I retreived the "Enumeration of soldiers and sailors of the late war residing in Wisconsin  in 1885."   I advanced through the book to the pages that listed my Dad's relatives that served in what must have been the Civil War.  It listed their names, rank, company, and post office.  What is so amazing to me is how many men served in that war.  This book was 392 pages and just listed those living in Wisconsin at that time.

Geneology:
Basic Exercise:
3.  In AncestryLibrary I looked at several Civil War photos.  I find the Civil War fascinating and like to see those old photos.

Geneology:
Basic Exercise:
2.  I searched for my great grandfather, Norman Stanley, of Wisconsin in the 1880 census.   I have searched for him and his parents several times in the recent past.  I found him and his family.  He was 10 years old.  It listed his family members, ages, etc. . ..  I also found that there are state census records for Wisconsin for 1895 and 1905 that include this relative.  I like the link to other census' that contain records about this person.  I love using this resource and enjoyed sharing the information with my Dad who passed away 11 days ago.  I will think of him whenever searching for his relatives.

Geneology:
Basic Exercise:
Searching for myself in Ancestory.com retrieved a list of addresses going back to 1982, however it didn't list my current address where we have lived for 3 1/2 years.  I have used this resource quite a bit and find it fascinating to look up relatives.

WorldCat, CAMIO and More:
Basic Discovery Exercise part 1:
1.  done
2.  I searched for the book I am now reading.   There were 941 books in the first record.  The top library listed is our library, Siouxland.
3.  The call number (class descriptor) is LC: PR9199.3.B37135 and Dewey: 813.54   When clicking on a subject WorldCat retrieves other books and resources with the same subject.

EBooks on EbscoHost:
Basic Discovery Exercise:
3.  When using the PB Publisher search field and the term "Nebraska" the results include any publisher with the word "Nebraska" in the name of the publisher.   Most or all of the book retrieved are published by the "University of Nebraska Press."

EBooks on EbscoHost:
2.  I didn't find many sources that included information about Constitution Day.  I did find the book "Representing popular sovererignty" that discusses this day on pages 14, 17 and 53.

EBooks on EbscoHost
Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  I searched for the terms "vacation deals" and found 48 results.  I selected one of the first books called "Unbelievable good deals and great adventures that you absolutely can't get unless you're over 50"  I looked through a few of the chapters of this book, including a chapter on airfares and one on adventures and package deals.  The airfare chapter brokedown into sections about each of the airlines that offer deals for seniors and outlined the details of these specials.  The Ebooks are easy to manuveur around in, but the publication is dated 05 - 06 so I wonder how relevant the deals are.  We have the same problem with tour guides in our print publications in the library.

Basic Discovery Exercise:
2.  I searched for the terms "Alzheimer's disease" and retreived many results and searched for "Alzheimer's disease research" and only retreived 18 results.  When I read an article about this disease it was from a volume that was published in 2001 and the information was from the 1980s so it wasn't very current or helpful.  I then searched for the terms "zinc in food" and read from the Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health.  I found that zinc can be found in high concentration in oysters, and also in beef, chicken, turkey, milk, yogurt, and whole grains and beans.  I tried the "listen" feature.

Gale Virtual Reference Library:
Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  After looking through the titles within the Gale Virtual Reference Library, I selected the Encyclopedia of Cancer.  I looked through the list of cancers and brought up Multiple Myeloma since my Dad was diagnosed with that last summer.  I saved this article.  This is a great resource and can be used when someone is looking for information on a disease and we don't have much in print.  Also, these medical sources are more up to date than many of the books we have.

Proquest:
Basic Discovery Exercise
1.a.  When reading through others' postings I learned a little about the pollution of the shipping industry and its effects on global warming from Mike's blog, and about prediabetes from another posting.  Both of these topics were enlightening to me.  Its fun to see what others are discovering and the issues that interest them!  I probably turn to Proquest more than any of the other databases since I've been using it for years.  It's been around a long time and using it is one of my favorite things to do at work!

2.  I have used the "publications" search many times in Proquest.  For example, I use it for Argus Leader articles when I don't know the date of the issue and also when I do know the date but we no longer have the print issue at the library.  We keep our print issues for 3 months at our branches.  I also use it for Consumer Reports and refer it to patrons when they use our print issues in the library.  I let them know that they can retrieve this publication and others online.  Its a great way to search for articles when I know the publication and not much more. 

Proquest:
1.  I did a search on the terms "dementia and memory care" and tried to find some information regarding the pros and cons of memory care facilities vs. in home care, and some "quality of life issues" for dementia patients.  I did retrieve many full text articles on this health care topic.  Some were current and some were a lot older.  It's best to narrow down the results when coming up with so much information.

SIRS Issues Researcher:
2.  In the "Curriculum Pathfinders" I selected the topic of "Current Events" found within the course of "Social Studies."  Many articles were retreived, along with topic links, from such places as CNN and current newsmagazines.  There are results from a "Newseum"that offers trivia type questions and answers on current event issues.  Another resource I found interesting is "collect my family folklore."  This section provides a detailed list of questions that could be used to compile a family history, while interviewing family members.  What a great idea for saving family history!  This would be an awesome school assignment, also.

SIRS Issues Researcher:
1.  There were many appealing "leading issues" to choose from.  I selected "Mortgage and lending issues" since I have an interest in investments.   I retrieved 130 current results, mostly from newspapers.  The Reference topic overview provided basic insight into economic issues.  I appreciated the list of  "terms to know" and links to additional resources.  I honed in on the subject "predatory lending" and would recommend that to be taught to high school students and adults alike.  I see people using the library computers and being victimized by a cycle of payday loans.  The research tools included a timeline, global impact, statistics, my analysis, and notes and observations.  A wonderful resource to share!

SIRS Discoverer
2.  (cont)  In "maps of the world" I looked at the Caribbean Sea region to identify possible vacation destinations.  I also looked at the state of Texas to note where our friends winter and the surrounding area.

The additional area in "Database Features" I chose to look at was "Winter Olympics."  There are a total of 184 current articles on the winter Olympics in Russia.  There are many interesting background stories about the athletes.  The discriptor terms listed for each of the articles are links to the other articles about a specific subject.  That is a helpful and fun feature.

SIRS Discoverer:
1.  When searching for armadillos I retrieved a total of 87 articles.  These included many pictures and the lexile scores and reading levels each of the articles.  The reading levels could be determined by hovering over the "book" icon near the title of the article.  The articles contained Fast Facts and the articles could be email to an address.  The citation of each of the articles is provided.  A nice resource and very user friendly!

2.  Using the Database Features in SIRS Discoverer I choose Italy and found a list of major events in the history of the country, as well as vital facts, such as the climate, currancy, government, and more.

3.  I perused the career resources and added  a course to the "My Center" area.  This makes it easy to find if you want to go back to a course to complete or review an exam.  It is also easy to delete them.

4.  I searched the term "GRE" and limited my search to eBooks.  Several books were offered.  I looked through one that contained vocabulary words that could be found in the GRE exam.  It also explains the exams.  I didn't realize there were eBooks in the Learning Express Library.  This is something I will be able to recommend patrons that need to study for exams, since our books are not always available. 

Learning Express Library

1. Setup accounty.

2.  I answered a few questions in the test on Fractions and in a test on Grammar.  I liked the way Learning Express simulates the exams and explains some of the basics of the material before the exam.  Its great practice to see the questions and answers after the test and learn from your mistakes.  I have told many patrons about this resource in the past and have done training on it with the staff at our library a few years ago.  I wish I would have had this available to me when I prepared for the GRE 14 years ago!

Mango Languages:
Basic Discovery Exercise:
2.  I found Mango Languages to be an excellent resource for leaning a new language.  I have tried this tool before.  I like that a learner can begin with very simple, common phrases and repeat any of the lessons or sections as they go or jump ahead if they are more advanced.  Also, the audio clip of the phrases is helpful in leaning prounouciation.  There wasn't anything that I didn't like about it.

Mango Languages:
Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  Before beginning a lesson on a foreign language the user learns where that language is spoken.  This is a vital thing to know before traveling to a new country or learning a new language!  Also, included is a little information about the country that speaks the slected language, as well as photos of the country.

Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  The maintenance schedule for my vehicle, a Chevy HHR, does not list anything that should be done at 25,000 miles, however at 30,000 miles there are 2 things recommended.  They advise inspecting the fuel system and replacing the passenger compartment air cleaner.

2.  The most recent Technical Service Bulletin on my car was May 1, 2008 and was for grinding and/or growling noises in park on an incline.

3.Antilock Brake System

When wheel slip is detected during a brake application, the ABS enters antilock mode. During antilock braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. The ABS cannot, however, increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.

Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  The visual dictionary in the two languages is both fun and educational to explore.  It could be used by anyone interested in learning the French or Spanish language.  It would be easy for a beginner since they can click on the picture of an animal or any of the other pictures and read more about it.
2.  The feature of listening to articles read aloud in Spanish would be very helpful for a learner because they can hear the correct pronounciation of  words as they see them in writing, and they can repeat anything they'd like to hear again.

3.  World Book Online Reference:
When searching the country Italy, the types of information that would most likely be of value to our patrons would include the sections about the land, climate, and history, as well as the link for "Books to Read" about Italy.

1b: World Book Public Library Edition
Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  I searched for dolphin using the search box and found brief, basic information including a few pictures.  The dolphin's habitat was mentioned and there were tools such reading the text aloud and citation listings.

2.  Using the World Book Online Info Finder, a search for dolphins retreived more detailed information about the activities and lives of these sea mammals.  There were more tool options in this edition of the World Book.

Advanced Challenge:
3. E-Book Center
After retrieving the ebook Andersen's Fairy Tales I looked at the related information and tools.  I think the section "Back in Times" is fun to check out since it gives some details about various children's literature that was popular or written during different years.  For example, in 1941, during the war many of the children's books contain war themes.  The historical perspective is interesting to look through.

Advanced Challenge
2.  World Book Student:
In the student section I selected the link to explore South Dakota and retrieved many basic facts about our state.  This would be helpful for anyone wanting to learn about a state or planning to visit.  There is a visitors guide that would be of interest to visitors, as well as a biography section for individuals that have contributed to the states history.

Advanced Challenge:
1.  I selected "Science Projects" within the World Book Kids special feature option.  The intro section explains the basic steps of how to do a project, including how to select, research, and complete a science project.  I think this is an excellent guide to begin with since it can be overwhelming for students and parents to choose and begin such a project.  Students can then select and research from various examples that are broken down into different subjects.

4.  World Book Discover:
Several very helpful and fun features in the Discover Edition would assist patrons that with limited English skills.  By double clicking on a word the definition will be appear.  Also, the information can be translated into another one of many languages, and there is an audio option that will read the article aloud, highlighting the words as it reads.

World Book Advanced:
I searched for Switzerland and found many varied topics of interest on this country where one of Grandmothers originated.  The types of information that would be most pertinent to our patrons include the sections on tourism, communications, transportation, and climate.

World Book Online:
Basic Discovery Exercise:
1.  The mammal I chose to look up was a beaver.  The list of quick facts is age appropriate and user friendly for grade school students, and it includes the natural habitat of beavers along with other basic facts.
2.   As expected in the World Book Student section, a search for a beaver brings up additional information.  There are sections that describe the various body parts of the animal, as well as sections on the life of the beaver and how it finds food and builds a dam.  A video of a beaver and links to relevant magazine articles and web sites are included.  Also, there is a highlight material option and an audio option to listen to the text.  There is a map that depicts where the beaver lives.