ProQuest

I use ProQuest almost daily. It's one of the two general databases that I usually recommend to students by saying "You can almost always find SOMETHING about what you're interested in" in ProQuest.

I don't like the basic search at all, because I typically combine concepts or set limiters. I do like the tabs that separate articles by scholarly or trade magazines or whatever. I also find the limit to full-text to be helpful. I think giving the searcher the option of displaying by date or by relevance is also a great feature.

I do like the "publications" choice as well, as if gives the information about what publications are indexed and their dates of inclusion.

A good source that can help almost any library user.

SIRS

I am a fan of SIRS Researcher . . . it is especially handy for college students looking for pro/con arguments on an issue.

I've never looked at the younger student version, but find that equally useful and easy to navigate. I like how the reading levels are in plain sight, and I also appreciate the breakdown by types of information---newspapers, websites, pictures, etc.

Those darn pandas are so cute!









OK . . . on to SIRS Researcher, my old friend.

I selected "Obesity" from the list of leading issues and found a very rich resource listing pro and con arguments regarding government regulation addressing the issue of obesity in the US.

There's a helpful list of articles broken down by publication type, along with interactive features that give visual demonstrations of facts. I also really appreciate the subject heading suggestions that show related searches.

The curriculum pathfinders could be a useful tool, especially if the teacher or students was trying to decide on a topic. I like the cloud system found there and connections to related topics.

It's a good reminder to look at this database again, and I'm glad to see the edition for younger students is just as useful.

Summer 2010 challenge

Well, it's time to look at World Book. In the kids' version, I looked for information on pandas:

The interface is bright and lively and it assumes most children will browse.

The video of pandas eating was the best part!



The next version is more advanced---Online Info. It provides links to information about pandas, but also includes article on ecology, individuals associated with pandas (Angelina Jolie??), and organizations involved in protecting them.

The side bar lets you navigate to different types of information---charts, videos, encyclopedia articles, and websites.

Tibet is the home of many pandas.





Obviously, the Online Reference Center is a much richer and more complete set of resources, but written at a more adult level of comprehension.

There are some links to primary sources which might be helpful, as well as tables, graphs, "Back in Time" article, and visual materials.


Above is a picture of a Tibetan Terrier. Hard to imagine the Dali Lama with a pooch like that!

Wisconsin and Back

I once read of this important distinction:

Some people are friends of the road.

Other people are friends of the heart.

Holly and I have been friends since 1995 and haven't seen each other regularly since 1996. But our friendship is one of the heart, and even if we haven't seen each other in years, we pick up like our last conversation was yesterday.

We had the added treat of visiting Holly and Charles in their new home in northern Illinois. They spoiled us with a Spanish menu . . . and now we simply must to go to Spain!

50 50 look who's nifty

50 used to seem really old. Now . . . not nearly as much.

Over New Year's weekend, I hope to:

a) Celebrate my birthday (if you're reading this, you're invited!)

b) Finish reading a book. Any book. I'm in a dry spell.

c) More naps. Maybe I am 50.

Cheers!

Chairman Of The Beard

Chairman Of The Beard

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