South Dakota Library Challenge: Lesson 4

Lesson 4:  PROQUEST

1.  I did a basic search on “maker spaces.”  I attempted to attend a webinar on the subject last week, but kept getting booted out and didn’t really learn anything, so I thought I’d do a little research on my own before viewing the archive.  My search returned over 105,000 results.  I looked through the first 20, and of those, I found two very relevant articles; one from Library Journal and one from Teacher Librarian.  Maker spaces are currently a hot topic, particularly in library services for teens.  The articles I found were very interesting and I am very excited to learn more and implement some of the ideas when we reopen with our new teen room.

1.a.  I looked at several posts and found an excellent one regarding the search features of Proquest.  I liked the search topic too!

2.  I searched School Library Journal and found that Proquest has full text coverage from January, 1996 to the present.  I skimmed some of the articles in the newest edition of the magazine.  This is a great resource, particularly for librarians who would like to use their reviews but can’t afford a subscription.  Personally, I prefer reading from the physical magazine, and am fortunate enough to have it available at my library. 

South Dakota Library Challenge: Lesson 3

SIRS Discoverer

Armadillos

Picture title: Armadillo: Rolled Into a Ball
Caption: (Credit: CMSP Biology)

Armadillos are amazing!  I had a lot fun exploring some of the 84 articles about them.  The articles covered all ranges of reading levels with most of them being at the moderate level.  The picture above is the most interesting image I found among the graphics.  I knew they rolled into a ball as a defensive mechanism, but I had no idea they could be so spherical!  I was a little disappointed that the Ranger Rick articles do not include photographs and illustrations since they are such an integral part of the physical magazine and what make it so appealing to kids.  The meaning of the text looses a lot without them.

Country Facts

I chose the country of Chile.  The fact page provides a good overview of physical, governmental, and cultural details.  A brief chronological history is presented with links to pertinent topics.  The “Learn More about Chile” link takes you to the Subject Headings Search listing of 23 articles about Chile.  Additional resources are provided through links at the bottom of the page.

Maps of the World

This is an extensive resource!  I looked at different maps of India, the homeland of one of my volunteers.  She is always talking about various places and I wanted to familiarize myself with her country.  I also looked at the historical maps.  These would have been fantastic to have when I was teaching – especially the American History ones.  The outline maps would have been very useful two years ago when we were preparing for the “One World, Many Stories” Summer Reading Program.

Science Fair Explorer

This will be a great resource for the 2014 Summer Reading Program!  “Explore a Topic” offers seven choices and within each there are lots of science activities and experiments that can be done with things found in and around the home.

SIRS Issues Researcher

I chose “Gun Control” and was impressed with the vast amount and timeliness of information.  The majority of the articles were from newspapers and magazines.  The topic overview and pros and cons provide plenty of background and the research tools are fantastic.  The Graphics/Media category is great for visual learners.

It was fun to scroll over the Course Subjects in the Curriculum Pathfinders and see all the related courses.  The word cloud of research topics offers lots of ideas and starting points for brainstorming other possible topics.  I was drawn to the subject of Health and was surprised at the range of topics addressed.  I was thinking of exercise, fitness, and nutrition, but also included are mental health issues and interpersonal communication.  Another great resource I didn’t know existed! 

South Dakota Library Challenge: Lesson 2

Lesson 2:  Learning Express Library

It was very easy to set up an account on Learning Express Library.  I looked at several of the tests and chose to do a Grade 6 Reading Diagnostic test.  The testing experience provided the opportunity to practice many different reading skills within the first ten questions.  The feedback given when the test was scored was very detailed.  Not only was the correct answer shown and explained, there were explanations as to why all the other choices were incorrect.

I chose to explore the Career Course:  Creating Great Cover Letters.  I think this would be very helpful to anyone applying for jobs.  It gives a good overview followed by step-by-step instructions which are detailed, but also easy to read and follow.

Early literacy is always a focus of my work so I searched the term “literacy.”  The results showed six tests, zero courses, and four e-books.  The e-book Think You Know Your Vocabulary looks very interesting.  It claims “a well-developed vocabulary is the single most important characteristic linked to academic and career success.”  I like the format of pre- and post-tests, games and activities, and vocabulary “boot camp.”  I may actually have to check this one out!