Thing 17. ELM Productivity Tools

EBSCO.

Since I cannot get into ELM, I used the tools to which I have access. I created a webpage in Ebscohost. That is kind of cool. After looking at the sample webpages, it gave me the idea to make a webpage for my faculty workshop scheduled for the end of the month. It is on Information Literacy. The webpage could be a useful tool for engaging the faculty, as they are not always up for the workshops.



ProQuest.

The directions for this were a little confusing. But after going through it a couple of times I got it to work. I sent off a research webpage to a colleague and myself. I don't see myself doing that too much. It was kind of cool, though, and a feature I would not have known about as I don't take the time to fully explore what is available in our databases.



NetLibrary.

I created an account with no problems. I am trying to search, but everything is loading up very slowly. So I decided to start blogging about it while I am waiting. I am forever showing this to my students. We have a small library on my campus. While we can get materials from any of our campuses in MN, WI, ND, FL, or IL along with ILLs from all over, the students coming in for help usually need something yesterday. They are often thrilled to find out that we have this resource where they can access something today.

Still waiting......

Even thought I promote NetLibrary at my workshops, the students don't always remember it. When they come in I ask if they have been in one of my workshops. Most of them have but when I ask them if they remember NetLibrary, they often do not. I even have signs up around the library to promote the service.

Four bars.....

Once I show them how to use it, they are excited. They ask how to cite it, etc. I tell them it is easy, it is just an online book. It helps that we subscribe to Noodlebib, which is a nice tool to help the students compile their resource list. They are often afraid to try it, but when I show them how easy it is, they love it. It is a great time saver, doing all of the formatting for the student and printing up the reference page in correct APA style.

Lookee here...

I finally got somewhere on NetLibrary. I found a page to read and put notes on. Then I signed out and back in again just to see how easy it was to use. It was fine. I don't see myself using it as I am more of a pencil & paper note taker. (Probably why I like the Sudoku books better than the online or hand held games.) Something about the scratching of the pencil on the paper.