EBSCO's new visual search

EBSCOhost has recently updated it Visual Search, for the better. It now is Flash-based and no longer uses Grokker or those awful circles. The visual search is more user friendly, but I do not think it makes the quality or relevance review of articles any easier or faster. I think one might be more quick to dismiss an article in the visual search interface versus the normal list interface (I see a study on the horizon). Plus, one is not able to search a specific field unless he knows the field codes (e.g. SO = Journal). I am now contemplating how to teach this search interface during my instruction. View EBSCO's Flash demo of the new Visual Search and try it yourself. Select one of the EBSCO databases (e.g. Academic Search Complete, Business Resource Center), then select visual search.

EDUCAUSE 2008 Horizon Report released

The 2008 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report(PDF) was recently released and it provides quality information to help institutions, faculty, and students to better understand trends in technology and higher education. The report discusses six emerging technologies, critical challenges to higher education institutions, and significant trends. Some of the report restates what is already known, but places the information in context and provides a time line for adoption. This report is always worth the time to read.

Forum Discusses Social Networks

Much has been discussed about Facebook, MySpace, and other social network sites from a number of perspectives. Last week the Economist magazine created an online forum to discuss social networks in education. I think much of the discuss was directed toward K-12 usage, but not all. Is there a place in education for social network software? Are Facebook and MySpace the best programs? Please review the Economist forum and the responses listed below.

• Economist forum on Social Networks
• Response by danah boyd
• Response by John Larkin

Growing Up Online

Tonight PBS' FRONTLINE airs "Growing UP Online"

"MySpace. YouTube. Facebook. Nearly every teen in America is on the Internet every day, socializing with friends and strangers alike, "trying on" identities, and building a virtual profile of themselves--one that many kids insist is a more honest depiction of who they really are than the person they portray at home or in school.

In Growing Up Online, "FRONTLINE peers inside the world of this cyber-savvy generation through the eyes of teens and their parents, who often find themselves on opposite sides of a new digital divide. From cyber bullying to instant "Internet fame," to the specter of online sexual predators, FRONTLINE producer Rachel Dretzin investigates the risks, realities and misconceptions of teenage self-expression on the World Wide Web."

If you miss the TV program, watch it online.

FRONTLINE homepage

Banned Book Week

Sept 29 -Oct 6 is Banned Books Week.

Many books are challenged for various reasons and certain people do not want a book on their public, school or academic libraries' shelves. The Banned Books Week is about to celebrating the freedom to read any book one desires. So read a Banned book and celebrate your freedom to read.

Top 100 Challenged books (1990-2000)*

Top 10 Challenged Authors (1990-2004)*

1. Alvin Schwartz
2. Judy Blume
3. Robert Cormier
4. J.K. Rowling
5. Michael Willhoite
6. Katherine Paterson
7. Stephen King
8. Maya Angelou
9. R.L. Stine
10. John Steinbeck

* Compiled by the American Library Association

Find it @ NSU

The Williams Library has configured a new citation/resource linking technology called SFX. SFX links together the Library's databases and e-journals, making it easier to find online full-text of articles. Students and faculty searching in the Library's research databases can click on the button to find full-text articles.

For example, if you search Academic Search Complete and you see the icon underneath the citation, the article is not full-text. BUT, select the icon and a new window opens as SFX searches many of the library’s other databases to discover if the article is full-text in another library database. If an article is full-text in another library database a direct link to the article will display (though some technical glitches still exist).

If it is not available in any of the library databases, select the Interlibrary Loan link and the library will get a copy from another library (no cost for this service).

*Alternative icon, , is displayed in some databases.

BUS-eum and Book signing

On September 17 the Williams Library will host two events:

• BUS-eum - a 40-foot school bus converted into a mobile museum that will bring the stories of Midwest POWs in Nazi Germany to life. The exhibit consists of narrative display panels illustrated with photographs and documents, audio and DVD documentaries, artifacts and more. Presentation College library and the Alexander Mitchell Public Library are co-sponsors.
  When: 11:30am-2:30pm
  Where: South side of the Williams Library (corner of 14th and Washington)

• Book signing - South Dakota author David Volk will discuss and sign his book Draftee: A Highschool Teacher Goes to War. "Volk shares an altogether original and incredibly vivid account of the Vietnam experience. At times derisive, yet surprisingly tender, the author, a correspondent and combat photographer, introduces a menagerie of crazies and eccentrics—and a few good men." Copies of the book will be available.
  When: 12-2pm
  Where: Williams Library