Featured Resources
Fall 2009
Listen to Articles from Journals and Reference Books
A new feature available in several databases from Gale – Academic OneFile, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and Literature Resource Center – will actually read articles for you. Although it is a machine that is doing the reading, the quality of the audio is really quite good. The new feature is called “ReadSpeaker” and you can find the icon at the top of most articles. You can also download an audio version of most articles as an MP3 file for later playback. Please give it a try when you get a chance.
Summer 2009
Bing – Microsoft’s Latest Search Engine
Bing has arrived. Microsoft’s latest search engine (actually they call it a “Decision Engine”) replaces their Live Search product, and it contains some interesting features such as “Smart Video Preview” and “Instant Answers.” Will it replace Google as the search engine choice for most people? It’s way too early to tell, but have some fun by comparing results from both search engines and decide for yourself.
Wolfram|Alpha – A Computational Knowledge Engine
Although not a search engine in the traditional sense, Wolfram|Alpha represents a new way of locating and manipulating data and information. As stated on the web site, the goal of Wolfram|Alpha is, ”to collect and curate all objective data; implement every known model, method, and algorithm; and make it possible to compute whatever can be computed about anything.” If you’re a little unclear what this all means, take a look at the Wolfram|Alpha Overview Video – I think you’ll be impressed.
Spring 2009
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information via DynaMed
Up-to-date information directed at health care providers, clinicians, and patients regarding the H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak is being made available to the CSN community. The information provided by DynaMed will be continually updated as new developments regarding this outbreak occur.
Create MLA Citations Using EasyBib
EasyBib is a free commercial, web-based software program that will automatically generate proper MLA citations for your Works Cited list. There are a number of similar web sites and programs, but EasyBib is the one site that consistently generates accurately formatted citations. But wait, there’s more – with the click of one button, EasyBib will export your citations into a Microsoft Word document. You may never have to type out a Works Cited page again…really.
Information Literacy Online with SearchPath
Do you need help locating quality sources of information for an assignment, but are a little unsure of how to get started? SearchPath (available from the Library Help and Tutorial page) is a web-based tutorial that will teach you how to effectively use library resources for research assignments. There are six individual modules that cover the basics of information literacy, and each module also includes a quiz to test your knowledge. Go ahead and give it a try.
Database of the Month: Vault Online Career Library
In today’s difficult job market, having access to quality career and employment information is crucial. The Vault Online Career Library brings together a wealth of information to help you make better career decisions, and aid in the job search process. From career and industry profiles to sample cover letters, resumes, interview questions, and much more.
