New Product - Ebsco's Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center

We are happy to announce that we now have discounted pricing on Ebsco’s new database, the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center, their newest addition to the collection of Do it Yourself content which also includes the Auto Repair Reference Center, Small Engine Repair Reference Center and Home Improvement Reference Center.

Below is a description of the new Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center. For quotes or trials, please email califa@califa.org.

Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center is a full text database accessible via a custom EBSCO interface designed primarily for use in public libraries. Content in the database includes a collection of core, proprietary articles covering over 140 topics, as well as licensed periodicals, books and video that focus on categories commonly referred to as hobbies and crafts and is available in high-quality PDF format. Features include the ability to search the Hobbies & Crafts interface by category, view all available topics and browse popular resources related to the area of Hobbies & Crafts.

New Califa Vendor: Credo Reference

We are happy to announce that discounts are now available for Credo Reference (formerly x-refer). Information about Credo is below. If you would like more information, a trial or a quote, please email califa@califa.org.

Working with over 60 of the world's leading reference publishers, Credo Reference uses innovative digital technologies to unlock the knowledge value of reference material. By using proprietary technology that integrates information through a network of intelligent, multi-dimensional cross-references, Credo Reference delivers added value to authoritative, highly-respected reference content.

There are over 340 reference titles in the Credo Reference database consisting of an aggregate of 3 million entries all interconnected by over 100,000,000 cross-references. Credo Reference offers each subscribing library the ability to customize the reference service to meet the needs of their users.

Credo Reference features:

* Unlimited, simultaneous and remote user access.

* Interactive features such as dynamic table functionality for world, state, and county statistics, an interactive world atlas, flash animations, videos, poetry/literature readings, over 700 music files, and our critically-acclaimed concept map for data visualization and ideation.

* More than 175,000 images from all subject areas, over 200,000 audio pronunciations

* A citation formatter in APA, MLA, and Chicago formats for all articles.

* "Did You Mean" feature offering suggestions to misspelled words.

* MARC records for all titles, customer training, user guides, and many promoting materials and suggestions.

* Seamless one-click searching into your other library resources using highly advanced meta-technology.

* Web 2.0 compatibility – the ability to bookmark and share Credo Reference content using highly popular services such as Digg, Deli.cio.us, Facebook and many others.

Trendwatching - DIY

The struggling economy means that a lot of library patrons are fixing their own leaky faucets, and changing their own oil rather than paying someone like a contractor or mechanic. Libraries can provide valuable services to their patrons by offering books and databases covering popular "Do it Yourself" projects.

One large library system recently purchased a suite of DIY databases from Ebsco. Their Auto Repair Reference Center has always been popular with Califa members, but this year they added to the options with the Home Improvement Reference Center (covering subjects ranging from how to put up drywall to rewiring your house) and Small Engine Repair Reference Center (lawnmowers have engines too).

Patrons are beginning to learn about these resources at the library, and many systems have seen their usage stats rise steadily this year. Discounted pricing and trials are available for Califa members. For more information email califa@califa.org.

NoveList Plus Webinars

Califa is hosting a webinar on NoveList Plus on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m.

This one-hour session on NoveList Plus will show you the many different ways you can search NoveList Plus, as well as review the robust feature content NoveList Plus offers and how to navigate the new interface.

Please RSVP (preferably by Friday, September 19) to Califa@califa.org:

Attendee:
Library Name:
Email Address:
Phone Number:

For NoveList Plus trial information, please email Califa@califa.org.

Webinar for Natural Standard

Below there is already a blog post on the trial of Natural Standard available to members. Califa will also be hosting a webinar, Thursday Sept 25, at 10am. To RSVP send the following information to Califa@califa.org:

Your Name:
Your Library:
Your Email Address:

Thanks!

Social Discovery Workshop Coming Soon

Introduction to Social Discovery and the Library Catalog

In making everyday decisions, we depend on the judgment and insights of others. Web 2.0 features such as tags, comments, and wikis are neither a frill nor a fad; when implemented in conjunction with the library catalog, social tools capture the judgment and insights of others in order to improve findability, discovery, and reader's advisory services.

Califa is proud to announce a half-day seminar on "Introduction to Social Discovery and the Library Catalog" presented by staff from BiblioCommons, a company that has developed a unique product that embeds social tools into the library catalog.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
10am-12:30pm
Burbank Public Library, Buena Vista Branch
Register here for the Burbank event

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
10am-12:30pm
San Mateo Public Library, Main Library
Register here for the San Mateo event

Cost: $35/registrant