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

Natural Standard Trial for Members

Califa is offering member libraries a trial to Natural Standard.

The Natural Standard database is a clinical decision support tool that is designed to help clinicians and consumers on the safety and efficacy of herbs, supplements, vitamins, diets, nutrition, exercise, and complementary practices (e.g., yoga and chiropractic). Natural Standard consists of over 500 internationally world-renowned clinicians and researchers. More than 45 translators translate all foreign language articles for accurate literature capture. The content is first person authored and undergoes blinded multidisciplinary peer review by academics and scientists across the world. Natural Standard does the clinical and patient information for The National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School, Yale, MD Anderson, Susan G Komen, and Mayo clinic among many other prestigious clients.

This resource comes at a great time as many of you may have seen that the Pew Internet & American Life Project just released a report estimating “between 75% and 80% of internet users have looked online for health information.” This estimate is “in line with Harris Interactive’s latest data on health information seekers 81% of internet users; 66% of all adults.”

To access your trial, please email califa@califa.org for login information. The trial will expire Sept 30, 2008.

Books & Authors Webinar

A Webinar on Gale's Books & Authors is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26.

To sign up for this session, please send your name, library, and email
address to califa@califa.org.

Books & Authors is specially designed to complement the browsing habits of today's Web user, integrating easy-to-follow menus that allow users to broaden and narrow their searches according to author, title, series, awards and other criteria. An "if you like" search connects readers to themes and genres that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.