EBSCOhost Mobile App

 

Hi Everyone,

EBSCOhost has a mobile app! 

EBSCOhost databases, an online information resource, is now offering a free app for Android and iPad/iPod mobile devices. Mobile users can take full advantage of their premium EBSCOhost database content, no matter where they happen to be.
The Mobile User Can:
*Choose which databases to search
*Limit results to full text or peer reviewed
*Sort by relevance or date
*Retrieve full-text results in HTML and/or PDF formats
*Save results for offline access at a later date
*Email results to self or others
*Retrieve their most recent 25 search results
*Browse a “cover flow” display of search results
NOTE:  It is necessary to authenticate the app using an EBSCOhost authentication key sent by email to the mobile device.

Downloading the App:
To download your free EBSCOhost mobile app, visit your app store and search for EBSCOhost. 
Follow the prompts provided by your mobile app store to download this free app.

Getting an Authentication Key:
If you are using a computer to access the EBSCOhost site for your authentication key:
Once the EBSCOhost app download is completed, visit the SCDL Database site or your local library's EBSCOhost site location and click on EBSCOhost Databases.

If you are using a mobile device to access the EBSCOhost site for your authentication key:
Once the EBSCOhost app download is completed, visit the SCDL Database site or your local library's EBSCOhost site location.
You will be taken to EBSCOhost's mobile site.
Select an EBSCOhost search preference such as Academic Search Premier.
At the bottom of the page, select Full Site.

For both computer and mobile devices:
At the bottom of the page, locate and click on the EBSCOhost iPhone and Android Applications link. 

An EBSCOhost iPhone and Android Applications dialog box will appear.

 

Add an email address you can access from the mobile device where you downloaded the EBSCOhost app.

Locate the email from the mobile device.

Tap on the authentication key link.

NOTE:  The activation link will expire in 24 hours.

You will be taken to the EBSCOhost app previously installed on your mobile device.



Using the EBSCOhost App:
The Home Screen is the first page you will see when using your EBSCOhost app.


EBSCOhost image from an iPad
Home Page

 

The Home Page:
Search Box:  Tap to activate keyboard and enter search terms.
My Recent Searches:  Tap to open recent searches from this device.
My Saved Searches:  Tap to open saved searches.
My Saved Articles:  Tap to open saved articles. 
Settings Button:  The Settings button will allow you to select the databases you wish to search.  You may use this option before entering search terms or after you have generated a search.

Now What Do I Do?

To search the all EBSCOhost database options, use the Search box located at the top or tap on the Search option found on the app navigation bar.
Tap on the Search box to activate the device keyboard.
Enter keyword search term, author, or subject and then tap Search or the Search icon.
A list of results will appear.

EBSCOhost image from an iPad
Search Results Page

Tap on an item in the results list to view the information.
Tap on the Refine button to narrow the search.
Tap on the Save button to save the search.
Tap on the Keyword Search box to begin another search.

To view an item, tap on the title of the item from the results list and the article will appear.

EBSCOhost image from an iPad
Abstract

Tap on the Save button to save the article to your EBSCOhost app.
Tap on the PDF button to open as a PDF file.  NOTE:  The item will not have a PDF button if this option is not available for this item.

EBSCOhost image from an iPad
PDF file

Tap on the Email button to send the article as an email.

This article is for basic instructions on how to use the EBSCOhost mobile app.  To learn more about EBSCOhost and other library databases, please contact your local library.

Enjoy!
Dee

Gone Digital!

Show Your Spirit

We were asked to create a hat for in-service that "shows our spirit" for the library, our reasons for working at the library, and/or why we love our jobs.  I spent a great deal of time over the last few weeks trying to put all of that on a single hat.  I didn't think that was possible because the list was so long.  I love to learn.  So I thought I should put something on my hat that represented my love of learning.  That would be books, databases, videos and much more.  I like technology.  That would mean putting a computer and other digital devices on my hat.  I enjoy the time I spend with the staff and public.  I know there wouldn't have been enough room for them and the books, the databases, the videos or the digital devices.  I had to think about it for awhile longer.  

It was going to be what I was most proud of in life.  For this, I believe  there are only a few things in life for which you can be truly proud: family, traditions, and your accomplishments.  I don't think it is a secret that I love my family, I follow my traditions with passion, and that I enjoy being a librarian.  Because librarians are so many things to some many people, I didn't think everything could fit on a single hat.  Instead I would need to wear a multitude of hats.  One for the researcher, one for the listener, one for the educator, one for the professional, one for the clerk, the janitor, the Repair person, one for a student, one for the citizen....oh my this could go on for a very long time.  I would be wearing a hat as tall as the Cat In The Hat!  And since I believe in using as little space for storing information and that all people should leave a small foot print, I thought I would simply go digital to let you know what would be on my hat.

Thank you for listening.

Dee

Shazam

 

Hi Everyone,

During the evening, I often times log onto one of our local radio stations to listen to music.  I sit in my comfy chair with a diet pop and a good read or my iPad.  During that time, it never fails, I hear a song that I would like to put in one of my playlists.  Unfortunately, the DJ doesn't always tell you the name of the song or the artist.  This can be an oldies favorite or a new song by a new artists that I would like to listen to again. Tracking it down isn't always easy until I discovered Shazam.

Shazam is a free app available for multiple platforms such as Android and Apple.  It will record a small sample of the music while it is being played and then search for the song and artists.  Once Shazam identifies the title and artist, you have the option of being redirected to the iTunes store, YouTube Videos as well as other site options for purchasing.  I, however, go and search the SCDL online catalog to see if we have it first.  I like to make sure it is really something I would like to buy or just listen to now and again.

 

To check out this month's featured app:

Visit your device app store and type in the keyword Shazam to locate and download the free app.

 

How to use the Shazam app:

1.  Start playing a piece of music from the radio or other source.

2. Open up the Shazam app and tap the launch button.

 

 

3. You will see a Listening screen with a spinning wheel that looks like a record.

 

NOTE:  You must not talk while Shazam is listening to the music. 

4.  After Shazam identifies the song and/or artist a new screen will appear with detailed information about the artists, track preview option, your present and previous searches (tags), purchasing, sharing, and video information.

 

 

5. There is also a Similar option .  Tap it to find other songs and artistics in the same genre.

 

Enjoy the Music!

 

SCDL Library Catalog Preferred Search Option

Hi Everyone,
Would you like to receive an email notification when a new item by your favorite author, music by your favorite group, or perhaps something on a subject that you are interested in has been added to the collection?  You may use the Preferred Search option in the SCDL online catalog for just this very thing.
1.  Begin by going to the Stark County District Library website at www.starklibrary.org. 
2.  Log into your account using the Account Login option found on the left side of the screen.

3.  Once you have logged into your account, click on the More Search drop down arrow and select the Advanced Keyword search option.  (found on the right side of the screen)

4.  You will be taken to the Advanced Search screen of the SCDL online catalog.
5.  Use the following 3 steps to set up your Preferred Search.

• Step 1: Using the Search fields drop down arrow select the type of field and then type in your information for your search requests. 
• Step 2: Select the Material type.
• Step 3: Click on the Go button to bring up your search results.

6.  On the Search Results page, click on the Save as preferred search option.

7.  To ensure you receive your email notification, click on the Return to your record option found at the top right corner of the screen.

8.  Click on the Preferred Searches option found on the left side of the screen.

9.  Check the Email box and then click the Update List button.

 

10.  You will now receive notices via the email account used in your SCDL account when an item has been added to the collection.   

Email sample:

This item is for a hardcover book. 

NOTE: If you don't have an email listed on your account please contact any SCDL location and ask for assistance.

11.  When you click on the link, you will be taken to the SCDL online catalog record for that item.  Follow the prompts to request this item.







2012 Olympics App

Hi Everyone,

Are you a Lazyboy recliner 2012 Olympic expert?  Keep up with the daily events using the Join In app for iPads and other Apple devices.

1. Go to your Apple App Store
2. Search for 2012 Olympics
3. Select the Join In (Free)
4. Then select the Install options

5. Your app will download onto your Home screen

Once you have downloaded your app, you may keep up with the daily events of the 2012 London Olympics.

1. Tap on the event type (bottom screen pane) that you would like to learn the result for that day's events.

2. Narrow the options by tapping on the specific event listed (right screen pane).

3. The event results will appear in the right screen pane.

4. Select another event type and continue with narrowing to specific events.

Now enjoy a quick look into the 2012 London Olympics.

PowerPoint 2010 Using Smart Art Heirarchy for a Family Tree

Hi Everyone,
I'm the family history expert for my family.  Now that the next generation has taken an interest, they ask what have I discovered lately.  Sending a chart of recent family finds can be difficult.  (Everyone is using a different family tree storage option.)  To make it easier for everyone, I've turned to PowerPoint 2010 and use the Smart Art Hierarchy option.  It is easy to use and can be sent via email to those who request the information.  Most of the kids have PowerPoint or an Open Source that accepts PowerPoint.  They can take the information they want or add it to their files for later. 

In PowerPoint 2010 Smart Art Hierarchy, there is an option for photos as well as text.  If I have an image to go with the name, I can easily insert the image using the insert picture option embedded in the text box.
1. Open PowerPoint 2010 and select the Blank Slide option.

2.  Now select the Smart Art option found on the Insert tab and select Hierarchy from the list and use the top, left hand style.  Then click OK.

3.  Once the Smart Art has appeared on your blank slide two new toolbars, Design and Format, will appear.  Select the Design toolbar and in the Layout group select Picture Organization. 

 

NOTE:  The text boxes will change to text boxes that can accept images.

4.  To add text, click on the box you want to add information and type.

5.  To add a picture, click on the picture icon and follow the prompts to add a photo or image to your text box: 1.  Click on Image box.  2.  Select image.  3.  Click on Insert.

Now save your presentation as usual, and it is ready so show.

 

Slide Shark Presentation App

SlideShark

Hi Everyone,
This week's iPad challenge was to find an App for presenting a PowerPoint slide show.  While I tested many, the one that stood out due to easy of use, cost, and storage was Slide Shark by Brainshark, Inc.  Some of the key features include: works with PowerPoint files; preserves animations, fonts, graphics and colors; Tap or Swipe technology; no internet connection required when presenting, presentations are downloaded to the device; share presentation via email or social media.

1.  Locate and download Slide Shark from the Apple App store
2.  The first time you open Slide Shark you will need to create an account
3.  Upload your presentation from your computer using your free online account at www.slideshark.com
4.  Or email the PowerPoint presentation to your iPad or iPhone
5.  If you do not see your presentation in the preview pane, tap the Syncronize button at the top of the screen
NOTE: For an iPad or iPhone you will need a special adaptor for projector viewing

NOTE: Before starting, I recommend taking the short tutorial by Slide Shark.  It will really show you Slide Shark's special features.

Improve Your iPhone/iPad Performance

Have you noticed your iPhone or iPad being a bit sluggish lately?  You might be chewing up memory without even realizing it.  You see, on iPhones and iPads, even when you "quit" an app, it continues to run in the background.  This is wonderful for easy access, but if you have too many apps running at once it could slow down your device.  And if you have never properly shut down an app, it's possibly every single app you have is still running and using memory.  Luckily, closing your apps is a simple process.




1) Press your Home key twice quickly to bring up all your apps that are currently running.  This feature puts your apps in order of most recently used, so you can jump between them quickly.  It is also how you close apps that are running in the background.

2) Press and hold one of the app icons until they all start wiggling and red lines appear on each icon. It should only take a second or two.

3) Tap the red line on each icon until every icon disappears

You have now closed all your apps!  Press the Home key once to get back to your main screen.

Turning your iPod Touch into a Level

Hi Everyone,
I thought I would pass on this little tip about turning your mobile device into a working level (a device used for determining or adjusting something to a horizontal surface).  I know I have had this happen to me many times.  There I am holding a picture up to a wall trying to adjust it.  I know I need a level but it is all the way downstairs.  What I do have is my iPod or cell phone in a pocket or in the kitchen.  Why couldn't it be a level?  Well, it can.


Tim O's Studios Level App

Tim O's Studios Level

There are many free apps for your mobile device including apps that will turn your mobile device into a working level.  Go to the app store for your device, in the search box type "Level."  You may read about the app before downloading by tapping on the icon instead of the Install button.  When you find the one you would like to use, tap on the Install button.  To use the app, tap on the icon that is now on your device.  When the level appears on your screen, use it as you would any other level.  Just be careful, it is still an electronic device.

Deleting Books from Your Kindle Home Screen

One of the many awesome things about checking out a library book for your Kindle is that it is "returned" automatically.  So not only is the book free, but you never have to worry about getting late fees.  However, all those "Your Loan Has Ended" notices can be very pesky on your home screen.  Luckily, they are pretty easy to get rid of.

For Kindles with a Keyboard:

On your Home screen, select the title you wish to delete, as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is selected here.  Using the square arrow key in your keyboard, click the right arrow once.

You will be taken to this screen.  Using the same square button, scroll down to "Remove from Device" at the very bottom and select it.  The title will now be deleted from your device, as easy as that!



For Kindle Touch:


 

On your home screen, touch the title you wish to delete like you would to open it. However, instead of just touching it, you need to touch and hold it for 2 seconds.  Don't lift your finger!


You will see this screen pop up.  You can lift your finger, and this time touch " Delete this Notice" at the bottom of the new box.

Finally, you will see another box up asking you to confirm that you want to delete the notice.  If you are sure, press delete.  Your expired title will disappear!

If you don't know how to get free public library books for your Kindle or Kindle apps, check out this video tutorial created by Stark County librarians:





iPad: Changing your email signature

Have you changed your signature on the email account that you use on your iPad?  Or are you sending items with a signature "sent from your iPad"? 
It is easy to change the signature to something a bit more personal or professional. 
1.  From the Home Screen, locate Settings
2.  Open the iPad settings by gently double tapping on Settings
3.  Tap on the Mail, Contacts, Calendar option from the Settings options list
4.  Tap on the Signatures options found at the bottom of the Mail, Contacts, Calendar options

5.  A keyboard will appear, type the signature that you would like others to see when you send an email.
Now you may press the Home button to go back to your iPad's Home Screen.

Using LinkedIn and Twitter in Your Job Search

It is often said that when it comes to finding a job, it's not what you know, but who you know.  With the explosion of social networking in the past few years, the pool of people who know you, and what they know about you, is expanding everyday.  If you are not already out there on the Internet networking for a job, you should be.  Not only does it help you find jobs, but getting your name out on networking sites and blogs will help you meet people and is an opportunity to show off what you know.  Here are a two helpful networking websites and tips for using them:

LinkedIn

     LinkedIn is a social networking site that allows you to connect with people you know on a professional level.  In the past year LinkedIn's company recruiting feature has seen a huge expansion in usage.  LinkedIn's recruiting revenues are now greater than Taleo and could reach the size of Monster.com within a year (forbes.com).  You can upload job skills, work experience, education and a resume. From the information that you upload, the more than 9,000 corporations on LinkedIn can recruit you.  Some tips:

• The more compete your profile, the more likely it is that an employer will find you.  This means you should include education, experience, skills, current job title, career goal, a profile picture, and get a few recommendations if possible. 
• LinkedIn is NOT Facebook.  Everything you put on LinkedIn should be as professional as possible.  This means no check your spelling and don't use slang,
• Make sure you add an e-mail address and a blog or Twitter is you have one and they are work-friendly.  This will give a chance to show what you know.

If you don't want to wait around to be recruited, LinkedIn also makes it possible for you to search for jobs.

Twitter

     Twitter is a great forum to search for jobs, network with people in your field and stay informed.  Some tips for using Twitter as an engine for job searching:

• Make sure your profile and usernames are professional.  This should really go without saying
• Don't misrepresent yourself. 
• Use hashtags (#) so people that are interested in your field can find you.
• Follow online job boards for constant updates on new positions and general job searching tips. Try:
• Indeed (@indeed)
• Simply Hired (@simplyhired)
• Upload a tasteful profile picture so your profile looks professional and complete.  Customize your profile design to show that have savvy with navigating websites.

Good luck!

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org) is a website dedicated to making public domain writings (generally anything published before 1923) freely available as ebooks. Founded in 1971, it is the oldest digital library, as well as the largest, with over 38,000 items. Books are available in various open formats, including EPUB for Nook and other ereaders, as well as MOBI for Kindle. To help ensure accuracy, Project Gutenberg ebooks go through a lengthy proofreading regimen provided by volunteers at Distributed Proofreaders. Downloading these books to an ereader is a simple process of just a few steps.

1. Go to the Project Gutenberg home page and search for a book by author or title.

2. Click on the title and format to be downloaded.






3. Click on the desired format to download it to your computer. Use EPUB (no images) for Nooks and Kindle (no images) for Kindles.

4. In Internet Explorer, there will be a popup box that gives the option to Save as so that the book will be easier to find later when transferring to the ereader.

5. Connect the ereader to the computer with the USB cord. Then click on the Start menu and go to Computer. The ereader should show up as a device. Drag and drop the book to the ereader. If you're using a Nook, you're done. There's one more step for Kindle users.

6. Double click to open the Kindle. Drag and drop the book into the documents folder.

Always remember to safely eject your ereader from the computer before you start reading!

Downloading/Installing the Kindle app to your mobile device

Downloading/Installing the Kindle app to your mobile device requires a mobile device with an active app store and wireless connection.

1. Locate the Kindle app in your device app store

2. It is a free app but will still require an active app store account to download

3. Follow the prompts for installing the app on your device

4. Once installation is complete, check your device apps for the Kindle icon

5. Now you may read a Kindle ebook on your mobile device using the Ohio eBook Project and an Amazon account.

Look for more information about Downloading Kindle eBooks in future posts.

Dee

Fotopedia.com

HTTP://Fotopedia.com
I found this site while researching sites that would benefit our children's librarians' public programs. The site is filled with beautiful images that may be simply viewed or used for a project. But there is more than just photos, in the magazine portion are articles about the subjects in the photos. No registration necessary to view the photos or articles. So, take a moment and view the content and read about the site and its community of contributors. You may decide you want to be a contributor yourself!

Downloading OverDrive on a Kindle Fire

http://nhdbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/installing-overdrive-media-console-on.html

Would you like to read EPUB books on your Kindle Fire. You will need to install OverDrive Media Console on your Fire. These instructions were found on New Hampshire's Downloadable Books Blog. Enjoy!

Updating the Overdrive Media Console for Windows Media Player

Updating Overdrive Media Console for Windows Media Player
If you are an Overdrive Audio listener, from time to time, you may need to update your Overdrive Media Console for Windows Media Player to continue downloading audio materials.
Prerequisites:
Make sure you have windows media player 11 or later.
Make sure you have an Internet connection.
If it is not installed, install Overdrive Media Console.

--

Now you may follow these simple instructions for upgrading the Windows Media Player Security.

1. Open OverDrive Media Console

2. Once Overdrive Media Console has opened, click on Tools

3. Then select “Windows Media Player Security Upgrade.”

A pop-up will emerge telling you that it will now install the media center
upgrade.

4. Click OK
5. Windows Media Player will connect to the Internet to download the upgrade.
6. You should see a conformation screen verifying a successful install.

Now you will be able to continue downloading your OverDrive Audio Materials.