Yearly Archives: 2011

Customizing and Branding Ebsco Databases to Match Your Library

Did you know that you can customize the user interface of Ebsco databases, such as MasterFile Premier and LISTA, to match your library?  Users who access the databases from within your library or remotely using your unique library barcode will see an interface that is branded with your library colors, logo, links to your library website, and other optional customization. 

Other customizations include multilingual options and the way that search results pages are laid out.

To get started you will need to request a unique login into Ebsco Admin for your library.  If you are an authorized user at your library, please send me an email at shillingd@einetwork.net and I will setup an account with a username and password.

Once you are logged in you will choose the profile you would like to customize. The most commonly used profile is called EbscoHost Web (which includes MasterFile).  But you can also customize other profiles including Novelist and Consumer Health Complete.  Choose your profile from the drop down menu.

Once you choose a profile you will have access to a number of tabs.  To change the site colors, library links, and logo choose the “Branding Tab.”

From there you can choose custom colors, upload logos, and add links to your library website.  Have fun!

Dustin

Continue ReadingCustomizing and Branding Ebsco Databases to Match Your Library

Auto Repair Reference Center

The cost of repairing your vehicle continues to increase – as does the price of purchasing auto repair manuals for the library collection.  These physical books also tend to be quite heavy and unwieldy.  The EBSCO database, Auto Repair Reference Center , is a terrific resource as it gives your patron online 24/7 access to  repair information and content that has been created by ASE certified technicians.  The step-by-step procedures are written specifically for the do-it-yourselfer, but comprehensive enough for professional technicians.

Every major manufacturer for domestic and imported vehicles is represented including auto repair manuals for most vintage makes starting as far back as 1945. New repair procedures/updates are added continuously, and technical service bulletins are added on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Content includes:

•    Coverage of more than 37,000 vehicles from 1945 to present

•    Millions of drawings and step-by-step photographs

•    Approximately 110,000 technical service bulletins & recalls issued by the original equipment vehicle manufacturer

•    Over 180,000 enhanced wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing – (for those who can read schematics – I applaud you!)

•    Specifications & maintenance schedules

•    Labor Time Guide & Estimator

•   Video overviews of auto systems with AutoIQ – (how cool is this?!)

•    Quick Tips (a complete guide to vehicle ownership & maintenance)

•    Diagnostic information

Debi

Continue ReadingAuto Repair Reference Center

Goodreads now a part of the Novelist database

I thought of writing this post after a patron sent an email to me asking if the library would consider training library patrons on the features of  the Goodreads site. I reacted instinctively. Goodreads? what about Novelist, does she not know about that wonderful database?  So now I can happily have a training session that combines the two because…. the Novelist database now includes links to Goodreads, the largest reader’s social network which contains reader reviews and ratings. If you haven’t used Novelist, this database is a great  resource for finding information about fiction titles for all ages. Two Novelist databases are currently available, Novelist and Novelist K-8. 

Links to Goodreads can be found in your Novelist search results and on the title detail page

Goodreads in Novelist

 Clicking on the link to Goodreads in Novelist takes you to the Goodreads review section for that book. If you have a Goodreads account, you can add a review, or if you don’t have one, you can create one from this page. The link to Goodreads opens in a separate window so you can easily return to Novelist.

For more information on this and other new features of Novelist, go to the Novelist Support Center. And take a look at the new Novelist Facebook page for tips on doing things with Novelist you may have never considered.

Ann

Continue ReadingGoodreads now a part of the Novelist database

eBooks roasting on an open fire….

(Reposted from the 11th Stack Blog, with permission from the author.) 

Having trouble choosing the right eBook format? Click on the teeny pictures for a step-by-step guide to checking out an OverDrive ePub eBook. And remember, if you do happen to get snowed in this winter – burn* your paperbacks first. If you burn your eReader, your house will smell like charred plastic for weeks.

– Amy

* No, not really. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh does not condone book burning. Especially not library book burning.

Continue ReadingeBooks roasting on an open fire….