eResource Challenge Week 3 – Databases

Welcome to week three!  We hope you have been enjoying the Challenge so far.  If you’ve missed some challenges, fear not!  You have the duration of the Challenge to submit responses to any of the posts.

Here’s the scenario for this week’s database challenge:

A high school debate team member is preparing for an upcoming tournament.  One of the topics that will be debated is hydraulic fracturing.  The student will have to debate both sides of the issue during different rounds.  Help the student find supporting evidence for both sides of the debate.

Follow this link to complete the challenge.

Continue ReadingeResource Challenge Week 3 – Databases

eResource Challenge Week 2 – Downloadables

Last week, you were challenged to check out a READ format book through the NGC.  This week, let’s learn a little more about that format.

OverDrive READ eBooks are browser-based.  This means there is no additional software to install.  Basically, once a book is checked out, you click on the READ button and the book opens in your browser.  It’s a simple process, but there are a couple of common questions you may get about this new format.  You may find the OverDrive Help pages useful for this challenge.

Explain how to read OverDrive READ eBooks offline.

What solutions can you offer to a patron who isn’t using a compatible browser?

Try out a READ book and tell us one thing you either like or don’t like about the experience.

Follow this link to complete the challenge.

Continue ReadingeResource Challenge Week 2 – Downloadables

eResource Challenge Week 2 – Databases

We hope you all enjoyed last week’s database challenge.  If you haven’t completed the challenge yet it’s not too late!  We will accept responses to all challenges through the end of the competition.  At that point we will synthesize some of the top tips and take-aways and post them to the blog.

Ready for Week Two?  Last week’s database challenge touched upon some biographical information, but let’s take it a step further.

The Scenario:
A middle schooler approaches the reference desk and asks for resources on Roberto Clemente. He has been assigned to write a paper on a figure from Pittsburgh’s history and is looking for age-appropriate information on Clemente’s life, baseball career, and death.

Follow this link to complete the challenge.

Continue ReadingeResource Challenge Week 2 – Databases

eResource Challenge Week 1 – Downloadables

Before we get to the challenge, we want to address some confusion that more than one participant experienced in trying to complete the first challenge.  Several people emailed asking where to submit their response.  The link at the bottom of the post will take you to a SurveyMonkey.  The scenario will be provided again and you should submit your response in the text box below the scenario.  The SurveyMonkey will also provide direct links to the resources you will use to answer the questions.

Now, on to the challenge!

Today we’ll tackle the first downloadables challenge.  This one will highlight what we feel is a great new feature of the Next Generation Catalog (NGC) the eiN is working on.

The Challenge:

In the NGC, search for your favorite genre then limit to the OverDrive READ format and available copies.  Pick a title and go through the checkout process.  Once the book is checked out, go through the process of returning the book, but don’t leave the NGC!

Follow this link to complete the challenge.

Continue ReadingeResource Challenge Week 1 – Downloadables