Monthly Archives: June 2017

RBdigital Phase One BEGINS!

Yes, it’s finally here! Recorded Books is merging their OneClickdigital and Zinio for Libraries apps into one consolidated platform called RBdigital. Access to their eAudiobooks and eMagazines is now in one consolidated app with much improved navigation. As of TODAY, June 27, Phase 1 has begun! I downloaded my update today, and all went smoothly (thankfully I remembered my password because it required a fresh login – I imagine this will be the biggest issue for patrons…). See details below and be sure to try it out yourself.
  
Phase I: OneClickdigital App
On June 27, 2017, the OneClickdigital App will upgrade to the new RBdigital app. The OneClickdigital app update will happen 1) automatically on June 27, if users have selected to have their apps update automatically, or 2) manually, when triggered by user.
 
If users do not have apps set to upgrade automatically or do not manually update to the RBdigital app, they will be able to use the current OneClickdigital app until a still-to-be determined date. After this date, the OneClickdigital app will no longer be available and patrons will have to update their OneClickdigital app to the new RBdigital app.
 
Once patrons update to the new RBdigital app, they will be able to log in with the same credentials used for the OneClickdigital app. The RBdigital app will have all of their previous checkouts along with stored wishlists, holds, and history, but patrons will have to download the checkouts again.
 
Phase II: Zinio for Libraries App
Starting around July 10, 2017, Phase 2 will begin, transitioning users from Zinio to the new app. Current Zinio users CAN choose to download the new app and move over early, but the notifications for Zinio won’t start until July 10. Look for details to follow!
Heather Auman
Western Allegheny Community Library
Continue ReadingRBdigital Phase One BEGINS!

TrueFLIX

Starting on July 1, patrons will have access to Scholastic’s TrueFLIX through POWER Library.TrueFlixTrueFLIX aims to help students improve literacy skills and build content-area knowledge through enhanced eBooks, videos, audio clips, images, fiction, primary sources, and related websites. Topics range from Ancient Civilizations to Outer Space, and each title includes:

  • Introductory videos that build background knowledge and introduce key vocabulary
  • Read aloud features that help support struggling readers and English Language Learners (ELL)
  • Lesson plans for every unit
  • Project ideas to build research skills
  • More than 1,600 editorially vetted and maintained websites
  • Activity center with games and quizzes
  • And more!

Bonus: Library staff can preview TrueFLIX now by clicking here!

-Sarah McGowan, Mt. Lebanon Public Library

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Flipster is Here!

Starting Monday, June 12, Flipster will be available for our customers!

Popular magazine titles such as Bloomberg Businessweek, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, People, and Sports Illustrated are available for checkout on the eMagazines section of the Allegheny County Public Libraries eResources page.

Read Flipster magazines on your desktop or laptop or on the free Flipster app available for Apple devices, Android devices and Kindle Fire tablets.

Going on a roadtrip this summer? Magazines can be downloaded to the Flipster app and read offline – there are even magazines for kids!

Below are links for training guides for Flipster, including FAQs and tutorials.

Additional training information and promotional materials can be found on the Training Resources section of The Virtual Lexicon.

Happy Flipping!

~ Hilary Lewis Lackner, CLP

Continue ReadingFlipster is Here!

An Apple a Day …

I am a huge fan of MedlinePlus and am constantly referring patrons to it whenever I can. However, it’s not the only game in town. Another great resource is The Merck Manuals.

There are two choices while searching the site – Consumer or Professional. Most patrons will probably only want the Consumer version, but it’s very easy to switch between the two. At the top of every article they let you know which version you are in.

Merck

The site offers a clean, easy to read page while also offering plenty of information including The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary for those hard to understand medical terms.

Merck 1

This is definitely a site to keep in mind when patrons are looking for reliable medical information on the internet.

Tracy
Monroeville Public Library

Continue ReadingAn Apple a Day …