Infotrac Newsstand

One of the best features of Gale’s Infotrac Newsstand is that it provides full text coverage from the New York Times for 1985 to present.  I recently worked on a reference question about the history of the Theresa Hotel located in Harlem.  Gale’s Infotrac Newsstand yielded immediate results that I otherwise would have obtained by using microfilm.

Infotrac Newsstand

Access to content from the New York Times is just one great resource offered by Infotrac Newsstand.  The database also offers full text coverage from many other newspapers both local (The Pittsburgh Post Gazette and The Tribune Review) and those with a more national scope (The Washington Post.)  Additionally Infotrac Newsstand offers full text transcripts from podcasts and from news programs including CNN, FOX, and MSNBC.  Infotrac Newsstand is your go-to hub for all types of news resources.

 

Kate Straccia

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main

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Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy is a great resource full of free courses in a variety of disciplines, as well as test prep and career guidance.

This summer, Khan Academy has also added a Kids version, with apps for Apple devices and beta versions of apps for Google and Amazon. This has been developed for children ages 2 through 6.

khankids

Khan is a trusted name in learning software and this is an exciting development that will appeal to parents, educators, and kids! This would be nice to include as part of school readiness programs and more.

Explore more by downloading the app on Apple, Google (beta), or Amazon (beta) or explore at Khan Academy Kids.

 

Jeff, South Park

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1 million

Overdrive is certainly appreciated by our patrons.

On August 16, 2018 (at 7:00 pm, as recorded by a certain justifiably overjoyed observer), we reached a million check-outs in Overdrive for the year-to-date in Allegheny County.  In 2017, this didn’t happen until October 2, and it was in November back in 2016.  We are on track to reach over 1.5 million for the year.

million 2018

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It’s due tomorrow?? Check Overdrive!

Although Summer Reading has ended and things may seem to have quieted down at the library, services for students are now in full swing. Libraries partner with their local school districts by providing required reading books and other materials, but don’t forget the e-Collection, especially for last-minute needs! A recent survey by Overdrive shows that teachers are increasingly using eBooks and other online materials in the classroom. As a subscriber to Overdrive with a substantial collection, we can offer both teachers and students free access to their library 24/7. When someone comes in needing a book for a “report that’s due tomorrow!” or the like, I will 1) see if we have a copy in stock (they’ll be lucky), 2) see if there’s a copy at a library close by, and 3) see if it’s available on Overdrive. Usually we’ll be able to get them access that day, especially for those who’ve left off their assignments until the last minute and don’t have time to wait for it to arrive in delivery. It’s the perfect time for a “teaching moment” too – I let them know that since they have access to Overdrive and other eResources from home, they don’t have to wait to come to the library next time!

Back-to-school1

Heather Auman
Western Allegheny Community Library

Continue ReadingIt’s due tomorrow?? Check Overdrive!