Adults – Page 2 – eLibrary Backstage

Beyond Mango

Post published:May 2, 2025

We all know Mango Languages is fantastic. If you don’t, you can get up to speed here. But did you know about our other language learning tools?

Let’s say you want to learn some Greek, so you head over to Pimsleur, a trusted name in quick and impactful language instruction for over 60 years. The Greek program alone is $19.95 a month! The Pimsleur method is effective, of course, but you’re going to be spending more than $20 getting the hang of the language.

If you are set on Pimsleur, you can head over to Hoopla, where “each lesson provides 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation, and new vocabulary and structures.”

In fact, Hoopla has a fantastic array of Pimsleur options, including English instruction for native speakers of a variety of other languages (English for Arabic speakers, English for Norwegian speakers, etc).

You don’t have to limit yourself to Mr. Pimsleur, either! Hoopla has lots of options for audiobook language learning.

And it’s not just Hoopla. And it’s not just Greek! You can find similar content in our Libby collection.

You can also head over to Udemy for language instruction!

Whether you want to brush up on a new language in time for an upcoming vacation, or you have new neighbors who speak a language new to you, there are so many ways our eResources can support your language learning goals.

-Mary, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Training opportunity with Tutor.com University

Post published:April 11, 2025

Tutor.com is providing us with a new online training platform: Tutor.com University.

This self-directed, interactive course is designed for any and all staff who work with students, adult learners, and job seekers. It guides staff through the patron experience within the platform and provides insights into engagement strategies, helpful tools, and more.

If this sounds like it will be useful in your work, all you need to do is fill in this form!

In the box for “library location,” please list your library’s name. For CLP, please enter your location as follows: CLP – [branch name]. In the box for “Consortium” please list ACLA. Select “No” under the question “Are you a program manager/admin for your Tutor.com Program?”

Tutor.com processes these registration forms on the 15^th and 30^th of the month. Once you submit the form, Tutor.com will reach out with a link to set up your Tutor.com University account. You then have 30 days to complete the learning modules once you’ve started. You can click here to get started with the registration form.

If you think you might need extra time to complete the course, or if you have any other questions about Tutor.com University, reach out to Hilary Lewis or Mary Phillips.

-Mary – Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Make Job Hunting a Breeze

Post published:March 28, 2025

A common request in libraries is for referrals for job hunting resources. What is a useful resource for creating a resume? Where can patrons look for jobs? Does this cover letter look okay?

Fortunately, the library offers plenty of resources to choose from when helping patrons. To assist with resume and cover letter prep, you can refer patrons to the database tutor.com. It offers college and career resources, and can help patrons with cover letters, resumes, applications, interviews, and more. Users can also connect live with an expert for 1-on-1 help or drop off a resume or cover letter to receive expert feedback on their document.

tutor.com ask a tutor or drop of a question image

If a patron is looking for something else, try referring them to Pennsylvania Job Resources, created by POWER Library. This landing page features a number of helpful links, including PA CareerLink, a Resume Builder, and SkillUp PA. These sites contain job postings, information about applying for benefits, free online job skills trainings, and much more.

Erin Weaver, Bridgeville Public Library

New databases, bird flu, and you!

Post published:February 28, 2025

Bird flu! It’s in the news.

Maybe your patrons are wondering about it. Maybe they’ve already transformed into giant chickens themselves! That’s what bird flu does right? I read that somewhere on the internet.

Just kidding! When I go looking for information online, I start with library databases. I love Wikipedia dearly, but sometimes it will lead me astray. Just look at this link! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Flu.

Luckily for me, POWER Library has provided two new databases that can help with health information and much more: Health and Wellness and Academic OneFile Select, both from our pals at Gale. As with other Gale products, they look almost the same but contain different information aimed at different audiences.

Health and Wellness contains full-text articles from medical publications and reference works, but also from more popular, general media outlets with a focus on health information that is approachable for a general audience. Here are the results for a search for “bird flu” with a publication date limiter of the “past month.”

Notice that it leads with four audio clips from various NPR programs. Health and Wellness is for a general audience looking for reliable information that doesn’t get too deep into medical jargon.

However, if your patrons do want jargon, we now have Academic OneFile Select!

This resource is geared toward students, researchers, and curriculum-based learners. It provides access to full text articles across many disciplines, not just health, as well as also vocational/technical training material for students who are studying the trades. A nice complement to BlueCareer!

But back to the chickens. If I do the same search for “bird flu” with that “past month” time limiter, I get results that may not be appropriate for a lay audience but will definitely help with a college student’s research.