Every once in a while I am going to post some factoids about GPL and it’s services. I call these little factoids (Not Quite So) FAQs because people may not actually ask these questions all that frequently. But, I couldn’t think of anything better. And I hope it’s useful information. So, the first (Not Quite So) FAQ is:

Does the library have wireless Internet access?

Answer: Yes we do. A wireless connection to the Internet is available throughout the building. So bring your laptops, your cell phones, your DSLites and your PSPs. Hang out or study in the teen area and enjoy something to eat or drink from the Red Poppy Cafe. While your here, check out the books, magazines, manga and graphic novels, dvds, and other materials the library has to offer.

Online Photo Galleries

The GPL website now has several online photo galleries including one dedicated to teen programs. You can access the photo gallery from a link near the top of the Teen Space @ GPL page. Click on the words “Photos & Media” then click on Teen Events. Go check it out. Right now there are photos of the Teen Advisory Board and Game On! programs. More pictures will be added in the future.

Fun with Databases Part I

School is back in full swing and everyone has tons of homework.  Guess what?  The library can help you with that.  Not only does the library have books, computers, wireless Internet, and (gasp) librarians (including a teen librarian) – we also have databases.  Say it with me- databases.  GPL has TexShare databases that can help with research papers, history, current events, and English and literature homework among other things.

Databases are different from a general Google or Wikipedia search.

• Databases are better because the resources provided include newspapers, encyclopedias, magazines, biographies, radio/TV transcripts, and primary sources all in one place.

• Not all information on the web is free.  Some of the best information is located in the invisible or deep web inside databases that cost lots of money.  Luckily, GPL and the state of Texas are paying for access to this information for you.

• I know it’s hard to believe, but not everything on the web is reliable.  A website can be made by anyone claiming to be an expert.  It takes time and judgment to look at a website, determine if it’s content is good, it’s sources knowledgeable, and it’s links and references updated and working.  With our databases all that is taken care of for you.

• Finally, many of the databases contain full text – which means you’ll find whole articles there. You’ll also be able to read them online, copy to a USB drive, print, or email them.  And many databases have the citation included and ready to use.

All of which is a fancy way of saying your teachers will be more impressed and will give you a better grade than if you used just Wikipedia and Google.  Wikipedia and Google are good starting points but it are not the end all of web searching.

So, how do you find all this wonderful stuff and start searching?  Go to the library website.  In the green bar along the top, click on Catalog & Online Services.  Then click on TexShare.  Call the library and ask for the user name and password you will need.  Or, go to the library catalog and click on the TexShare Databases picture at the bottom and use your library card and phone number to log in.  Easy.  And did I mention free.  Contact Bethni King for more information or help using the databases.

Fun with Databases Part II will talk about other things the GPL databases can help you with.