Blog Post
Gale Virtual Reference
by gargusa
This is an amazing eReference database aimed at a spectrum of users from students to researchers to professionals. Learners of all levels can access over more than 7,000 authoritative full-text articles. The research that is published in this database focuses on these very popular subject areas: Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, General Reference, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, World Studies, Religion, Science, and Social Science. This database was voted as a 2012 best database by Library Journal. Check out this database for your next research project you will love the abundance of knowledge it affords along with the simple and easy to use database interface.
Access to this and any of our other reference databases and resources is available at every branch of the AADL, as well as from outside the library with a valid AADL library card. For access from an outside location, please sign in to your library account, visit our reference database page, and navigate to the desired resource. To access Gail Virtual Reference, go to the Research page, and select Gail Virtual Reference from the Browse Database under subject heading Databases D-G.
Blog Post
A Fun, Brightly Colored Research Database!
by jaegerla
eLibrary Elementary is an extremely useful tool for kids doing research. Offered through ProQuest, this database offers a wide range of articles from magazines, books, and newspapers. Geared towards kids, this highly accessible research tool features a bright, user friendly interface with plenty of helpful hints for young researchers. eLibrary Elementary also provides pictures, maps, video, and audio as well as transcripts of TV and radio shows. While the eLibrary is built to appeal to the Kindergarten - 6th grade set, people of all ages may find this resource helpful.
Access to this and any of our other reference databases and resources is available at every branch of the AADL, as well as from outside the library with a valid AADL library card. For access from an outside location, please sign in to your library account, visit our reference database page, and navigate to the desired resource. To access eLibrary Elementary, go to the research page, and select eLibrary Elementary from the Kids category.
Blog Post
Computer Database
by manz
Use the Computer Database to find technology articles on topics such as telecommunications, computer software and hardware, business and industry, and consumer advice on technological products. This database contains articles, including peer-reviewed, full text, and those with images, that have been published from 1980 to present.
The database is fully searchable by subject, and you can also search for specific publications.
Popular search topics include viruses, hacking, spam, and electronics.
Access to this database is available at every branch of the AADL, as well as from outside the library with a valid AADL library card, or since this is a MeL Database, a Michigan driver's license number can be used instead.
For L-card holder access from an outside location, please sign in to your library account, visit our reference database page, and navigate to the desired resource. To access the Computer Database, go to the research page, and choose to Browse by Name A-Z: A-C, and click on Computer Database. Michigan residents without a valid library card can gain access to this and the many other MeL databases by visiting MeL.org and entering your driver's license number.
Blog Post
Brainfuse Is Here To Help
by jaegerla
Get help with homework or get ahead of the curve with Brainfuse, an online tutoring service. Live tutors are available from 2-11pm everyday to teach students in the subject areas of math, english, science, and social studies. You can even submit papers for comments before they get turned in for grades. This is a truly incredible resource for students from Kindergarten to college. Adult tutoring is offered as well through their Adult Learning Center. Everyone student can benefit from the use of Brainfuse.
Access to this and any of our other reference databases and resources is available at every branch of the AADL, as well as from outside the library with a valid AADL library card. For access from an outside location, please sign in to your library account, visit our reference database page, and navigate to the desired resource. To access Brainfuse, go to the research page, and select Brainfuse from the Student Papers category.
Blog Post
Biography in Context: Research Someone Famous!
by annevm
If you are searching for biographical information about important people, click into Biography in Context. This valuable database offers reams of information on notable people from the past and present. Moreover, you will find news articles to help you place an individual life into historical context. Access to this and any of our other reference databases and resources is available at every branch of the AADL, as well as from outside the library with a valid AADL library card. For access from an outside location, please sign in to your library account, visit our reference database page, and navigate to the desired resource. To access Biography in Context, go to the research page, and select Biography in Context from the History and Biography category.
Blog Post
Finding Grant Funding For Community Nonprofits
by hillary dorwart
This event, which has two sessions (Monday September 12, 2011: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm & Tuesday September 13, 2011: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- both at Pittsfield Branch: Training Center) is now full.
Due to the large demand for this program, we will be offering this again, in a lecture format, in the Downtown Library Multipurpose Room on Monday, December 12 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. There will be no registration for this December session and there should be room for all.
Blog Post
Click on the LearningExpress Library!
by Beth Manuel
Did you know that you can access dozens of practice tests and 150 e-books by going to the LearningExpress Library from our Research Pages? Just click on the Research Tab and then the click on the link that says "Test Prep". LearningExpress Library is the sole item with that heading. You will need an additional log in to access this database to take practice tests. Believe me, it's worth having a look-see for Academic preparation, Civil Services exams, Skill Building for kids and adults and So MUCH MORE!!!
Blog Post
Thinkfinity.org: Free Online Resources for Educators
by fremont
Verizon Thinkfinity is a portal to thousands of free online resources for classroom, after school, and homeschool educators, including teachers, tutors, and parents.
Who develops the resources?
Led by Verizon, Thinkfinity brings together a diverse group of content partners, including ARTSEDGE of the JFK Center for the Performing Arts, EconEdLink from the Council for Economic Education, Illuminations from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Literacy Network from the National Center for Family Literacy and ProLiteracy.
These participants contribute lesson plans, games, interactive activities, and skill-building activities for collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical-thinking for Pre-K through adult learners. These resources are aligned to state and national standards.
In Michigan, the Thinkfinity State Education partner is the Michigan Department of Education.
What resources are available?
- Classroom -- Try the Search box to find resources that suit your needs!
- At Home and After School -- Try the Search box to find resources that suit your needs!
- Professional Development
- Community Building, Discussion Forums, and Organizational Tools
Blog Post
WolframAlpha--New Search Engine That Answers Your Questions!
by elijah
Do you need fast answers and facts? You can always call or visit the Ann Arbor District Library!
...
But this is not an advertisement for you favorite local library. Submitted for your approval is a new type of search engine under the name of WolframAlpha. This engine has new, unusual features. It will try to compile and calculate information for the searcher. Give it a try! Here are some suggested searches to try (courtesy of the website):
enter any date (e.g. a birth date)
enter any town (e.g. a home town)
enter any two stocks
enter any calculation
enter any math formula
enter any two first names
enter any food
enter any measurement
enter any chemical formula
enter any musical notes
If you try these you will find calculations and charts for mathematical problems, statistics from towns, stock comparisons, and more.
Give it a try, then leave comments here on how effective the engine is!
Blog Post
The 100 Best Business Books of All Time
by cecile
Most people pick up a business book when trying to solve a problem. You go to a library or bookstore and find one that seems to address the situation you are in. The problem is, more slop resides in the how-to business section than just about any other category. Even my brother-in-law has written three business books!
The founders of 800ceoread.com have greatly increased the odds of finding a helpful book with The 100 Best Business Books of All Time by Jack Covert and Todd Sattersten. I trust their opinions and examining their selections confirms this trust.
Each chapter focuses on a specific topic and then lists several of the best books, tells you what they say, why they matter and how they can help you.
In a heroic effort to save you time and money, I’ve listed the chapters below so that if you have a specific problem you’ll know right where to go. When your idea turns into a multi-billion dollar industry you’ll know who to thank!
Chapter 1 YOU: Improving your life, your person and your strengths.
Chapter 2 Leadership: Inspiration, Challenge, Courage, Change.
Chapter 3 Strategy: Eight organizational blueprints from which to draft your own.
Chapter 4 Sales and Marketing: Approaches and pitfalls in the ongoing process of creating customers.
Chapter 5 Rules and Scorekeeping: The all-important numbers behind the game.
Chapter 6 Management: Guiding and directing the people around you.
Chapter 7 Biographies: Seven lives. Unlimited lessons.
Chapter 8 Entrepreneurship: Seven guides to the passion and practicality necessary for any new venture.
Chapter 9 Narratives: Six industry tales of both fortune and failure.
Chapter 10 Big Ideas: The future of business books lies here.
Chapter 10 Takeaways: What everyone is looking for.