Friday, December 19, 2014

Zinio - New Year, New Titles Added!


In case you didn't know, Zinio digital (and downloadable) magazines are one of the most popular items in the eCollection basket. This is likely to continue in 2015 because the Collection Development folks just added 20 new titles which are sure to please. You can find these already appearing on our Zinio collection page, where holdings will begin with the current issue (no backfile.)  If you start with our own Zinio page, you can click on the link to see the PDF list of all current titles. Tip:  this is a fast way to tell if we're currently receiving a certain title or not.  Here are the new titles:

Allure
The Artist's Magazine
Brides

Conde Nast Traveler

Diabetes Forecast

FamilyFun

Games

Glamour

Harper's Bazaar

HGTV Magazine

KIWI Magazine

Lucky

The New Yorker

SELF

TV Guide Magazine

Teen Vogue

Vanity Fair

Vogue

WIRED

Writer's Digest


Of course, we see other titles going away...although in Zinio fashion they will still appear on our Zinio site with back issues only.  These were either withdrawn by the publisher or dropped due to very low usage:

Bloomberg Businessweek-Europe Edition
chickaDEE   
Cosmopolitan en Espanol
Familia Saludable
Girls' Life
Good Housekeeping-BuenHogar
Interweave Knits

Ladies Home Journal 
Nation
Publishers Weekly
Quien    
Scholastic Parent & Child
Ser Padres
Seventeen - Mexico
Vanidades USA
Vibe Magazine

Once you get used to it, checking out and downloading magazines doesn't seem so tricky.  But if you've never done it -- be sure to check out our own Zinio page -- and download the Zinio Step by Step handout before you start.

For patrons who might need help getting started--let them know they can book a Tech Help appointment. (And when you want to find that booking page--remember to click on the Ask a Librarian website link at the upper right corner.)

Me, I'm busy reading the latest issue of the New Yorker on my Kindle Fire--woo hoo!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

What the heck is my "OverDrive Account?"

OverDrive tip for patrons who ask - what's my OverDrive Account?
It's something new....when you install the latest version of the OverDrive app Android, Chromebook, iOS, or Windows 8, you'll be required to sign in or sign up for an OverDrive account--and THEN sign in.


Does an OverDrive account replace my library card or account?
No. Even after you create an OverDrive account, you'll still need a library account and your library card to borrow the titles from our library's digital collection. When you create this account, it should send an email verification to the address you used.  NOTE for parents:  " By clicking "Sign up," you are confirming that you’re 13 or older and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions."

The quickest way to reach our OverDrive site? When guiding patrons, tell them to start at the Library website, mouse over the upper right corner and choose My eAccounts, and click on OverDrive.

The Good news about the new OverDrive account
When you create an OverDrive account AND then Sign in from the app on your device, it will automatically authorize your device with an Adobe ID. More   Plus it does have some handy features like saving a search for your favorite author, or searching for a title across all the area libraries where you have a card -- or by geographic region.


You can also Opt In to receive emails from OverDrive.com about new titles coming out in your favorite genre. Just remember that not every title gets purchased by our Library. You have to Sign In to a special OverDrive site for these features:  https://www.overdrive.com/

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Reference USA - Issues with "Save Search" Remotely




Reference USA has introduced new personalization features, which include the option for the patron to Save Searches.






To be able to save a search, users must first create a free account with Reference USA.


While this is NOT occurring in the Library when patrons access the Reference USA database...AT HOME, patrons may see an error message for Unauthorized Access -- or they just can't complete the Save Search function.


This is a known issue with our vendor and our proxy server. We are considering our options for resolving the issue.







If patrons report this problem, explain they can come in to the Library and use a Library PC to access Reference USA and create their account and save any searches. Later, at home, they can access those saved searches and use the other personalization features like a Single Searchbox, or building a List.




Monday, July 28, 2014

Value Line - Getting Used to the New Site

Even if you never use it yourself, if you ever talk to a patron, you should know about the changes to the new online site for Value Line -- so you can help patrons!  It's completely different in terms navigating around it, and how patrons can see what they want to see.

Important things to know: 

1.  The "online" version of the good old print Value Line Investment Survey is gone.

2. Patrons *can* find the familiar Company Report "one-pager"  with a name or ticker symbol search, from upper right corner.

3. Let patrons know they can also download a Tip Sheet for finding company reports and industry info.  You can print some for your branch too  :)

For more details - see the updated Topic Guide - and do you can direct patrons here:http://library.arlingtonva.libguides.com/valueline   The Tip Sheet is found on here in the box at the upper right.

Any questions?  Ask Sally at x5950



Thursday, July 03, 2014

Access is Everything!

New System for Patron access to most Premium Sites, as well as Gale or EBSCO eBooks found in the Catalog. IMPORTANT - With the new system is a new Login Screen!

Until June 24th, users could actually use the familiar Library Account screen and even enter their Username and PIN to Login to a Premium Site.  BUT ever since June 25th  things are different. Users cannot first Login to their Library Account and then directly access a database like Value Line or Mango.  Logging in to their Library Account doesn’t matter now, in the case of Premium Sites. And Usernames are now a NoNo - Card Number and PIN required.

What Else is Different
The new screens look distinctly different in color and wording than the familiar screen patrons use to Login to their Library Account.

Users *must* use the links on the Premium Sites page or Kids Homework pages, OR the menu on the Research Portal or Kids Homework - and enter their Card Number and PIN. No logging in to My Account then going to the link for Mango and getting passed right into Mango Languages.


But the new system provides a very nice bonus--once the patron has successfully Logged onto a site like Morningstar with their Library Card and PIN….they won’t need to enter their information again, when they choose a different resource from the Premium Sites or Research Portal pages. In fact, depending on how their own computer/device retains cookies, they may not be asked for Card Number and PIN again for some time. 


Outside the Library
, you
should see this screen, after clicking a link on the Research Portal or Premium Sites page...or links to some eBooks shown in the Catalog 


If you happen to make a typo – you should see this ...
So TRY AGAIN! 



Still having problems? 


Delete Web Browser Cookies

Sometimes previous cookies are invalidated and the information in the cookie itself sometimes can cause problems when trying to connect. Try deleting your cookies.
Follow these steps to remove cookies for our major database vendors:

If you still cannot connect to a Premium Site, you may need to delete all the cookies from your web browser.


You can also try this:

Clear Your Web Browser Cache
Once you enter your library card number and PIN, are you have trouble Logging In? Clear your cache or temporary Internet files and try again. Tip: Internet Explorer calls this Temporary Internet Files. Firefox calls this "Private Data."   See More cache help.

YES, the new system DOES know if your Library Card has expired 





<<
Outside the Library, a click on any of the 5 limited-access resources should show this screen, which explains each restriction













Browser Settings
Our premium sites are compatible with Mac OS X and Safari, as well as Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome browsers. Many of our premium resources are inaccessible when browser security settings are at their highest. Cookies must also be enabled. Adjust these settings in your browser controls (usually in the "Tools" or "Options" menus).  FYI - these resources do NOT use this new type of Login Access, with Library Card and PIN:

OverDrive, Tumblebooks,  Zinio,  IndieFlix 



Monday, February 10, 2014

Lynda.com has lots to love!

Yes, Lynda.com is available ONLY in the Library - but it's an amazing resource for staff. So it's always worth a look to see if there might be a tutorial on your favorite topic:

Find more than 2,400+ courses/video tutorials. Most tutorials last several hours but are broken into multiple chapters.
  • Software like MSWord, Excel, or PowerPoint; Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator.
  • Web design: Web graphics, Interactive Design, Prototyping and more.
  • Social media and web publishing tools like Facebook, Twitter and Wordpress.
  • Business and career skills - productivity, marketing, time management and more.
  • Job Search Tools: with Resume design, Searching for Positions, Working with Recruiters and more.

Courses for all levels cover technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more.  Courses may also include exercise files (practice), closed captioning and text transcripts.

Go ahead and bookmark our own Guide to Lynda http://library.arlingtonva.libguides.com/lynda
which includes continuously updated feeds for new videos and ways to use them.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

OverDrive Updates & News You Can Use

Let's start with an FAQ that has a Trick Answer:
"Can I return OverDrive eBooks & eAudio titles E-A-R-L-Y ??" The answer is usually "Yes" but it depends on how and with which software the title was downloaded.

How to return early for :

  • Kindle - Visit "Manage Your Kindle" at Amazon
Note: EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks can be returned as above. WMA audiobooks cannot currently be returned  early. Also, OverDrive Media Console for Mac does not currently support the return feature.

Next time a patron asks you, and you want to remember the answer--go right to OverDrive Help at:  http://help.overdrive.com/  and type in Return Early

Now for some good news:


Hold Emails link directly
The OverDrive emails sent to notify patrons they have a Hold ready to claim NOW provide the link directly to the patron's OverDrive account. Users do have to enter their Library card number, since this link is from their email.

But this should be much easier for new users to find and claim their Hold before it expires. Did you know that many "converts" to eBooks and digital titles started out with a search in our Library catalog for a title or author. When they see records for digital titles (which sometimes have fewer holds than on print eds.) the patron will place a Hold on the eBook and expect it will show up with the "physical" holds for their APL Library Account.


The takeaway here? You can help patrons understand when they "Sign In" at OverDrive with their Library Card - they now have an OverDrive Account! To see their OverDrive transactions, a patron just needs to Sign in, and click or tap on "Account" at upper right.



 

Monday, January 06, 2014

Zinio giveth....and Zinio taketh away

Update: 6/3/2014 
Please help patrons understand that the Library had no control over losing some popular titles in 2014--it's Zinio who has lost the rights to them. 

To help soften the blow, please help the patron check for any other sources of titles withdrawn from Zinio. See the Research Portal page called "Magazine and Newspapers"  it's just below the dropdown menu - use this Locator entry (or just search the Research Portal for magzine locator)

Magazine & Newspaper Locator
Find out which titles are available online from our many database resources. Wondering which Library branch gets what? See magazine subscriptions for each Arlington Library Location Please check with library staff about the newspaper and microfilm holdings.

Consumer Reports on Zinio questions can be referred to our separate subscription 
http://library.arlingtonva.libguides.com/ConsumerReports  No, it's NOT the same as Zinio, but it is online from home, and actually has MORE content than the print issues!

Unfortunately, Harvard Business Review is now ONLY available to us in our print subscription.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In 2014 we'll have some nifty NEW titles from Zinio digital magazines. Sadly, we also say goodbye to some very popular titles, including Consumer Reports and the Harvard Business Review - as the publisher has withdrawn the rights.

Take note: any "Withdrawn" titles like these *do* still remain on our Zinio site, since the back issues are still available. Speaking of back issues, now is a good time to review how they work. The  back issues available for a title is dependent on when our subscription Began and/or when it Ended.

Here's the list for NEW Titles Added in 2014
Back Issues start with the first 2014 issue

The Advocate
Astronomy
Bloomberg Businessweek-Europe Edition
Motor Trend 

OK! Magazine

New for Kids and Parents:
chickaDEE   
Girls' Life
Scholastic Parent & Child


New in Spanish
Familia Saludable
Good Housekeeping-BuenHogar
Quien 

Seventeen - Mexico


Complete List of Drops / Titles Withdrawn for 2014
Back Issues will remain but do End with the final issue of our subscription

Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning
Everyday Food
Garden Design
Harper’s Magazine
Harvard Business Review
Hola! Mexico 
Living Crafts

Organic Gardening
Parenting Early Years
Parenting School Years
Science
Science Illustrated
Shop Smart
Tennis
Weight Watchers