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.

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

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 24^th, 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 25^th  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:

• Close all web browser windows
• Use the Gale Cookie Cutter to remove old coolies
• Use the ProQuest Cookie Cutter to remove old coolies
• Close all web browser windows again
• Re-connect to the database you were using, from the Premium Sites page

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 

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.

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
  

• Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) for Windows or Mac (EPUB and PDF)
• OverDrive Media Console (OMC) for Windows (MP3 only)
• OMC for Windows 8 (EPUB and MP3)
• OMC for Android (EPUB and MP3)
• OMC for iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) (EPUB and MP3)
• OMC for Windows Phone (EPUB and MP3)
• OMC for BlackBerry (EPUB and MP3)

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.



 

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 

Things for Staff to Know About the Affordable Care Act and Library Patrons

--Hello! Many users who telephone the toll-free number for the Health Insurance Marketplace are told to visit their public library to print out the application. See this page of our Topic Guide [On the right side] for a link to the paper application and instructions in English, and a link for the Spanish application. Also a link for or general help in 25 other languages.  (12/6/13)

--Despite early issues, the Federal online application an enrollment system is available for use. And coverage begins as early as Jan. 1, 2014. (11/21/13)

--Direct Library patrons with ACA questions to our Affordable Care Act Topic Guide on the Research Portal:
http://library.arlingtonva.libguides.com/aca

Take a Few Minutes to See What's On Our Guide
Our Guide has explanations, some video intros and links to the Federal site HealthCare.gov with its Health Insurance Marketplace -- plus a link to the same site for Spanish speakers. There is also a link with text in many other languages, with basic explanations.

In Arlington, the latest data estimates that about 10% of the population (or 20,143) are uninsured--slightly less than the rest of the state, or 12% uninsured in Virginia.

People may come in to the Library either because they've heard about Affordable Care, or because they are ready to sign up. They do not need to be Arlington residents, only residents in Va. 

Virginia residents actually use the Federal Marketplace to enroll. Our neighboring jurisdictions in DC and Maryland have a different place to sign up--See the Topic Guide inks under "In the Community."

• Remember, staff can't give advice or make recommendations about choosing a health care plan. 
  
  
• We can be supportive and let patrons know about our free computers - and get them started with our Topic Guide.
   
• We can't answer questions about eligibility or prices.  The best place for patrons is ask their questions is the Federal Marketplace: 1-800-318-2596 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week.) A Health Insurance Marketplace specialist can answer questions in English and Spanish.  

Reminders

Note: You ARE helping patrons by referring them to the Federal Marketplace.

At the Marketplace, consumers will be able to compare insurance options based on price, benefits, quality and other factors with a clear picture of premiums and cost-sharing amounts to help them choose the insurance that best fits their needs.

Financial help to lower costs is available for people who qualify. Consumers may be eligible for a free or low cost plan, or savings that lower monthly premiums right away.


What About In-Person Assistance?
Expected to begin the week of October 7th.

Area residents --individuals, young adults, families, and small businesses—can learn about  their health insurance coverage options from the non-profit law firm Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV).

LSNV plans to provide FREE one-on-one application assistance and counseling/information to people seeking coverage. Patrons may contact them beginning October 7, 2013, at (703) 778-6800.

If you have any questions or information you'd like to suggest adding to our Topic Guide, please email Sally or Sarah Campany.