Episode 9: Deploying Databases

Image courtesy of NASA

We have previously covered HCPL's most used databases in the 2010 Treasure Hunt.  For the Space Quest, we are going to look at databases that are useful in helping students with homework assignments.  In many cases, multiple databases can help with assignments, so we are going to look at this from the perspective of the types of questions you might be asked.

Homework questions can be challenging and sometimes it is not possible to find the requested information using HCPL resources. Sometimes the teacher may have restricted the type(s) of resources students can consult.  In such cases, the Homework Assignment Response form can be used to communicate to the teacher that the library tried to assist the student.  This form is found on the Forms page of Harriet.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

Elijah McCoy

1. My son's class is studying African-American inventors and he has been assigned Elijah McCoy.  Which two databases do NOT have information about him?
• Biography in Context
• World Book
• World Almanac for Kids Online 
• Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia 
• Student Research Center
2. I'm doing a report on Jim Bowie.  I've found several articles about him (see the databases we searched for Elijah McCoy). What other EBSCO database has biographies of Bowie – and in fact has more than any of our other databases?  Hint – he was a TEXAS hero.
3. Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an excellent database for students who are doing reports on controversial or societal issues. For example:
• I have to do a report on why the death penalty should be legal.
• My teacher assigned us a project on controversial issues.  I have to give the pros and cons of gun control.
• For my science class, I have to explain why I think that global warming is a hoax.
Opposing Viewpoints started out as a book series, which is still available.  The database includes the content of the books as well as several other series and related content including news articles, primary source documents, images, video, and websites.

1. What is the link (it should begin with http:// for one of the websites listed for Nuclear Weapons? Hint: the link should not include galegroup.com.
2. What are the related topics for Cybercrime?
4. My son, who’s in 5th grade, is doing a science project on which way roots grow when gravity changes.  He needs some articles to back-up his project.  The information sheet on his project says this is geotropism. Which of the below EBSCO databases has the most articles from which to choose?
• MAS Ultra – School Edition
• TOPICsearch
• Middle Search Plus
• Student Research Center
5. Kimberly is in second grade.  Her class is doing a unit on endangered species and she has been assigned the Panda and needs age appropriate material.   Which of the following databases has the least age appropriate information?
• Searchasaurus
• World Almanac for Kids Online
• World Book (Kids)
• Gale Virtual Reference Library
6. We’re a homeschooling family.  I really want my 5 year old son to learn Hebrew. Do you have something he can do online? 
1. What database offers this for 5 year olds?
2. In this database, what are the three topical video areas covered for each language? 
7. Literature Resource Center (LRC) is an extensive collection of literary criticism and biography. It includes content from:
• Contemporary Authors
• Dictionary of Literary Biography
• Contemporary Literary Criticism Select
• Gale Literary Criticism series
• Numerous other works from Gale.
The primary use for LRC is for students who need criticism or biographical information about literature and/or authors.  For example:

• I need critical articles about To Kill a Mockingbird
• We are reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and I need information about the book and Mark Twain.
There are a variety of search options in LRC.  The Basic (default) search is the easiest to use and includes options for limiting by content type and limiting to peer-reviewed publications.

1. I need peer-reviewed literature criticism on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.  How many articles are retrieved under Literature Criticism when you do a Name of Work search and limit to peer-reviewed publications?
2. I need some literary criticism about Suzanne Collins.  In a keyword search on her name, from what journal is the article Mockingjay by James Blasingame (hint: it's one of the first results under the Literature Criticism tab?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Databases Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted cargo hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits. 

Episode 8: ILL Exploration



(c) Jupiter Images

 Space is rich with unique materials that are not found in our own galaxy. Any attempt to own all of those materials would cripple any space agency. To ensure that this does not happen, HCPL, with the aid of OCLC, has entered into a materials sharing agreement with other alien space programs. This agreement facilitates the temporary borrowing of materials, so that civilizations across the Universe can benefit from one another. 

It is known as Interlibrary Loan or ILL.


Below you will find a map that will guide you through ILL. WARNING: This is not one of your silly pirate maps from back in the day. Technology has advanced a great deal since then. Any good cadet will want to familiarize themselves with Prezi protocol before trying to use the map.


Some things you need to know about viewing this particular map. Under the More section of the Prezi you will find two options. The Fullscreen option is recommended. Use Esc to exit fullscreen once you are finished. The Autoplay option should be avoided for a maximum learning experience.


Also, there are important videos (with sound) embedded within this map, so you will want to make sure to watch those with your speakers or headphones on.





If you can't view this Prezi, then click here.


...3,2,1 On to the Quest!


Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

1. Prior to any launch, a series of requirements must be reviewed. When reviewed each requirement is given a status of either Go Flight or No-Go Flight. If one is deemed a No-Go Flight, then the launch must be scrubbed. Review the scenarios below for an ILL Request (base answers on the Borrowing section of the ILL Policy) . Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the ILL on hold? [UPDATED]
1. The item was published/release four months ago.
2. All HCPL copies are checked out and are not scheduled to be returned for weeks.
3. The customer already has 8 item requests/loans in process.
4. The customer is prepared to travel to the LaPorte Branch to view microfiche that has been requested.
5. The item is a music CD. 
2. Time for another pre-launch preparation. Review the scenarios below for an On-Line Form launch (base answers on the Can I submit interlibrary loan requests online? section of HCPL's Interlibrary Loan Policy page). Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the mission on hold? 
1. The customer already has 10 item requests/loans in process.
2. The customer no longer uses the e-mail on file, but will update it once the request is made.
3. The customer owes only $30 in fines.
4. The customer's visitor account is accurate down to the e-mail address.
5. The customer updated the card account on-line and not in person. 
3. There is one more launch to go. Review the scenarios below for an ILL Lending launch  (base answers on the Lending section of the ILL Policy) . Which one(s) would result in a No-Go Flight status, thus putting the mission on hold? 
1. The customer is in France. [UPDATED]
2. The customer refuses to pay any processing fees.
3. There are 5 copies available in the system and 10 HCPL customers are currently requesting them. 
4. The customer just wants to see 10 pages out of an item we do not lend.
5. The item was published/released only eight months ago.
6. The item is a DVD.
4. What is the OCLC number for Jake Wizner's audio book, Spanking Shakespeare? Use the record that indicates over 100 libraries owning this audio book.
5. What is the title and who is the author of the item with the OCLC/Accession number 122525712? How many copies are listed in Horizon?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the ILL Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 7: HCPL Galaxy of Alliances

HARMONIC 

The HARMONIC Consortium is a project of the Harris County Public Library (HCPL), Lone Star College (LSC), and the Montgomery County Memorial Library System (MCMLS) to effectively share the cost of the Horizon Integrated Library System and to provide seamless access to the complete library collections for library users at the Tomball and Cy-Fair joint libraries.

Take a journey to the HARMONIC page on Harriet to learn more.


...3,2,1 On to the Quest! 


Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

1. List the name, address and phone number of a library from MCMLS and LSC. 
2. What does the term “checkout location rules” mean?  
3. LSC College students can use their LSC card at any HCPL Branch. Should HCPL staff collect fines and fees on LSC student account?
4. When editing borrower information in Horizon, which accounts should not be edited by HCPL staff?
5. Give the name and contact information for the circulation coordinator at North Harris College Library – LSC.

Reciprocal Borrowing with Lone Star College

In addition to lending and borrowing materials from two of the campus libraries (Tomball, Cy-Fair) and HCPL branch (Fairbanks) reciprocal borrowing with (LSC) opens things up to many more users in both the District and HCPL.

Continue on your journey to through the HARMONIC page to explore the reciprocal borrowing process. 

6. Name the 4 LSC district satellite centers not included with the reciprocal service.
7. Name the HCPL branch libraries allowed to collect fines owed on LSC issued cards.  
8. Which HCPL branches have reciprocal borrowing with Montgomery County Memorial Library System? 
9. The Venn diagram is named after its inventor, _________________________.

Houston Public Library One Card

Houston Public Library issues PowerCards to their library customers.  PowerCard numbers can be added to HCPL customer accounts.

Trek over to the One Card page on Harriet to learn more. 

10. HPL materials will be checked in ____________ they are received at a HCPL Branch using HPL’s Millennium Circulation Software. 
11. What are the titles of the two attachments on the One Card Policy page?
12. True or False. HCPL will not collect fines on HPL accounts. This includes FM and KW.    

Texas Medical Center (TMC)

Take a final Journey and visit the Texas Medical Center Library page on Harriet to learn about the Texas Medical Center Library and find out how HCPL materials travel to TMC. 

13. True or False. Fines on HCPL accounts will not be collected at TMC. 
14. HCPL items going to TMC to fill a hold request should be placed ________________ for delivery to TMC.
15. Give the name and contact information for the Assistant Director, Circulation at TMC.

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Alliances Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance to win a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.

Episode 6: Websites at Warp Speed!

(c) Jupiter Images

Your fellow space travelers will often look to you to assist them when they are in pursuit of information.  The challenge for a good leader is to provide courteous, accurate, and complete information as quickly as possible. The mission in Episode 6 is intended to let you wander through some useful websites that can make you look as if you have all the answers!

The Harris County Public Library home page has a very useful starting point for your search for information. The "WEBSITES" tab includes links for handling many of the questions that are commonly asked about local issues. It can be used at your service desk to search for answers. Because it is on the library's public site, it also is a handy place to direct customers when they call or e-mail with questions.

Begin your quest by hovering over the "WEBSITES" tab.  Put your space vehicle into Cruise mode, and spend some time exploring the richness hidden under this small unassuming tab. You will find the links there very useful in accomplishing this mission.

Sometimes the Websites tab won't have what you seek, and you will have to move deeper into space in order to locate what you need. Unfortunately, you are going to encounter a lot of space junk as you wander among websites. How can you sort out the good stuff?

You can use a list of basic criteria to do your own evaluation of a website, to decide whether it shows accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Another way is to start out with an authoritative collection of links, like the university-sponsored  Internet Public Library.  Some experienced librarians share their personal collections of useful links with others. Click here to see an example from one of HCPL's own specialists.

Another way is to find links through an online Encylcopedia like Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a project to build free encyclopedias in all languages of the world. Virtually anyone with Internet access is free to contribute, by adding neutral, cited information. A word of caution: because anyone can contribute to Wikipedia, there is great variation in the quality of the information from topic to topic. For this reason, some teachers won't accept Wikipedia as a source on homework assignments. Be careful to double check your information when possible. It is often helpful to review the list of citations at the end of a Wikipedia article for authoritative sources on the subject.

...3,2,1 On to the Quest!

Submit your answers to the questions below using the form on Harriet. A good practice is to first type your answers into a Word document. When you are finished, Copy/Paste your answers into the form. This may save you from losing your work. Be sure to submit after you have entered all your answers into the form.

(c) Jupiter Images

1. Some space travelers, especially the Klingons, will expect you to give them all the answers, but there are some legitimate limits on the provision of reference service. Review the "Fleet Commander's Guidebook" (a.k.a. the Harris County Public Library Reference Policy on Harriet) and list at least three circumstances in which the assistance you can provide is restricted.
2. Former Rockets player Hakeem Olajuwon owns about 40,000 sq. ft. of vacant commercial property along the East Freeway. What was the appraised value of this property for tax year 2011? Provide the answer to the question, and copy/paste the link where you found it. [Hint: Check within the "Home and Housing" section of the Websites tab.]
3. Today the Romulans are electing a new ruler, and those residing on earth are allowed to vote absentee at regular election day polling places. Your friend Ruanek wants to know where to go to vote. At what website can you enter his information and find out his polling place?
4. Occasionally as you move from one space vehicle to another, you will feel like you have gone through a time warp. Everything is shifting! Using the Neighborhood links under the Webites tab, identify some of the specifics for each location.
1. What is one of the newspapers covering the Crosby area?
2. What school district serves the Evelyn Meador branch in Seabrook?
3. What's the name of the competitive swimming club in the Fairbanks area? 

In your travels through the neighborhoods, if you drop into a black hole and find a link that has disappeared or needs revision, make sure to notify ebranch@hcpl.net of the needed change. If you know of other links that would be helpful to your fellow travelers, let ebranch know about that, too!

5. A very useful resource for your travels is this book by two authors, found in the HCPL catalog:

Smithsonian Atlas of Space Exploration. You want to cite this resource in your latest funding proposal to the United Federation of Planets. Look up the details of the item in the HCPL catalog. Use the Citation Machine (found in the Ready Reference links) to create a citation for this book in proper MLA format, and copy it here. [Hint:
Note that this book has two authors.]

6. Go to the Internet Public Library (http://www.ipl.org/) and follow these tracks: Resources by Subject; Science & Technology; Astronomy; Galactic. What website does this trail lead you to?

7. Wikipedia is a very useful resource when you need something that only an ardent "fan" would know. For example, many sources consider that "The City on the Edge of Forever" was the best episode of the original Star Trek series. What number was this episode, and when was it first broadcast?

If you have submitted all the correct answers to accomplish this mission, you will receive the Websites Space Vehicle to add to your command. This will let you dig through our cramped but coveted Cargo Hold for a chance at a great prize. Complete The Fleet by earning all ten vehicles, and you will also receive ten Intergalactic Training Credits.