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THE DISSEMINATOR ISSN:1208-2473
V.8, N.2 March 2001
An electronic newsletter from the Nova Scotia Provincial Library
3770 Kempt Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 4X8
(902) 424-2457; FAX (902) 424-0633
Also available on the Web at:
http://www.library.ns.ca/provlib/disseminator
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IN THIS ISSUE
News from the Regions
News from the Library and Information Technology Program, Nova Scotia
Community College
News from the School of Library and Information Studies, Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia Provincial Library News
Hot Tips and Updates
COLUMNS
Reference on the Net
LINKed
Professional Reading
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL)
Internet Line Speed
By the end of March, seven of the region's outlets had their Internet
connections upgraded. This was made possible through the Department of
Education's Ednet renewal project.
Computer Training/Information Sessions
An HRDC Youth Internship project has been approved and is now making it
possible to provide computer training sessions in three of the branch
libraries, Annapolis Royal, Bridgetown, and Lawrencetown. Training
sessions include an after school programme, a seniors' morning, and
one-on-one tutorials. This is a pilot project with the goal of expanding
the programme throughout the region in the next year.
CAP funding approved for other locations is also providing staffing for
similar programs in Middleton, Kingston, Berwick, and Port Williams. This
funding will continue until the beginning of the summer when students are
anticipated to carry on some of this programming. Community Mentors have
been hired through CAP sustainability funding in Annapolis and Digby
counties. These mentors will be doing a series of workshops on small
businesses and career development in Annapolis Royal and Middleton during May.
Smart Communities
The official launch of the Smart Community Demonstration Project took place
on February 24, 2001. An exhibit table was staffed in cooperation with the
Western Counties Regional Library as one of the partnering organizations
involved with the project. The event was well attended with many visitors
inquiring about library services. The kiosks or PATs (Public Access
Terminals) will be appearing within the next month or so beginning in the
Town of Middleton. These kiosks will deliver services online including
library services.
Branch Reports
A series of photography workshops, facilitated by staff member, Mark
MacFadyen, is taking place at the Wolfville branch. This series is a
creative introduction to amateur photography and is intended to help
participants take better pictures and provide a forum to answer questions
and talk about photography.
March Break Programmes included magic shows in Annapolis Royal, Middleton
and Kentville Libraries; Mermaid Theatre puppet and mask-making workshops
in Wolfville, and special computer programs in several branches.
Summer grant applications are being prepared for Annapolis Royal, Middleton
(through the Friends of the Library), and Wolfville libraries for a student
to assist with programming and promotion of the provincial summer reading
theme "Don't Bug Me, I'm Reading."
Cape Breton Regional Library (CBRL)
The first day of spring was a busy one for CBRL. On March 20th, the
circulation at the McConnell Library became automated, with the Glace Bay
branch following suit the next day. On-line circulation in the remaining
branches is scheduled in the near future with the North-side branches -
North Sydney, Sydney Mines, and Florence next in line for the transition.
The circulation desk at the McConnell was rearranged and extended to
accommodate an automated circulation environment. The staff attended two
automation in-services to prepare them for the transition. Faye MacDougall
did the first run through on March 12th. A second full day in-service on
the following week reinforced all that staff knew and then some! Mike
Purcell and Shirley MacLeod from the Nova Scotia Provincial Library
provided invaluable support and were at the desk helping and guiding staff
during the first few days. Their support was especially appreciated when
the system went down for about an hour on the very first day!!
Disconcerting at first, the system failure, due to a power outage in
Halifax, proved to be a good learning experience.
Overall the transition from a manual circulation system to an automated one
is going very well, and the staff are adjusting quite nicely. Funnily
enough, one of the most difficult aspects of using the new system is
leaving the book-card IN the back of the book when signing out!!
Colchester-East Hants Regional Library (CEHRL)
Lynda Marsh, Administrator, Youth Services was "captured" on video not once
but twice! Two students from an English class at Truro Junior High School
videotaped an interview with Lynda on what types of books interest children
from primary to grade six. Several weeks later the community cable channel
in Truro interviewed Lynda on the importance of reading for children for
the program Plugged In.
The staff and board are formulating a strategic plan for CEHRL. Staff had
a Monday session to think through the purpose and priorities of CEHRL and
library board members gave up a Saturday to consider purpose and priorities
from their perspective. On March 5th the staff and board met as a group
for a full day of combining their ideas to help shape the future. Staff
hope to complete the planning process by June 30th.
Teen Friends of the Library have received permission to "adopt" the Civic
Square in Truro as their environment project. The Teen Friends will help
to clean the grounds in the area and have plans to learn about the history
of the seven buildings on Civic Square.
Automation and Technical Services Administrator Leslie Foster and trainer
Lori MacKenzie have been working with local groups that have received
computers through Industry Canada's VOLNET program. Representatives of
these nonprofit groups are attending pre-arranged sessions in the Gates
Learning Centre to receive basic e-mail and Internet training so they can
train others in their organizations.
Cumberland Regional Library (CURL)
Cumberland Regional Library programmes for children on popular fictional
characters Harry Potter and Anne of Green Gables were held during the March
break, along with crafts and activities. For adults, there was a Creative
Memories workshop on creating artistic photo albums and also some
cross-stitching classes.
A laptop computer was recently purchased, thanks to a Labour Market
Development Agreement grant, to help provide a variety of services such as
signing out library books in schools and seniors homes. The laptop will
also allow staff to offer Web Awareness presentations to parents and
Internet training to the public.
Additional CAP funding has been approved for Amherst, Pugwash and River
Hebert. Each site will receive an additional new computer and laser printer.
Eastern Counties Regional Library (ECRL)
Numerous activities throughout the Eastern Counties region helped people
forget about the winter weather. Spring break was a busy period and branch
staff had several activities lined up for the younger patrons.
At the La Picasse Centre in Petit de Grat, several partners provided
activities to highlight the Rendez-Vous de la Francophonie 2001. The
Richmond Cooperative Community Radio, offered a special French edition
throughout the week. An Acadian supper, a talent show and craft exhibition
were offered by la FANE. The Pre-School and the Library presented
story-telling for the very young and the Library prepared a treasure hunt
for the older children. An evening of Acadian stories for adults was also
hosted by the Library and the Centre.
Thanks to the RCMP Adopt A Library Literacy Program and the generous
donations of local companies and residents, the children's treasure chests
in Canso and Sherbrooke are filling up with small prizes for active readers
and a corporate donation will be used to purchase new children's books.
The Library welcomes Joyce Rankin to its staff. Joyce will be working on a
one year project to develop Family Reading Activities throughout the region.
Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library (PARL)
On March 20th at 11:00 a.m. there was a launch ceremony of the Pictou and
Antigonish War Cenotaphs Internet web page in the Program Room of the New
Glasgow Library. To recognize this event a large number of community
representatives from all levels of government were invited to take part.
As well members of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Department of National
Defense were asked to join in marking the occasion. Created with the
assistance of LibraryNet, the site will provide information on the veterans
whose names are listed on the 16 Cenotaphs located in the two counties.
The in-depth site includes a local map of the counties with locations of
the monuments, a list of resource material available at the New Glasgow
Library, a long list of site links, and a site search function. This last
feature is a great time saver. For example, just type in a veteran's name
and you will be taken to the Cenotaph on which they are listed. Designed
and researched by PARL staff members Fern MacDonald and Jolene Shaw, this
special project represents much time and effort on their part. As more
information continues to be made available to the team from family members,
it seems that additions and updates to the site will be ongoing.
Far from complete, PARL staff trust it will provide valued facts for
individuals
conducting genealogical research locally and beyond. To view this new web
page users must first go to the library website. Here you will see the
re-designed and updated Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library homepage. With
a fresh, modern look and a clean interface, it is easier to use, making
your search for the right library service fast and straightforward. Just
select and click on the online service or feature that you require. To
surf the site and view the new design, please go to www.parl.ns.ca.
The children's programming department will receive a major boost this
spring as three new employees started on April 2nd to increase programmes
available to young patrons. Funding has also been allocated for supplies
to support this programming so PARL is looking at purchasing a portable
puppet stage very soon. These positions have been made possible by funding
from the local HRDC office and the efforts of Caring and Active Mothers of
Pictou County in conjunction with the African community. This venture will
have coordinator Becky Alexander and her assistants Brandi Bennett and
Melissa Barron keeping children busy until they return to school in
September.
The East Antigonish Rural Access Site at The Monastery School had a
successful open house ceremony to mark the beginning of new outreach
services offered by PARL. This project received support from the
Recreation Department of Antigonish County and PARL's Books By Mail staff.
In programming news, on March 21st, PARL hosted a free public information
session entitled the Straight Talk on E-Commerce. Presented by local
resident Jim Fitt, it provided aspiring individuals with the guidance they
need to begin conducting business online. It also helped those with
Internet experience who wish to update their present web pages to
accommodate the collection of funds online.
On Wednesday, March 28th, PARL hosted Patricia Collins as she presented her
talk What is Astrology. Mrs. Collins explained the intricacies of
classical Natal astrology and its benefits as a self-awareness tool.
March 29th, Wolfville author Andria Hill sat in the Big Pink Chair as she
read from her book, Mona Parsons: From Glamour to Danger, From Canada to
Nazi Europe. If the way a well-worn copy of this book has been circulating
around PARL's offices is any indication, her book will be very popular.
Pictou County can claim a connection to this amazing story as Mona's father
lived in the small farming community of Sunny Brea, situated south of New
Glasgow.
The official opening for the new River John Library and Innovation Center
was April 5th. Residents of the village saw staff members the weekend
before wearing a path between the old structure and the new one across the
street as the collection is moved to its new home. A grand opening
ceremony with much pomp and circumstance will be held later in the spring.
Once again the free Income tax sessions were very successful with a large
turnout of citizens taking advantage of this volunteer service.
To celebrate the end of our Children's Choice Hackmatack Book Awards group,
children's author Sheree Fitch spoke to the avid readers via speaker phone.
PARL staff reached her at her temporary home in Quebec City as they
prepared to perform a scene taken from the pages of her book The Other
Author Arthur in
the puppet theatre. As usual, Sheree was thrilled to speak her young fans,
entertaining them with a few poems.
In closing, PARL's Program Room enjoyed some of its biggest crowds ever over
March break as more than 300 fans attended two days of stories, puppet
shows, and local children's entertainers Shine Sue and Pickles The Clown.
PARL staff were both honoured and a bit saddened to learn that Carroll Lee
Farrell, aka Pickles The Clown, choose PARL to be the location of her last
performance after eight years of birthday parties and shows in Pictou County.
South Shore Regional Library (SSRL)
It's that time of year again
Tax volunteers are sharpening their pencils and working their way through
returns at six income tax clinics in the South Shore Region. For the first
time since SSRL began co-ordinating the tax clinics 14 years ago, there are
no clinics in library space. Instead, partnerships with groups such as
family resource centres, the Town of Lunenburg, and the Nova Scotia
Community College have expanded the tax clinic network into other community
centres.
Poetry Month on the South Shore
Spring breezes will be blowing poetry onshore three Wednesdays during
National Poetry Month. Lunenburg poet Carole Langille will read in
Liverpool April 10th at the DeWolfe Memorial Library. Langille, short
listed for the Governor General's Award for her 1997 collection In Cannon
Cave, is also part of a Brick Books 25th anniversary celebration at
Harbourfront in Toronto later in the month. Don Linehan of West LaHave
will read at the Lunenburg Library April 17th. His works include Birds of
Fire (poetry, 1986) and The Mystery of Things (nature poetry and prose,
1989). Deanna Young of Port Williams will read at the Bridgewater Library
April 24th. Her collection Drunkard's Path will be published by Gaspereau
Press this October. Local poets will be invited to take part in open mike
spots at each reading. The series is made possible with the support of the
Canada Council for the Arts and the League of Canadian Poets in celebration
of National Poetry Month.
Western Counties Regional Library (WCRL)
Writing Workshop
The Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, in collaboration with Western
Counties Regional Library, will be hosting Happy Endings/Bright Beginnings,
Saturday, April 28th and Sunday April 29th at the Yarmouth branch library.
The workshop is designed for adult writers of children's stories. Sylvia
Gunnery and Ron Lightburn will conduct the Saturday session along with
public readings from 1-2 p.m. Carol McDougall and Noreen Smiley will be on
hand on Sunday to address the business aspect of writing.
Friends in Action
The Clark's Harbour Friends of the Library are planning the second annual
Mother's Day tea at the library in May. Plans are also in the works for a
Chinese Auction, and participation in the Clark's Harbour parade on Canada
Day. The Shelburne Friends of the Library recently purchased approx $400
in reference materials for the McKay Memorial Library in Shelburne. They
also purchased a shelving unit for teens valued at $800.00. The Yarmouth
Friends of the Library are sponsoring the 3rd annual Great Speckled Easter
Egg Hunt on April 14th. Thousands of eggs will be hidden throughout the
library for the half hour event. Admission is $2.00 at the door.
Participants will bring their own baskets. The Pubnico Friends of the
Library are getting ready to stage a new play called Dreadful Doings at the
Cider Mill. Their first production The Scheme of The Driftless Shifter and
a skit called Alice & the Bookworms was produced in 1999 and played to a
full house at Argyle school for two nights. The first performance of
Dreadful Doings ... is scheduled to take place in April.
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (LIT) PROGRAM, NOVA SCOTIA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Recent events at Halifax Campus included a seminar on library associations
and a workshop on book repair. On March 7th, a panel of guest speakers
from library and library-related associations spoke to first year students.
The panel consisted of Michael Colborne, representing CLA; Peter Webster,
ALA; Don Goss, NSLA; Sara Brodie, HLA, and Linda Raskin, ARMA. Each
representative spoke for approximately 15 minutes about the history,
purpose, and value of their association for students and library workers in
general. On March 20th, students in the Multimedia Services course
attended a one-day workshop on book repair and preservation conducted by
Julia Landry of Leaf by Leaf Book & Paper Conservation Services. Students
learned some basic preservation techniques and how to do simple repairs to
hardcover books.
Continuing our spotlight on part-time faculty, this month's featured
instructor is Jennifer Millman. After graduating from the Halifax Library
Technician Program in 1995, Jennifer worked as a library assistant with the
Department of Education and Culture and with the Nova Scotia Legislative
Library. She is also the principal partner in the consulting firm, LITE
(Library Indexing, Technical, and Education Services). Jennifer teaches the
Introduction to Libraries and Information Retrieval course in both the
face-to-face program and via distance education and brings to the Program
the perspective of a practicing library technician.
The "Preparing for PLAR" (prior learning assessment and recognition) course
is now available in draft format. For more information contact Marlene
Mortimore at [log in to unmask] or visit the NSCC web site at
http://www.nscc.ns.ca/programs/LibraryandInformationTechnology.html.
NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES (SLIS)
The YA Hotline: 24 Years and Still Going Strong
This month's column is contributed by Vivian Howard, current editor of the
School's YA Hotline.
The YA Hotline Newsletter, first begun by Professor Larry Amey in 1977, is
now one of the longest-running YA journals in the world. It is a unique
newsletter, produced by students enrolled in the Young Adult Literature and
Media Interests class offered by the School, and circulated to some 200
subscribers, both local and international. The pedagogical objectives of
the newsletter are clear: working on this project gives students valuable
experience in writing, editing, illustrating, and publishing. Even more
important, students become knowledgeable about a specific topic in YA
literature as they conduct research for their theme issue. As they work on
the newsletter, students move beyond the classroom to meet and
exchange information with youth services librarians, youth workers, and
young adults themselves.
>From its modest beginnings as a type-written, cut and paste production to
its current polished version, the YA Hotline has continued to explore
issues of interest to youth and those who work with them. Recent issues
have examined
family relationships (issue 65), multiculturalism (issue 64), death (issue
63), and witchcraft and the occult (issue 60). In the near future, look
for a "Best of the YA Hotline" volume to be published by Scarecrow Press.
Subscription information for YA Hotline may be found at:
http://www.mgmt.dal.ca/slis/Publications/YAHotline.html.
Future columns will highlight other projects ongoing at the School. For
further information about these or any other SLIS activities and programmes
contact the Director, Bertrum MacDonald, at [log in to unmask], (902)
494-2472 or visit the web site at: http://www.mgmt.dal.ca/slis.
NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL LIBRARY NEWS
MultiLIS
The most recent upgrade to the MultiLIS system which took place in January
will facilitate new patron functionality within the web version of the
catalogue. The web services should be operational in the next few months.
These new services - placing requests directly from the catalogue, renewing
items and reviewing your account - will be easily done by users from their
own personal computers. This is a big jump in the services offered to
users outside the walls of the library.
Budget 2001-02
The Province's 2001-02 budget was tabled in the Legislature on March 29th.
Although the funding formula for regional libraries, recommended by the
Regional Public Libraries Funding Review Committee in October 2000, will
not be implemented in April 2001, regional library boards did receive an
$100,000 increase in funding. The increase will be distributed on the
existing formula. The new formula will be implemented in April 2002.
The Provincial Library's budget remains the same as in 2000-01.
Job Evaluation in the Civil Service
With the signing of the Civil Service Master Collective Agreement on May
1st, 1998, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Government
Employees Union agreed to jointly develop a new job classification system
and then to review all civil service bargaining unit jobs both full-time
and part-time. The current system has been in use for 20 years and is
simply inefficient and outdated. For example, the current system was
designed before desktop computers were common and accordingly, does not
accurately measure the value of the work we do today. The new system is
fair and credible as well as easier to understand and administer. This
benefits both employees and supervisors.
Provincial Library staff, along with all other bargaining unit employees,
have spent the better part of the month of March preparing job fact sheet
questionnaires for the Province's job evaluation project. This has been a
difficult and time consuming process, however, we are all hopeful for a
positive outcome, along with new, updated and accurate job descriptions.
The whole process is expected to take about 18 months.
HOT TIPS & UPDATES
ASSOCIATION FOR MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION IN CANADA CONFERENCE,
JUNE 3-6, 2001
AMTEC is Canada's national association for educational media and technology
professionals. This year's conference is being held from June 3-6, 2001 at
Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia. The theme is: Making it Work:
Effective Educational Technology in The New Millennium. This year's
keynote speakers will be: Sister Dorothy Moore, Director of Mi'kmaq
Services, Nova Scotia Department of Education; Tom Rich, Deputy Minister of
Education for Nunavut; and Mark Starowicz, creator and producer of Canada:
A People's History, As It Happens, The Journal and other icons of Canadian
Broadcasting.
Besides information on these distinguished speakers, the website,
http://amtec2001.ednet.ns.ca, has a searchable database of concurrent
sessions for the convenience of attendees who seek sessions in specific
topics or about specific levels of education. The momentum is building,
and so is registration. The early bird registration deadline is April
21st. Pier 21 is booked, but hey, the organizers can't order the lobsters
until they know how many guests there are, so get those forms smoking in!
See you in Halifax, June 3rd, when The Honourable Myra A. Freeman,
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, will officially open the conference at
a welcoming reception.
TELECONFERENCE "AGENTS, BOTS AND INTELLIGENT DOTS: THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS"
On March 23, 2001, a number of people from the Nova Scotia library
community attended the teleconference, entitled: "Agents, bots and
intelligent dots: the technology behind electronic documents," broadcast
via satellite from the College of DuPage, Illinois, and hosted locally by
the Nova Scotia Provincial Library. During the session, presenter D. Scott
Brandt, Associate Professor of Library and Information Science at Purdue
University, aka "Techman," described the various technologies behind
electronic documents and explored search engine functionality. He
mentioned markup tools such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Hypertext
Markup language (HTML) and the Dublin Core metatag set, and commented on
the need for the development of a commonly accepted standard. He explained
the difference between search engines which operate as lexicons and build
relationships with words, such as Oingo, and others that function according
to relevance ranking. In general, participants seemed pleased with the
information that was provided during the session, but some remarked that
they had expected a more in-depth look at markup languages and metatags and
their applications.
A videorecording of the teleconference can be borrowed via ILL request from
a public, government, university or community college library to the Nova
Scotia Provincial Library. Other material in our Professional Development
Collection can be searched via the Regional Public Library Consolidated
Catalogue on Web NcompasS at www.library.ns.ca.
TELECONFERENCE "INTERNET DILEMMA: FILTERED OR NON-FILTERED"
Why use Internet filters? How do Internet filters work? What are the
legal issues surrounding the use of Internet filters in the United States?
The issue of Internet filters is a concern to all libraries. In Canada
some libraries are seeking legal advice to protect themselves against legal
liability suits. In the United Stated debate over the use of Internet
filters in libraries continues. During the teleconference professionals
will review the current issues surrounding Internet use and the use of
Internet filters in libraries in the United States. Discussion will
include: the current laws surrounding Internet filtering and the steps
libraries must take to comply with these; the issues leading to the US
Congress decision to mandate the use of Internet filters in libraries
receiving federal funding; an overview of how filters work; a look at how
libraries can best educate their users in appropriate use of the Internet;
concerns over information access verses censorship; and fears of "Throwing
out the treasure with the trash."
Speakers will include:
Carrie Gardner, Coordinator, Library Media Services, Milton Hershey School,
Pennsylvania; Andrew Jacobs, Jr., Author, Attorney, and former member, U.S.
House of Representatives; Peter J. Rusthoven, Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg,
Indiana; Michael B. Wessells, Manager, Timberland Regional Library,
Washington.
Date: Wednesday, April 11, 2001, 4:30-6pm
Place: Nova Scotia Provincial Library (Classroom), 3770 Kempt Road, Halifax
Registration will be on a first come first serve basis, to a maximum of 50
people.
Admission is free. Please respond to Bernadette Kennedy by phone (424-3791)
or e-mail [log in to unmask] by April 6, 2001.
The session is part of the Indiana Library Federation's Annual Conference,
"2001: A Library Odyssey". For more information on the teleconference visit
the INCOLSA website at http://www.incolsa.net/events/filter.html.
2001 DIRECTORY OF NOVA SCOTIA LIBRARIES
The 2001 edition of The Directory of Nova Scotia Libraries is now
available. You can search this up-to-date and comprehensive listing of
libraries and archival institutions online via the Provincial Library's
homepage at www.library.ns.ca or you can access a PDF version and make your
own copies by clicking on the "publications" button on our homepage. Those
libraries which are either full deposit or selective deposit under the Nova
Scotia Government document distribution system are eligible to receive one
print copy free of charge. We will no longer be offering copies for sale.
In the future, the PDF version of the Directory will be updated on an
annual basis. The online web Directory database will be updated quarterly.
The Directory of Nova Scotia Libraries has always been an indispensable
tool for interlibrary loan and reference for librarians, educators,
researchers, library suppliers and the publishing world. We hope that you
will find this latest edition of the Directory useful and we welcome your
comments and suggestions.
REFERENCE ON THE NET
Here are some more reference questions referred to the Provincial Library
by the Regional Public Libraries. They were answered using resources found
on the Internet.
Q. Would like to have the value of an ivory carving appraised.
A. The Librarians' Index to the Internet at http://lii.org/ is a good
place to start searching for this question. At the search box here enter
the keyword "appraisal" to locate some resources on this including the most
useful for this question which is the online version of Maloney's Antiques
& Collectibles Resource Directory at http://www.maloneysonline.com. You
can search this using the keyword "ivory" to find listings of appraisers,
clubs/associations, collectors, and experts who could be contacted for
assistance with this. For more Canadian oriented information try searching
the AssociationsCanada.com database at http://www.AssociationsCanada.com
using either "appraiser" or "appraisal" as a keyword. This turns up a
record for the Appraisal Institute of Canada which could be contacted for
information on Canadian ivory appraisers.
Q. Where can I find information and pictures on airboats or swamp boats
which are used in the Florida Everglades?
A. There are lots of Internet sites with pictures of airboats which can be
found using any of the search engines but finding factual information on
them is more difficult. A way of filtering out some of the commercial
sites is to use the Power Search page on the Northern Lights search engine
site at http://www.northernlight.com/power.html. Using the form there you
can limit search results to particular kinds of documents such as education
web sites, government web sites, non-profit web sites, learning materials
and questions and answers. By doing this and using the keyword "airboats"
several useful FAQs about airboats were found.
LINKed
Questions on identifying various collectible items and determining their
value are an ever popular type of reference request. This Linked column
features some sites which are especially useful for this.
Kovels Online at http://www.kovel.com is the web version of the well-known
Kovels Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. The online version is very
useful as a quick way to search by keyword for items. Prices are only
available online to subscribers but the year in which the price appeared in
the print version is given so if you have a collection of the print copies,
you can look it up there. The site also has a searchable archive of
articles on various types of collectibles. Maloneys Online at
http://www.maloneysonline.com is the web version of the print Maloneys
Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory. It is a directory of a wide
variety of resources including experts, appraisers, collector clubs,
periodicals, dealers & collectors, museum & library collections, matching
services for china/flatware/crystal, and collector reference book sources.
You can post a question on a collectible item at Ask The Experts at
http://www.ulster.net/~kelli/experts/ask_the_experts.htm which lists 159
experts on a wide variety of collectibles and antiques.
The "Collectors and Collecting Topics" section of the Librarians' Index to
the Internet at http://lii.org/search/file/collectors_and_collecting_
Antiques has links to useful resources on automobiles, books, coins, dolls,
figurines, glassware, hallmarks, maps, paper money, postcards, silverwork,
sound recordings, stamps, tableware and typewriters. Annotations are
provided for these resources which are selected and evaluated by
librarians. Similarly, the Collecting section of the Google Web Directory
at http://directory.google.com/Top/Recreation/Collecting has a large number
of categories of items and each is further broken down into more specific
categories. Within each category, sites are listed in ranked order with
the most useful sites first. Brief descriptions of each site are provided.
Use the drop-down menu at AntiqueResources.com at
http://www.antiqueresources.com to locate useful articles on collecting,
preserving and restoring popular as well as more obscure items. This site
also has an Antiques Glossary. You can search by keyword for sources of
information on an item at World Collectors Net at
http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com. This site also has a Collectibles
Directory where there are web links organized by type of collectible and
this is especially useful for locating information on china, pottery,
figurines and toys. Another useful part of this site is the World
Collectors Net Magazine where there is a searchable archive of fulltext
articles. The Collector's Directory at
http://www.collectingchannel.com/cdsLstCD.asp on the Collecting Channel web
site has a useful search form which can be used to do very precise searches
for the type of information which you are looking for on a particular
collectible.
Web sites which were featured in previous "Linked" columns are now arranged
by subject category on the Reference Services page of the Provincial
Library web site at http://www.library.ns.ca/provlib/brochure/refser.html.
If you have any suggestions about future topics for this column please
contact Carol Morris at [log in to unmask]
PROFESSIONAL READING
In this month's column, two books on the internet are featured. These
items can be borrowed from the Nova Scotia Provincial Library through
regular interlibrary loan channels:
Jones, Debra. Exploring the internet using critical thinking skills: a
self-paced workbook for learning to effectively use the internet and
evaluate online information. New York: Neal-Schuman, c1998. [ Call #: Prof
025 .04 Jon ]
This workbook by an internet librarian provides instruction and practice in
developing the skills necessary to locate a variety of information
resources on the internet, apply critical evaluation to select relevant,
reliable data and identify bias and personal opinion in full-text online
material. There are eight lessons which encompass a variety of topics,
including a basic orientation to the World Wide Web, basic search
techniques, search engines, internet sources for the news and E-mail
resources, including listservs and usenet groups. Online practice
exercises accompany each lesson.
Poulter, Alan. The Library and information professional's guide to the
World Wide Web. London: Library Association Publishing, 1999. [ Call # Prof
004 .678 Pou ]
This book is intended for those who wish to begin to learn how to use the
World Wide Web to structure and publish information. It does not cover how
to use a web browser or how to search the World Wide Web. It is divided
into four parts with cross-references between the parts to lead the reader.
The authors try to provide just enough information to encourage newcomers
to World Wide web technology to start using it successfully and also to
give guidance to those who are already publishing on the World Wide Web.
Credits go to:
Heidi Julien, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information
Studies, Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University
Marlene Mortimore, Library And Information Technology (LIT) Program, Nova
Scotia Community College
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