Ann Russell, Technology Librarian

Maine Reading

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M            Maine : an explorer’s guide A             Archeological excavations at Pemaquid, Maine I               It N             Nectar E              Ebbing tide T              Train to Maine I               Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe T              Trespasser L              Lighthouse keeper’s daughter E              Enjoying Maine birds S              Stern Men F              Fairyhouses of the Maine coast O             One morning in Maine R             Route 1 Maine T              Time of wonder H             Heroes are my weakness E              East Hope S              Somewhere off the coast of Maine U             Under the dome M            Maine 24/7 M            Mirror of Maine E              Exit the milkman R             Real Maine food

MARVELous NoveList!

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Recently, I was in search of a new-to-me author – one I had never read, and, perhaps, had not heard of?!?! Several months ago, a new feature appeared in our catalog – suggestions of books readers might like.  Off to check the Minerva catalog I go.  I know I enjoyed Gail Carriger’s Steampunk series, The Parasol Protectorate, so I do a search for Gail Carriger.  Once I bring up the first title in this series, I scroll to the bottom of the page – several book covers are displayed, with author, title, and “Why this match?”  I hover my cursor …

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What’s Going On?!?!?!

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  Over the next couple of weeks, we have several irons in the fire. National Library Week is celebrated from April 10 – 16 this year.  We have a display of “library” related books for your perusal. The ALA (American Library Association) theme for the week is “Libraries Transform Lives”.  As part of the promotional campaign, we have blank “speech bubbles” available for folks to let us know how a library may have transformed your life!  Next time you’re in the library, pick up one at the desk, and we’ll add it to our on-going display! School Vacation week is …

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American FactFinder

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Time for another MARVEL database! For those who have not taken the time to peek at the MARVEL database provided by the Maine State Library, I would suggest you poke around a little here and there.  What an AmAzInG amount of information! Today I will take a chance on American FactFinder – US Census.  Clicking on this link in MARVEL takes me to what appears to be a United States Census Bureau hosted website. Across the top of the page the tabs include Main, Community Facts, Guided Search, Advanced Search and Download Center.  As I am on the Main page, …

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Windows On Maine

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I was poking around the MARVEL database recently – and I found something new! Windows On Maine This looks like a very interesting database to work with.  It is a collaboration of Maine Public Broadcasting, the University of Maine, the Maine State Museum, and others.  I like the sounds of that! The home page has a click-able window What is Windows on Maine? Click to view.  I try this – it’s a very short video showing the variety of information available in this database.  There are streaming videos, maps, sound files, resources for teachers, and related databases to name a …

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Happy Holidays!

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Just because I’m a bit confurious (confused + curious) sometimes, I decided to search the library catalog using the word “holiday”.  My reasons are a bit convoluted, but it boils down to – “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays”. Doing a subject search of the word holiday* with the asterisk, brings up 43 different headings.  There are a couple of Billie Holiday entries, so let’s say 40 holiday entries.  Granted many of the items listed under holiday are items about Christmas, but there are many about other various holidays celebrated in the United States as well as other countries.  Not all …

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