Database sessions offer an alternative to Google.
By: Josh Appelbaum
The Cranbury Public Library is hoping to offer something different to those who consider Google the end-all, be-all to obtaining information on the Internet.
The library will host classes on how to use databases available at the library in two sessions Thursday and Friday, the first being for adults, the second for children.
Marilynn Mullen, technology services librarian, said the databases offer a wider range of information than the Internet can offer.
"I think kids are just apt to go to Google when they need to do research, and those results aren’t necessarily accurate they need proven sources that are more in-depth and focused on their topic," Ms. Mullen said.
She said classes will be offered on VALUELINE, an investment information database and Jersey Clicks, a database from Federated Library Systems that searches multiple paid databases to which the library subscribes. She said that as long as a user has a New Jersey-issued library card, a patron can access Jersey Clicks from any location.
For reference needs, the library will offer instruction on InfoTrac General Reference Center and Country Watch, a database with information on international news, culture, government, currency and maps.
"This is a great resource for students studying different countries and cultures as well as for people who travel frequently," Ms. Mullen said.
Students also will learn how to search the Associated Press photograph database, which stores over 700,000 photographs, and NoveList, which stores literary works, reviews and discussion guides for book clubs.
"NoveList has information about novels, and assigns reading levels, suggests similar novels to ones you’ve read, novels by the same author, and a reader’s advisory program that finds books users might want to read and searches specific topics," Ms. Mullen said.
Both sessions will be taught by the Cranbury Public Library’s regular computer teacher, David Haraker, a Cranbury resident and a Princeton High School junior.
The database class for adults will be held Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the children’s classes will take place Nov. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cranbury Public Library. For more information call (609) 655-0555.