I found netLibrary to be an invaluable resource for libraries and classrooms of all sizes; however, the content is directed towards more advanced students and readers. Most students wait until the last possible minute to find resources for a report. With netLibrary, the students are able to research credible resources without waiting for a book to be sent through interlibrary loan or be returned to the library
I chose to research twins. I found the text Double Duty to be very informative. This text had information for a parent of twins from conception through the school years. I also did a search on juggling. I found it was much too broad and found books on every possible subject. I then changed my search to magic tricks which was also too broad. I decided to narrow the search by using quotes and searched "magic tricks". This narrowed my search to a very manageable number of sources. I reviewed The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic Tricks. It was great. Without checking anything out or waiting for a book through interlibrary loan, I was able discover how to preform magic tricks. I did not try any, but I may have a patron who will!
I have never heard of Constitution Day, but I was able to find many resources on the Constitution. Among those I found are A Companion to the United States Constitution and Its Amendments, Representing Popular Sovereignity: The Constitution in American Political Culture, and Constitution of the United States of America. There were many more resources. Each student would be able to research a book needed for this project. It is possible for one student to monopolize several books which could cause problems for others needing to research. The key is to make sure each student closes a book as he/she completes his/her research from that source.
For the project on Western history, I typed Nebraska in the publisher box. This is a very quick way to find only books published in a particular state. I would not have thought to search using the publisher box in ths manner, but doing so I found several very promising resources. Some of the books I researched were From Fort Laramie to Wounded Knee: In the West That Was, Lewis and Clark on the Great Plains: A Natural History, and The Sixth Grandfather: Black Elk's Teachings Given to John G. Neihardt.
Thanks for sharing your interesting finds, Soo Much! We think NetLibrary is especially helpful for those last-minute researchers. :) While it's true that the books can be used by one student at a time, that's no different than print books. It is good practice to close a book when done to leave it open for other. Thanks for your comments.
ReplyDelete