New on BadgerLink

 

9-6-2024

It seems fitting to write an article about BadgerLink resources the week school starts up again. The databases offered are very helpful for student research in most of my classes, which in previous years resulted in a number of how-to demonstrations in classrooms. However, with over 70 resources to offer on a variety of topic they serve all ages. In July a handful of those changed. Direct links to three of the new databases are now available on the ETLPL website. All three have a do-it-yourself component in common.

The first is a replacement for Auto Repair Source. As the name implies, this database provided repair manuals for auto repair. And the definition of uncomplicated it not complicated. ChiltonLibrary may not be as obvious a name, but it is a well known and respected one for do-it-yourself mechanics. Chilton’s have been so coveted in the past, that our print collection is literally stored under lock and key and not allowed to circulate. Instead, patrons were asked to make copies of the relevant pages. With this database, that is no longer an issue. The materials can be accessed immediately as the need arises rather than at the mercy of library hours. Plus, they advertise a video library as part of the collection.

Related, but not new, is the Small Engine Repair Source. Another obvious title for the mechanically inclined.

The second addition to our website, also for the mechanically inclined and obviously named, is Home Improvement Source. This draws from magazines and reference books on home improvement and repair projects. According to the BadgerLink website that includes electrical, flooring, gardening, design, plumbing, woodworking, and more.

The final hands-on database linked to our website is Hobbies and Crafts Source. Magazines are also the source for this database. They cover crafts, cooking/baking, gardening, indoor/outdoor recreation, and more.

The majority of the remaining BadgerLink resources are for research purposes. Not just papers but also health related information, genealogy, historical newspapers, and even book recommendations. All of resources are paid for by the state of Wisconsin and made available to all residents through their public and school libraries for free. As an experiment, I accessed Popular Science through the Popular Magazines database without logging in. That may be because the software recognizes the library’s IP address. That is the case for students at school. The first time use at home may require logging in with a library card. Give it a try.

Reading Now: The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner (September Adult Book Club Selection)

Listening to Now: One More to Die by Joy Ellis (Audible Original unrelated to her series)