Saturday, February 11, 2006
STATISTICS
DPL Databases and AskColorado Software
AskColorado Web-based sessions
Janet and I had intended to test all of the DPL subscription databases in the AskColorado software and compile a reference list, but after testing several databases including those provided by Ebsco, Gale, and Groliers, it became apparent that none of them were going to authenticate in the AskColorado software. However there are ways that they can be used. Here are our recommendations for using DPL databases.
First, find out if the customer has a Denver Public Library card number.
If the customer has a library card, use the Basic Databases A-Z page to access the databases in the AskColorado software. The URL is: http://denverlibrary.org/research/az.html This link is different than the one that is accessed by going through Research Resources -->Databases A-Z. You can add this URL to your Bookmarks in the AskColorado software: While you are viewing the page, select “Bookmarks,” then “Bookmark this page.”
When you click on the name of a database, the librarian will get the validation screen saying CONTINUE. The customer gets the screen that asks for their library card number and last name. Before you click on the CONTINUE button, have the customer type in their card number and last name. After they type in their information, they will be validated. The librarian can now click on the CONTINUE button, and will be able to help the customer search the database and push articles to them. This process should work for the majority of the databases, however Janet and I only tried the Ebsco and Gale databases, and Groliers, which did work.
If the customer doesn’t have a library card, use the Ebsco databases provided by AskColorado. (You can use these databases even if the customer has a DPL card.) I’ve had some success using these databases in AskColorado. I’ve had the databases work correctly one time, and not work with a different customer. We think that if a customer blocks cookies, then the databases won’t work. So, if you use these databases, you will need to be sure and communicate with your customer to make sure they are seeing what you think they should be seeing.
That said the State Ebsco subscription contains many databases that are similar to what we have. There is a newspaper database, a primary documents database, one that is geared toward High School students, and one that is geared toward Middle School students, and a Student Research Center. There is also a Funk & Wagnals Encyclopedia that would be an adequate replacement for Groliers. You can get to the Ebsco and FirstSearch databases through the Bookmarks in your web browser in the librarian software. In Ebsco, click on the link that says Ebscohost Web. It will be at the top. The usernames and passwords are available on the InfoSheet tab in the librarian software.
AskColorado Application-based sessions
Janet and I also tested how the databases will react if we are helping customers who are using the downloaded application.
The librarian will need to follow the same procedures for using the databases as outlined in the above section.
The main advantage of the downloaded application is the ability to use the “Browser Sharing” tool. “Browser Sharing” is only available when the customer is using the downloaded application. To initiate a “Browser Sharing” session you will need to click on the MyToolset button, select Provider, then Browser Sharing. This will open up another tab on your librarian screen that is separate from your web browser tab.
The advantages of using the “Browser Sharing” tool:
1. All databases will authenticate, including Groliers, and Newsbank/America’s Newspapers/Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News.
2. The librarian will be able to demonstrate the use of the database and the customer will be able to see everything the librarian is doing and everywhere the cursor is moving on the page. The librarian can direct the customer to specific parts of a webpage by highlighting text. The customer’s page will move with the librarian’s.
The disadvantages of using the “Browser Sharing” tool:
The software does not keep a record of the browser sharing session in the transcripts; sites that the librarian accesses while in a browser sharing session will not appear in the transcript. Since the links do not appear in the chat area, the customer can’t open the sites in another window and have access to the page after the session is finished. The customer can’t click on anything in the browser area either.
If the librarian is using “Browser Sharing” to give instruction, the librarian will need to communicate step-by-step with the customer through chatting, so that the customer knows what the librarian is trying to show.
Why would the librarian want to use “Browser Sharing”?
1. Database instruction.
2. The librarian will be able to use DPL’s databases without worrying if the customer is seeing what you want them to see. And the librarian can always email articles if the customer really likes the information.
Two tips for document delivery
1. If the database article comes in a .pdf format, you can save the pdf to your desktop and then send that file via file sharing. The customer will need to click on the link that shows up in the chat area to open up the file.
2. For documents that aren’t pdf’s, right click in the document, and choose “Select All”. Then copy the text. Open up Word, and paste the copied text. Save to the desktop. Then click on the “File Sharing” tab in the Librarian’s browser, click on the Browse button to locate the file on your desktop. Then click Send. The file will show up in the customers chat area. The customer will need to click on the link to open up the document.
