Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Digital Spotlight: Behind the Veil

BEHIND THE VEIL is a digital collection documenting African American Life in the Jim Crow South.
Contents: Housed at the Duke University Libraries, this collection includes 410 recorded oral histories tracing African-American life in the segregated American South through the mid 20th century. Users can locate oral histories by interview state, birth state, interviewee, gender, or occupation. Audio interviews include a transcript.
Classroom Connections: Teachers will find that these interviews provide personal insights into life during the Jim Crow era. Students will be attracted to the audio format. Ask students to listen to an interview and compare it with the experience of others in their small group.
Featured Digital Objects:
Dora Strong Dennis, Domestic Worker http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvct01115/
Easter Hinton Sanders, Educator http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvnc03032/
Booker T. Federick, Day Laborer http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvct03034/

Monday, April 24, 2017

Website Review: Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS from Google Cultural Institute provides 360 degree views of the world’s greatest performers on stage.
The Performing Arts element of Google’s Cultural Institute provides access to a series of performances on stages around the globe. Each short performance can be viewed from different camera angles. Performances can explore the areas of music, opera, theater, dance, and performance art.
Librarians will find these interactive experiences provide an amazing introduction to different types of performing arts. Ask students to watch one in each category and compare the different forms of art.
To visit the website, go to https://performingarts.withgoogle.com/en_us.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Book Review: The Radiant Child

THE RADIANT CHILD by Javaka Steptoe is an award-winning picture book telling the story of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Winner of the 2017 Caldecott Medal for children’s illustrator, this biography shares the true story of a boy who dreamt of becoming an artist. The book concludes with a biographical sketch, information about the artist’s work, and a note from the author/illustrator.
Like artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Steptoe used a variety of found materials to create the artwork for this fascinating work.
Librarians will find this picture book to be an effective tool for teaching about biographies along with an inspirational resource for young artists.
To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://www.javaka.com/.
Published by Little Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Digital Spotlight: Reading: Harvard Views

READING: HARVARD VIEWS OF READERS, READERSHIP, and READING HISTORY is an online source for exploring the intellectual, cultural, and political history of reading.
Contents: Sharing historical holdings of the Harvard Libraries, this unique collection includes annotated books by authors like John Keats and Herman Melville. Library records show what people like Emerson, Longfellow, and Thoreau were reading. Sections include learning to read, reading collectively, reading on one’s own, and collection highlights.
Classroom Connections: Librarians will find this collection of professional interest. However, it would also be useful to teens and teachers in the area of history and English.
To visit the collection, go to http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/reading/.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Digital Spotlight: Witness to the Early American Experience

WITNESS TO THE EARLY AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is a digital collection documenting eyewitnesses to the American Revolution in the New York City area.
Contents: This large collection contains works from the New York Historical Society, New York University, and other organizations. Users can go directly to the archives and conduct a search or explore the featured document. The learning resources section provides modules that explore religion, education, music, work, and health and medicine.
Classroom Connections: This collection would be useful for connecting primary sources to the study of the American Revolution. Use the tour for a quick look at the history of New York City and lots of fascinating examples.
Featured Digital Objects:
Paper and Printing in Colonial America http://maass.nyu.edu/tour/tour06.shtml
Mapping the Revolution http://maass.nyu.edu/tour/tour07.shtml
To visit the collection, go to http://maass.nyu.edu/.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Website Review: Ice & Sky

ICE & SKY is an interactive website telling the story of climate change through history.
Told in six parts, this engaging website contains text, video, audio, animation, and documents to explore climate and environmental issues. Users can create their own website on climate change using the materials from the project.
In addition to the interactive program, the website features educational booklets, videos, and other resources that can be downloaded for classroom use.
Librarians will find connections to life and earth science, history, geography, economics, and more.
To visit the website, go to http://education.iceandsky.com/.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Book Review: The Tutors

THE TUTORS: KINGS, QUEENS, SCRIBES, and FERRETS! by Marcia Williams is a highly illustrated informational book about life in Tutor times.
Williams brings the 15th century alive for children through a series one and two page comic spreads that explore the people, places, and events surrounding the Tudor times. Each page is chuck-full of interesting facts and entertaining stories.
Librarians will find this book to be a useful tool in the history curriculum. It will be of particular interest to children who enjoy the use of borders for added information and those who are attracted to comic-book style approaches. Use this book to jumpstart a deeper investigation of people like Queen Elizabeth I, Henry VII, and Christopher Columbus.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.marciawilliams.co.uk/.
Published by Candlewick on October 11, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Technology Review: Matoola

MATOOLA is a search tool that locates podcasts across the web.
This easy-to-use website allows users to do a word search to find podcast programs on a wide range of topics from science and social studies to sports and health issues. Results includes the name and date of the podcast, a description, and a control bar to play the podcast. This control bar displays direct links to where the keyword is located in the podcast, the program length, volume controls, and a play button.
Search results can be narrowed by time such as just the past week, month, or year. They can also be sorted by relevance or currency.
Librarians will find this resource a valuable tool in student research and curriculum development. For instance a search for history displays dozens of fascinating podcasts that could be woven into class activities. Young researchers will find this tool to be a effective way to locate information for projects. For instance, a search for autism brings up dozens of recent podcasts on the topic.
To conduct a search, go to http://www.matoola.com.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Digital Spotlight: Listen to Nature

LISTEN TO NATURE
British Library
Contents: This large collection includes 400 sound recordings related to wildlife and the language of birds. Users can browse by location, animal group, or habitats. A section of the website also includes information about the language of birds.
Classroom Connections: Encourage students to incorporate sounds into their animal projects.
Featured Digital Objects:
Land Mammals https://goo.gl/oD3aUa
Animal Habitats https://goo.gl/WtqK5I
To visit the collection, http://www.bl.uk/listentonature/main.html.

Sunday, April 09, 2017

Book Review: We Found a Hat

WE FOUND A HAT by Jon Klassen tells the story of two turtle friends who discover a hat.
When two turtles find a hat, they decide to leave it alone since there aren’t enough hats for both friends. This highly visual story makes it clear that at least one of the turtle is conflicted about leaving the hat.
Klassen is known for his clever use of simple illustrations to convey humor and detail.
Librarians will find this to be useful book for teaching concepts in visual literacy. Read the book a number of times asking children to retell the story using the visuals for added detail.
To learn more about the author, go to http://jonklassen.tumblr.com/.
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, April 07, 2017

Website Review: El Capitan, Yosemite

EL CAPITAN, YOSEMITE from Google Maps is an amazing interactive journey up a cliff-face.
One of a series of treks available through Google Maps Street View, this interactive web project takes users on a 3,000 foot climb up a rock face in Yosemite National Park. User scroll up the page to make the climb with numerous chances to stop and explore 360 degree views. In addition, users can watch short videos by Yosemite experts and explore behind-the-scenes.
Librarians will find this website to be an excellent introduction to the idea of 360 degree photography and the power of Google Map’s Streetview project. Ask each student to explore a different trek and share their experience. Then, get them involved in creating their own 360 degree images.

Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Website Review: Tracking Ivory

TRACKING IVORY from National Geographic explores the human toll of ivory poaching in Africa.
This web resource is divided into three sections: gallery, map, and article. The gallery presents a series of photographs narrated by a National Geographic journalist. The map section provides an interactive series of visuals showing the smuggling routes and locations of the illegal ivory trade. Finally, a ten-part article explores how the ivory trade finances ongoing conflict in Africa.
Librarians will find this well-researched and highly visual website to be useful in informational reading activities in social studies.
To explore this resource, go to http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tracking-ivory/.

Monday, April 03, 2017

Technology Review: Hathitrust Digital Library

The HATHITRUST DIGITAL LIBRARY works in partnership with academic and research institutions to provide access to digital materials from around the world.
Users can search full-text or the catalog. Advanced search tools and tips are available.
Visitors can browse collections including user-created featured collections on thematic topics. Users can also create and share their own collections.
An easy-to-use interface is provided to read books online. Users can also download books for reading off-line. While some titles require a login from a cooperating institution because of copyright issues, many are available to the public.
Librarians will find this website to be a good source for difficult to find books. While most of the items are aimed at scholars, many historical books for youth are also available.
To visit the digital library, go to https://www.hathitrust.org/.

Sunday, April 02, 2017

Book Review: A Child of Books

A CHILD OF BOOKS by Oliver Jeffers is a uniquely illustrated picture book about the power of reading.
In this visually rich tale, a young girl invites a friend on an adventure into the world of words, books, and imagination. The illustrator uses words as a visual tool that moves reader from page to page.
Librarians will find this fascinating story to be a useful tool in talking with children about their feelings about books and reading. Although the narrator’s font may make this book difficult for young children to read themselves, it’s a useful book for read-aloud activities.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.oliverjeffers.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.samwinston.com/.
Published by Candlewick on September 6, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Technology Review: Kids Learn Out Loud

KIDS LEARN OUT LOUD is a resource for audio and video learning on the web.
This audio and video learning portal contains thousands of educational audio books, podcasts, and videos designed for K-12 students. Content is organized by subject area.
While the website links to free content, the portal also contains fee-based resources. Use the Kids Free Stuff section for free podcasts and audio/video resources.
Librarians will find this website a valuable tool in locating audio resources for free and purchase. Of particular note is their audio sections on children’s literature and foreign language.
To visit the website, go to http://kids.learnoutloud.com/.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Website Review: Daughters of Paradise

DAUGHTERS OF PARADISE is an interactive website telling the powerful stories of female Syrian refugees.
The website experience tells the story of Noor, Najlaa, and Reem. Each story includes text, still images, sounds, videos, and other elements to bring each person’s story to life.
Librarians will find this to be a useful tool in helping teens understand the impact of the Syrian War on women.
To visit the website, go to http://www.refinery29.com/syrian-refugees/.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Website Review: What Is Code?


WHAT IS CODE? by Paul Ford is an interactive website exploring the topic of programming.
Published by Bloomberg, this online resource is aimed at young adults and adults interested in learning about the past, present, and future of coding.
Organized into seven chapters, this engaging informational reading experience contains text along with lots of animated examples.
Librarians will find this resource to be a useful addition to the high school computer science curriculum.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Book Review: Cara's Kindness

CARA’S KINDNESS by Kristi Yamaguchi is a picture book story about “paying it forward”.
Written by the Olympic champion, this charming picture book will appeal to a broad audience. After Cara helps a new friend overcome his fear of skating, she asks him to pass along the kindness to others beginning a circle of caring.
Librarians will find this book a useful addition to their growing collection of books focusing on kindness and the importance of paying it forward.
Published by Sourcebook Jabberwocky on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, March 24, 2017

App Review: Ed and the Curious Crew

ED AND THE CURIOUS CREW provides a “behind-the-scenes” look at a children’s hospital.
Published by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne Australia, this engaging app follows Ed and his friends as they learn, watch, play, and explore. Users choose from five sections: fun & learning, film & television, nutrition & allergies, fundraising & helping, and sustainability & environment. A different member of crew leads each section.
Librarians will find this engaging interactive app to be useful beyond the hospital setting.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Website Review: Stuff You Should Know

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW is a website featuring informational audio and video programs on a wide variety of topics.
From the makers of the popular HOW STUFF WORKS website, this website contains content on topics such as animals, anthropology, art, economics, history, and more. While most of the episodes are audio, video segments are also included at the website.
Each episode can be downloaded and users can subscribe on iTunes and Google Play.
Librarians will want to mine the website for videos that connect with specific curriculum areas. Keep in mind that the podcasts begin with a sponsor announcements. In addition, many of them are more than 30 minutes in length.
To visit the website, go to http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Technology Review: Tumble

TUMBLE is a science podcast for kids and families.
Each podcast tells the story of a scientific discoveries and scientists. A science journalist and a classroom teacher ask questions, share mysteries, and help listeners learn key science concepts.
The website’s blog contains interesting information and news stories related to science topics.
The podcast is available through iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play Music. Or, listeners can enjoy the podcasts on the website.
Librarians will find that this educational podcast contains episodes that can easily be aligned with the science curriculum.
To visit the website, go to http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Website Review: The Boat

THE BOAT tells the compelling interactive story of a boat of refugees.
In the 1970s and 1980s, hundreds of thousands of refugees fled Vietnam by boat. Produced by SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) Television in Australia, this interactive narrative tells the story of one family trying to survive in a small boat. Using a graphic novel style approach, readers scroll through a series of six chapters as they follow Mai on a sea voyage across dangerous waters.
Librarians will find this interactive experience to be an effective way to jumpstart conversations about both history and immigration issues.
To read this story, go to http://www.sbs.com.au/theboat/.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Technology Review: Lytten

LYTTEN is a search tool that allows users to search within audio programs.
Whether looking for information within a historical broadcast to exploring current events topics, Lytten provides an easy way to find relevant information within an audio program. For instance, a search for “honeybees” brings up podcasts focusing on the disappearance of bees. Users can then listen to the entire audio program or jump to a particular section discussing honeybees.
Librarians will find this tool useful in developing curriculum materials. This website allows the user to quickly locate audio clips related to key concepts. Use to search podcasts across the curriculum. In particular, share this tool with at-risk and special needs students who use their auditory senses for learning.
To explore this website, go to http://www.lytten.com/.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Website Review: Rebuilding Haiti

REBUILDING HAITI is an interactive experience exploring the process of earthquake recovery.
This fascinating nonlinear experience asks users to make choices and learn more about the process of rebuilding Haiti after its devastating earthquake.
Divided into six sections, this informative website would be useful for informational reading activities across the curriculum. Woven into the narrative are photographs and sidebars containing additional information. Along the way, users must make decisions that have consequences.
Librarians will find this resource to provide a good starting point for discussions about the impact of natural disasters and the implications for planning.
To visit the website, go to http://apps.rue89.com/haiti/en/.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Book Review: A Bike Like Sergio's

A BIKE LIKE SERGIO’S by Maribeth Boelts provides a lesson in doing the right thing.
Ruben wants a bike like his friend, so when he finds $100 he makes plans to buy a bike. However when he sees the woman who lost the money, he decides to do the right thing and return the cash.
Librarians will find this colorfully illustrated picture book provides endless opportunities to discuss the concept of “finders keepers” with young children.
To learn more about the author, go to http://maribethboelts.com/.
Published by Candlewick on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Technology Review: Listenwise

LISTENWISE is an educational website focusing on listening comprehension through audio programs.
The website is organized into three sections: Social Studies, Science, and English Language Arts (ELA). Users can search for lessons in their area of interest. Results can be narrows by subject, language challenge, grade level, and type.
A current events section is particularly useful. New news items are added every day. Each entry contains a title, short description, question, and audio. Tags are provided to assist users in locating related topics.
A blog contains up-to-date information about resources and how they might be used in teaching and learning. A research section provides information about listening comprehension.
Librarians will find endless curriculum applications of this website. Mine each section for programs that connect to local standards. Although a premium service is offered, many high-quality resources are available for free.
To visit the website, go to https://listenwise.com/.

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Book Review: The Friendship Experiment

THE FRIENDSHIP EXPERIMENT by Erin Teagan takes a clever approach to the issues of middle school friendships.
Madeline is a young scientist who takes a “step-by-step” approach to everything including finding a new best friend. When her peers read her notebook, she realizes that maybe a scientific approach can’t solve her friendship dilemma. Intermediate level readers will empathize with Madeline’s personal and school experiences.
Librarians will find this humorous work of realistic fiction to be popular among young scientists and youth who enjoy stories about friendship.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group on November 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

Book Review: Hocus Focus

HOCUS FOCUS by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold is the fourth comic adventure of Knight and her horse Edward.
When Knight sells the wizard’s magic wand, she accidentally turns Edward into a giant worm. The bright colored comic pages and goofy story will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
Part of the Adventures in Cartooning series, the book includes step-by-step instructions for drawing key characters.
Librarians will find this latest addition to the series to be popular with children who like drawing and cartoons.
Published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan on January 24, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Monday, March 06, 2017

Technology Review: Internet Archive

INTERNET ARCHIVE is a large website containing access to millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
Sponsored by a nonprofit based in California, this digital collection coordinates with many universities, libraries, archives, museums, and historical societies to provide public access to digital resources.
A basic and advanced search tool provides access to individual digital objectives. Users can also explore sections focusing on text, video, audio, software, and images.
The WayBack Machine allows users to enter a URL or keywords and see the history of over 279 billion web pages.
The website’s entry page provides links to top collections such as American Libraries, Live Music Archives, and Community Audio.
Librarians will find this website to be one of the best starting points for difficult to find historical materials, particularly books. Their web-based interface works well for reading these historical documents online.
To visit the website, go to https://archive.org/.

Sunday, March 05, 2017

Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

MADELINE FINN AND THE LIBRARY DOG by Lisa Papp features a reluctant reader and a furry friend that encourages her to read.
Madeline Finn doesn’t like to read, but a dog therapy program at the public library provides the supportive environment she needs to excel. The unexpected conclusion adds to the appeal.
Librarians as well as students and teachers will be attracted to the library setting and focus on reading. Use this book to jumpstart your own “read to animals” program.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lisapapp.com.
Published by Peachtree Publishers on October 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, March 03, 2017

Technology Review: Storyplace

STORY PLACE is a children’s digital learning library.
Sponsored by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, this engaging website is filled with engaging activities for children. Available in both English and Spanish, the website provides resources based on dozens of themes. The resources including online stories, web-based activities, videos, reading lists, home activities, and more.
In addition to StoryPlace, the library also houses a preschool activity library and book hive children’s literature section.
Librarians will find the colorful, attractive interactives to be popular with primary-aged children. The website’s thematic approach connects on-computer and off-computer reading and learning activities that teachers can easily adapt for the classroom.
To visit the website, go to https://www.storyplace.org/.

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

Digital Spotlight: Macaulay Library

MACAULAY LIBRARY
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Contents: Bird lovers will enjoy this large digital collection focusing on bird sounds, photos, and videos. Users can conducts a keyword search for birds and other animals of interest. They can also explore by species, region, or hotspot. The spectrogram player is of particular interest.
Classroom Connections: Students seeking information about birds will find this to be a valuable resource. Students will particularly enjoy the many videos and bird sounds.
Featured Digital Objects:
Killdeer https://goo.gl/3KEEs2
Great Horned Owl https://goo.gl/PLltAC
To visit the collection, go to https://macaulaylibrary.org/.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Technology Review: Kids Environment, Kids Health

KIDS ENVIRONMENT, KIDS HEALTH is a website filled with educational materials related to health, science, and the environment.
Sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the website is divided into four sections: topics, games, activities, and lessons.
The Topics area directs users to online activities related to the environment and health; healthy living; pollution; reduce, reuse, recycle; science and how it works; and the natural world.
The Games section contains brainteasers, puzzles, riddles, and songs.
The Activities area provides engaging, hands-on experiences focusing on the areas of Be a Scientist, Coloring, Science Experiments, and Stories.
The Lessons section helps educators locate lesson plans and other classroom materials on environmental health topics.
Librarians will find that this attractive website contains valuable resources related to the health and science curriculum.
To visit the website, go to https://kids.niehs.nih.gov.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Book Review: Samson in the Snow

SAMSON IN THE SNOW by Philip C. Stead tells quiet story of blooming friendship on a snowy day.
Samson is a wholly mammoth that longs for a friend. What he doesn’t realize is that his simple acts of kindness are building the foundations of an unexpected threesome. Full-color, wordless pages contribute to the appeal of this simple story.
Librarians will find this sweet story to be useful in jumpstarting conversations about the meaning of friendship and importance of kindness. The prehistoric setting will be a drawn for some readers.
To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to https://philipstead.com/.
Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on September 27, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Book Review: Great, Now We've Got Barbarians!

GREAT, NOW WE’VE GOT BARBARIANS! by Jason Carter Eaton is a hilarious picture book featuring uninvited guests.
When his mom says his dirty room will attract pests, a young boy doesn’t expect to be invaded by barbarians! This cautionary tale will teach even the sloppiest kids about the importance of a clean room.
The illustrator’s colorful illustrations of silly situations will keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
Librarians will find this humorous tale a hit with children. Use this picture book as a springboard for creative writing activities focusing on household chores and other everyday activities.
Published by Candlewick on February 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Technology Review: Short & Curly

SHORT & CURLY is an Australia Broadcasting Network fast-paced podcast aimed at inquisitive children.
Each 20 minute, fun-filled podcast focuses on a different ethics topic related to technology, animals, school, pop culture, or some other interesting theme. Designed for children and families, the podcasts are designed to stimulate conversation.
Librarians will find these engaging podcasts address topics of interest to children. Consider an activity that involves asking students to listen to an episode and write their reaction to the ethics issue discussed.
To visit the website, go to https://soundcloud.com/short-curly.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Book Review: Undefeated

UNDEFEATED by Steve Sheinkin tells the story of Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian football team.
In 1907, a group of young men met at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. With hard work and the leadership of a skilled coach, these Native American athletes formed a football team that overcame prejudice to defeat Ivy League teams. Filled with primary source materials and source notes, readers will be amazed by the thought-provoking personal story along with the social issues associated with institutionalized racism.
Librarians will appreciate this well-researched work of nonfiction. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the football themed Table of Contents, the short, action-packed chapters and the conversational approach.
Published by Roaring Brook Press on January 17, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Technology Review: Brains On!

BRAINS ON! is a website containing engaging science podcasts for youth.
Produced by MPR News and Southern California Public Radio, these short, informative podcasts ask and answer fascinating science questions. While some podcasts interview experts and scientists, others are presented in the form of plays or songs. Each podcasts is co-hosted by a different child.
Users can listen to the latest podcast or explore archived programs. Children can also go directly to a list of podcasts focusing on interviews, music, activities, or audio.
Librarians will find that children enjoy the website’s approach to presenting science information. Use these podcasts to inspire teachers and children to create their own class programs.
To visit the website, go to http://www.brainson.org/.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Website Review: Picture This: New Orleans

PICTURE THIS: NEW ORLEANS explores over a dozen stories about the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
A photographer traveled to New Orleans to document how the people of New Orleans recovered in the ten years since the disaster. Told through photographs, video clips, and short articles, this interactive experience shares the diverse experiences that emerged following this epic disaster.
Librarians will find this visual storytelling website to be useful for exploring the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Pair it with the many books available on this topic.
To visit the website, go to http://money.cnn.com/katrina/.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Technology Review: Europeana Collections

EUROPEANA COLLECTIONS is a large digital object portal providing access to over 54 million digital items.
Sponsored by the European Union, the comprehensive website features cultural heritage materials from across Europe. Items include artwork, books, videos, and sounds. Users can search the collection or browse resources by color, source, topic, or person. Collections and Exhibitions provides users with organized access to thematic topics related to key people, events, time periods, and themes.
The website blog features items and collection of interest. Tags and categories can be used to easily explore these digital items.
Librarians will find this resource valuable for students studying topics related to Europe culture and history. Students will need to be reminded that many of the primary source materials are not available in English. However, some materials include transcripts.
To visit the website, go to http://www.europeana.eu/portal/en.