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News from South Carolina's Virtual Library
 

Summer 2013
scdiscus.org 
Man and woman with laptop
Discus: A New Look 

 

Pardon this shameless self-promotion, but we're quite proud of our new Discus logo and updated, refreshed website!  We can't help but brag just a tiny bit as it rolls out.

The new logo represents the different sized screens to which the Discus website now responds and adapts.  With the vertical, scrolling layout of the pages, the site is much more mobile friendly.
And if you're particularly observant, you may have noticed that DISCUS has now officially become Discus.  If you haven't noticed, no worries!  Just keep using the resources and promoting them at your institution as you've always done.  We appreciate it! 


SmartSearch is Back!

 

 

Want to search several Discus databases at once?  SmartSearch is back on the Discus website now, providing the cross-search ability and also recognizing home users within the state, thereby eliminating the username and password login process most of the time.

  

Is the traditional A-Z list of Discus resources still available?
Yes!  You can still use an individual database if you wish.

Why do the SmartSearch results look a lot like the results from an EBSCOhost search?

SmartSearch is powered behind-the-scenes by a product called EBSCOhost Integrated Search (EHIS).  Though SmartSearch and EBSCOhost results may look similar, the two tools are designed to perform differently.

 

EBSCOhost results come only from databases provided by EBSCO, which is just one of the companies that Discus works with. SmartSearch, however, delivers results that can be potentially from several (or even all) of the eight companies that we work with.   

  

How can I learn more about SmartSearch?

Take a look at these helpful resources: EHIS Recorded Webinar, EHIS Support Center.  If you have questions that aren't addressed, please contact the Discus Office.

 

 

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Resource Changes to Know About    

  

Several of the companies that provide the electronic resources to Discus have been busy with upgrades, enhancements, and redesigns to make their products, and your search experiences, even better. Here is a summary of recent and upcoming changes.
  • Bloom's Literature -  Formerly called Bloom's Literary Reference Online, this resource now includes literature curriculum standards (including Common Core) aligned with the content.  The product also includes 98 full-length performance videos of classic stage plays such as King Lear and The Iceman Cometh.  The "Browse Videos" link on the homepage displays the entire list of classic plays, all of which are iPad / mobile-friendly.
  • Britannica School - Formerly known as Britannica Online School Edition, this resource of encyclopedia and extensive related content looks and feels entirely new!  Curriculum standards (including Common Core), support for differentiated instruction, lesson plan builders, and a display that adjusts to any device are only some of the many improvements.
  • Credo Reference - This amazing resource of 600+ full-text reference books is being redesigned and will launch soon as a fully complete mobile site.
  • Points of View Reference Center - The new interface features an updated landing page and improved navigation.  The total number of topics in the resource stands at 343, with each having an overview, point, counterpoint and Guide to Critical Analysis.
  • LearningExpress Library - In October a completely redesigned LearningExpress Library will be available in South Carolina.  The resource will be touch-enabled and tablet-ready with easy navigation, interactive tutorials, timed and untimed test modes, individualized study plans, and a learning roadmap.
Some training sessions focused on these updates appear now on the Discus training calendar.  Additional sessions will be added, so please check back often. 


New Fall Training Calendar 
 
Need to polish your overall Discus skills?  One of our free trainings may be the answer!  Since many of the sessions are online, the hassle and expense of traveling and being away from your library or media center are not an issue.  Register for one today on the training calendar and increase your expertise in using the virtual library.   

 

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Promotion Kits for EBSCO Resources 

 

Have you ever wished for one-stop shopping when it comes to learning about and promoting an individual database in the Discus collection?  Wish no more!  EBSCO has assembled online Promotion Kits for many of its most-often-used resources.  Help sheets, training materials, tutorials and much more are found easily in one place.  It's another great idea from one of our valued vendor partners!   

  

Farewell to Amy Duernberger

 

For the past 8+ years the Discus program has been guided by the
Photo of Amy Duernbergerexpertise of Amy Duernberger. Sadly for Discus and the State Library, Amy is leaving at the beginning of August to pursue an exciting professional opportunity in the library at Newberry College.

Discus has grown tremendously under Amy's leadership, adding numerous resources to the collection and welcoming many new participating institutions.  Amy spearheaded the extensive 2011-12 database evaluation project that resulted in the current collection of outstanding resources for South Carolinians. She was also instrumental in implementing federated searching and geolocation authentication for the program, thereby making Discus more user-friendly and accessible across the state.

During her years with the State Library, Amy has cheerfully and steadfastly promoted both Discus and the library to the residents of South Carolina.  We will miss Amy's skilled leadership and upbeat, friendly attitude, but wish her well in her new opportunity!    

 

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Dear Discus... 

 

We're always happy to hear from you, so please contact us at anytime.  Access issues, database content questions, program recommendations, training concerns, and more are all welcomed via phone or email.    

  

In This Issue
Discus: A New Look
SmartSearch is Back!
Resource Changes to Know About
New Fall Training Calendar
Promotion Kits for EBSCO Resources
Farewell to Amy Duernberger
Dear Discus...


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Discus will be represented at these upcoming events!

 
SC Association for the Education of Young Children - Fall Conference in Columbia


SC EdTech - Conference in Greenville


SCLA / SELA Joint Conference in Greenville


DISCUS is a service of the South Carolina State Library.