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News from South Carolina's Virtual Library
 

Fall 2013
scdiscus.org 
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Discus & Common Core State Standards 

 

As schools in South Carolina prepare for the full implementation of the Common Core State Standards during the 2014-15 academic year, rest assured that the Discus resources provide support material to explain how their content aligns to the Standards.  Just visit the Discus Toolkit and look for the "Curriculum Standards" heading.


Resource Changes to Know About 

  

Britannica Public Library Edition
In mid-January 2014, the public library edition of the great Britannica resources will launch with greater functionality, a new look, and even a new name. It will be called Britannica Library and you can learn about it in a free online training on January 16.  If you want to become familiar with Britannica Library before the official launch, direct your browser to http://library-preview.eb.com. 

Britannica School
Easily find the Lexile level of any elementary or middle school article on Britannica School!  The Lexile measure can be found by clicking the Teacher tab in each article.  A Lexile measure is a valuable piece of information about either an individual's reading ability or the difficulty of a text.

Credo Reference

South Carolinians have had access to two Credo platforms for the past couple of months.  On January 2, 2014 the switch will be made to the new, refreshed Credo Reference site. Online trainings are scheduled for January 14 and 15 where you can get all your questions addressed. 

  

LearningExpress Library

The completely redesigned LearningExpress Library is now available in South Carolina!  During the transition while both the old and new versions are available at the same time, be sure to read the important information about registration and personal accounts.  In preparation for the new 2014 GED Test, LearningExpress Library will soon update to meet the new test specifications. Several online training opportunities about the redesigned product are available, with the next session taking place on January 15. 

 

Consult the Discus training calendar for full information about sessions focused on these updates. Additional sessions may be added, so please check back often. 

 

 

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Helpful Lists for Viewpoints Databases   

  

Two of the products in the Discus collection are perfect for the exploration of current, contemporary social issues: Opposing Viewpoints In Context and Points of View Reference Center.  A request for printable lists of the issues and topics in these products was received in the Discus Office.  Gale and EBSCO, the providers of the resources, promptly provided the lists, accessible below.
 
The links to the printable lists are also available from the A-Z List of Resources by selecting the question icon following each database name.
 
Thanks to Marcia Kalayjian, one of our terrific South Carolina media specialists, for such a helpful idea!  


New Promotional Items Available for K-12 Schools      
 
Have you heard about the new wristbands and rulers for promoting Discus use in schools?  They're perfect for giving away as contest prizes or as incentives/rewards for using the Discus resources for school assignments.  If you'd like to use them with your students, order information is just a click away.      

 

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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.    

  

Happy Holidays! Evergreen wreath  
 
The Discus staff along with everyone else at the South Carolina State Library send warm holiday greetings your way! 
 
Thanks for your strong support throughout 2013 and best wishes in the coming new year! 

 

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In This Issue
Discus & Common Core State Standards
Resource Changes to Know About
Helpful Lists for Viewpoints Databases
Happy Holidays!
Dear Discus...


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Discus will be represented at these upcoming events!

 
SC Association of School Librarians - Annual Conference in Columbia


SC Midlands Summit - Conference in Blythewood

Discus is a service of the South Carolina State Library.