Top
      
News from South Carolina's Virtual Library
 
Spring 2014
scdiscus.org 
Man and woman with laptop
Kids InfoBits is Changing! 

 

Wonderful enhancements will launch soon for Kids InfoBits, the popular resource targeted to the elementary school audience. 
Upgrades include:
  • A new, modern interface and improved navigation
  • Newly updated content
  • Additional tools to support 21st century learning, including social media sharing, language translations, read-aloud technology, and improved citation tools
Although no firm date is available yet for these Kids InfoBits upgrades, watch for them to make an appearance this spring! Consider registering for  The NEW Kids InfoBits webinar taking place on April 10, May 1, and June 16.

LearningExpress Library 2.0 Ends on June 30, 2014

  

LearningExpress Library provides online, interactive materials to help users succeed in the workplace and in school.  Discus embraced a new version of LearningExpress Library in late 2013.   Since that time users have had access to both versions 2.0 and 3.0 of this popular resource.  

At the end of June, however, LearningExpress Library 2.0 will no longer exist.  Users should be encouraged to complete any materials stored in their 2.0 personal accounts before June 30 and establish a new account in version 3.0, as explained in the registration instructions.  

Need a tour of LearningExpress Library 3.0?  Use the dropdown menu to see the numerous upcoming dates on the webinar schedule and register for a convenient time.

Back to top 

 
 
Britannica Library   

  

The Britannica public library interface received significant enhancements and launched for South Carolina's 42 public library systems in February.  
 
Now known as Britannica Library, it provides separate and unique levels for both children and young adults.  There is also a level called the Reference Center for high school students and adults. 
 
Do you want mobile functionality?  Britannica Library has it covered! Enjoy the same viewing experience on a table, smartphone, or laptop...actually on any Internet-connected device with a Web browser.
 
Learn more about Britannica Library by viewing the short tutorial or the full recorded training session

 

Destiny and Discus

  

The Discus Office sometimes receives questions from media specialists in South Carolina public school districts about integrating the resources in Discus with their district's implementation of Follett's Destiny Library Manager.  

There is now a basic Discus and Destiny FAQ for media specialists that was compiled with the assistance of Follett representatives.  Is something missing from the FAQ that would be amazingly helpful to your colleagues?  Suggestions for additional entries in the FAQ are welcomed by the Discus Office.

 

Back to top 

Training Suggestions   

  

The training sessions offered by Discus are meant to serve the needs of schools, public libraries, and academic libraries. If you have thoughts about future Discus training sessions, we're open to ideas on topics, presentation styles, specific resources to highlight and more.  And now is the time to place your requests for summer training sessions, if desired.   
 
Updates Always Welcome

  

Discus serves public libraries, colleges, universities, public K-12 schools, and many private K-12 schools.  All participating institutions designate one person to serve as the main (or primary) contact with the Discus program.  Primary Contacts are charged with keeping their institution's information accurate for Discus purposes.

What is the worst that can happen if Discus has outdated information about your institution?
  • If we don't have correct email addresses, those who serve as your Primary Contact and Technical Contact will not receive listserv messages with needed information for your institution.
  • If we don't have correct mailing addresses for individual school buildings, the media specialists in those schools won't receive the new Discus username and password to share with their students and teachers in the upcoming academic year. 
  • If we don't have correct IP addresses, your seamless access to the resources will end. 

The Discus Office is easy to reach and wants to ensure that communication with our participating institutions and access to the resources is uninterrupted and successful.

 

Back to top 

Prize Winners at SCASL 2014

 

The South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) gathered in March for its 39th annual conference, providing many opportunities for professional growth, networking, and reflection on the role of school librarians in South Carolina.  Discus and the State Library were represented in the exhibit hall and in the sessions.
 
As in the past, Discus asked for feedback from educators about the impact and use of the statewide electronic resources at their schools.   Those who provided feedback were eligible for small prizes.  Congratulations to these lucky winners! 
  • Kriss Kirkindoll of the School District of Greenville County
  • Dana Whelchel of the School District of Pickens County
  • Kathleen DuRant of the Sumter School District 
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.     
 

Back to top 

It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark  
(or Add this Bookmark Now!)  

 

Though rare, there are times when the Discus website is temporarily unavailable.  For institutions that use scdiscus.org as their point-of-access to the resources, this is inconvenient and disruptive.  
 
But there is good news: a simple bookmark will save the day!  As long as the electronic resources are functioning normally, access to them is still available by using the Discus alternate access page.  
 
Plan ahead and use this URL to create your bookmark now before it's needed!

 

Back to top 

In This Issue
Kids InfoBits is Changing!
LearningExpress Library
Britannica Library
Destiny and Discus
Training Suggestions
Updates Always Welcome
Prize Winners at SCASL 2014
New Promotional Items
It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark


Join Our Mailing List
Discus will be represented at these upcoming events!

 
SC Midlands Summit in Blythewood


Upstate Technology Conference in Greenville


Education & Business Summit in Greenville


ETV Technology Conference in Columbia

* * * * * * * * * *
Dear Discus... 

 

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


Discus is a service of the South Carolina State Library.