Wicked Cool

July is Almost Here -- Beta-Test EBSCOhost 2.0

You may have heard that EBSCOhost is rolling out a new "2.0" interface in July.  Don't let it sneak up on you!  Go into EBSCOhost and click on the "New Features" link.  Then click the "Test Drive" link and fire away. 

Sure, there are a few caveats -- but this is your chance to test drive the new interface and get a feel for how it will work.  And if you try it out, let us know -- what are your initial impressions of the new search experience?

 

More Ways to Get the Word Out about Your Library's Wi-Fi Service

I'm no marketing guru, but this seems like a no-brainer.  If your library has free wi-fi service, advertise it online to help visitors to your area find out about it.  MaintainIT has a list of free sites where you can list your library as a free wireless hotspot, and there are many more.

Is your library's wireless service listed here?

• Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory (Wisconsin)
• Wi-Fi Hotspot List (Wisconsin)
• Wi-Fi Zone Finder (Wisconsin)

On the flip side -- if you're planning a summer vacation in Wisconsin, keep local public libraries in mind for wireless access.  Many of them offer it!

Thanks to Cheryl Becker for following the blogs for this tip.

Mouse Faster -- With Your Keyboard

Adding a few keystroke shortcuts to your repertoire can make your workflow actually flow.  Here are a few good ones to learn:

Switching between multiple windows:  Alt + Tab
Hold down the Alt key and click Tab.  This will bring up a menu with all the open windows.  Keep holding down the Alt key and click Tab until you have selected the window you want to switch to.  Faster than using the mouse to minimize one window and then maximize another.

Saving:  Ctrl + S
Less interruption in your typing means that you can save your work more frequently (and risk losing it less).

Copy:  Ctrl + C, Paste:  Ctrl + V
Both faster than selecting these commands with the mouse.

More Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Try them and see if they help you!