Library User Guides A Free Service

Library User Guides was a free service for librarians, professors, instructors and teachers to improve utilization and appreciation of library resources.
This was its website.
Content is from the site's archived pages and other sources.

With step-by-step explanations accompanied with clear visuals Library User Guides shows how to use valuable library resources.

  • The videos are greatly appreciated by those who need to learn their way around the modern library.
  • Library User Guides is used by public libraries, high-school, university, community colleges, medical and specialty libraries.
  • The videos are convenient for use in classroom instruction, workshops and conferences and even at the reference desk.
  • Library patrons and students who live remotely from the library can still benefit because Library User Guides is available online.
  • There is no cost to your library or school to use Library User Guides.

LIBRARY USER GUIDES

Library User Guides explains how to locate and use many library resources. Library User Guides is used by thousands of libraries worldwide. Coverage on many resources including: government resources ready reference career guidance news media encyclopedias databases.

To-the-point instructional online videos that show how to locate and use numerous electronic resources:

Databases
• TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL
• OPEN SECRETS • ERIC • SCIRUS BASIC SEARCH
• SCIRUS ADVANCED SEARCH
• SCIRUS SUGGESTED SEARCH WORDS
• SCIRUS USING THE INFORMATION

Encyclopedias
• WIKIPEDIA BASIC SEARCH
• WIKIPEDIA BROWSE
• ABOUT DOT COM
• Career Guidance
• CAREER INFONET

Ready Reference
• CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
• THE FREE DICTIONARY

Specialized Resources
• INTERNET ARCHIVE
• GUTENBERG BOOKS
• SOME SOURCES OF IMAGES
• AMERICAN MEMORY ONLINE COLLECTIONS
• PRO CON DOT ORG • INTERNET PUBLIC LIBRARY

• News Media
• NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Medical Information
• CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
• POISON CONTROL CENTER
• MEDLINE PLUS HEALTH TOPICS
• MEDLINE PLUS DRUG-SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION
• MEDLINE PLUS MEDICAL PROCEDURES VIDEOS

Government Resources
• AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• CANADA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• IRELAND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• SOUTH AFRICA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• U.S. GOVERNMENT OBTAINING GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• U.S. GOVERNMENT PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
• U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION FOR RESEARCHERS

The Richard Miles was the co-founder of Miles Multimedia starting in September 1999 to the present.
The goal was to develop Information Literacy online training multimedia and online textbooks. Miles Multimedia produced more than 100 titles that have been viewed by more than 100,000 users worldwide.

Information Literacy is exemplified in libraries where people routinely search for diverse kinds of information. Although the internet has simplified access to information, it often lacks the depth found in the references and periodicals of a large library. For example, while searching for basic items like pet products is easy online, finding detailed information on compliance with regulatory or safety matters often requires more specialized sources.

Consider the case of a startup needing to understand the nuances of safety standards for its products. In this scenario, Information Literacy becomes crucial. The company must navigate through various regulations, understanding not just the safety compliance requirements but also the standards related to materials and construction. This task involves consulting multiple references, including standards and practices, which are not typically found in a single online source.

Enhancing Information Literacy is also crucial when replacing outdated software like FoxPro with custom solutions. This transition requires accessing a variety of online training resources to ensure a smooth and informed switch. The need for comprehensive Information Literacy skills is highlighted here, as it involves not just finding information but understanding and applying it effectively within a specific context. This skill is key to acquiring a broad range of information efficiently and accurately.

About Jody Perkins

Assistant Professor - Computer Science
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, California
August 2015 to present

Teach Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Microsoft Office, Programming Concepts and Methodologies I
& II, Computer Architecture and Organization, Discrete Structures and Web Design courses.

Co-Founder
Miles Multimedia
Bakersfield, California
September 1999 to present
Develop Information Literacy online training multimedia and online textbooks. Produced more than 100 titles that have been viewed by more than 100,000 users worldwide.

Mobile Applications Developer
Kia Motors
Irvine, California
April 2014 to January 2015
Coordinated Android and iOS mobile application projects. Worked with in-house teams from multiple departments and domestic and overseas 3rd party vendors. Made specifications, oversaw development, reviewed compliance with  standards, ensured that app software follows security best practices. Guided multiple projects to meet strict completion deadlines.

Head Librarian - Instructor
Transpacific Hawaii College
Honolulu, Hawaii
April 2003 to March 2008
Managed the library. Provided reference desk consultation. Monitored circulation. Responsible for collection development and negotiation of electronic resource subscriptions. Cataloged all library assets. Handled all library budget matters. Maintained library website. Implemented school’s first online course management system. Taught classes in library and research skills and information technology. As a member of the Comprehensive

Technology Committee
established guidelines for IT services and made recommendations for hardware and software upgrades in support of the curriculum. Served on the Student Learning Outcomes Committee and on the WASC Accreditation Steering Committee. Developed new courses in conjunction with the Curriculum Committee.

Teaching Assistant
Information and Computer Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii
August 2004 to December 2004

Provided help to students on course topics in ICS 311 - Data Structures and Algorithms, assisted students with Java language programming.

 

 

More Background on LibraryUserGuides.com

LibraryUserGuides.com was a free online platform dedicated to enhancing information literacy by providing instructional videos and guides on utilizing various library resources. Its mission was to assist librarians, educators, students, and the general public in effectively navigating and utilizing the wealth of information available in modern libraries.

History and Development

Established in the early 2000s, LibraryUserGuides.com emerged during a period when digital literacy was becoming increasingly essential. The rapid expansion of digital resources within libraries necessitated tools that could bridge the gap between traditional library use and the burgeoning digital landscape. The website was co-founded by Richard Miles and Jody Perkins, both of whom brought extensive experience in information literacy and multimedia education.

Richard Miles, co-founder of Miles Multimedia since 1999, focused on developing online training multimedia and textbooks aimed at enhancing information literacy. Under his leadership, Miles Multimedia produced over 100 titles, reaching more than 100,000 users worldwide. Jody Perkins, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Bakersfield College, contributed her expertise in computer science and education to the development of the platform.

Content and Resources

LibraryUserGuides.com offered a diverse range of instructional materials, including step-by-step video tutorials and guides covering various topics:

  • Databases: Guides on accessing and utilizing databases such as ERIC, Scirus, and Open Secrets.

  • Encyclopedias: Instructions on effectively using resources like Wikipedia and About.com.

  • Career Guidance: Resources like Career InfoNet to assist users in career planning and job searches.

  • Ready Reference: Tutorials on using tools like the CIA World Factbook and The Free Dictionary.

  • Specialized Resources: Guides on accessing the Internet Archive, Gutenberg Books, and American Memory Online Collections.

  • News Media: Instructions on navigating platforms like National Public Radio.

  • Medical Information: Guides on using MedlinePlus Health Topics, Drug-Supplement Information, and Medical Procedures Videos.

  • Government Resources: Instructions on accessing government information from various countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

Audience and Reach

The platform was utilized by a wide array of institutions globally, including public libraries, high schools, universities, community colleges, medical, and specialty libraries. Its resources were particularly beneficial for:

  • Educators: Incorporating the guides into classroom instruction, workshops, and conferences.

  • Students: Learning to navigate library resources for research and assignments.

  • Library Patrons: Enhancing their ability to utilize library services effectively.

  • Remote Users: Accessing library resources online, regardless of their physical proximity to a library.

Cultural and Social Significance

In an era where information is abundant yet navigating it can be challenging, LibraryUserGuides.com played a crucial role in promoting information literacy. By providing free, accessible, and user-friendly guides, it democratized access to knowledge and empowered individuals to become proficient in information retrieval and utilization.

The platform's emphasis on visual and step-by-step instructions catered to diverse learning styles, making it an invaluable resource for individuals with varying levels of technical proficiency. Its contribution to information literacy is aligned with the broader educational goal of fostering critical thinking and self-sufficient learning.

Reviews and Reception

While specific user reviews are not readily available, the widespread adoption of LibraryUserGuides.com by numerous educational and library institutions worldwide attests to its value and effectiveness. The platform's resources were appreciated for their clarity, comprehensiveness, and practical applicability in real-world library settings.

Press and Media Coverage

Although detailed media coverage is limited, the platform's innovative approach to information literacy likely garnered attention within educational and library science circles. Its development during a time when digital literacy was becoming increasingly important underscores its relevance and timeliness.

 

LibraryUserGuides.com served as a pivotal resource in the realm of information literacy, providing free and accessible guides to a global audience. Its comprehensive tutorials covered a wide spectrum of library resources, empowering users to navigate the complex information landscape effectively. The platform's legacy continues to underscore the importance of information literacy in today's digital age.

 

LibraryUserGuides.com