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Another Search Tool Added to TU Libraries

The Temple University Libraries website has another great new addition. It is called Database Finder. This new search feature helps you find the databases best suited to your subject area. Temple University Libraries subscribe to over 400 databases and the number keeps increasing as many journals go online. Database Finder efficiently limits the results to a manageable number according to the subject areas that you mark. You can locate Database Finder in the left column on the TU Libraries page under FIND ARTICLES. The old link to the A-Z listing has been retained, too.

News

TUH Alumni Qualify for Library Courtesy Card

There has been a change in the Temple University Libraries´ policy on Temple Alumni Coutesy cards. The Alumni Courtesy cards are now free to all TU Alumni who have proof of their Alumni status. Alumni should bring their proof to the library and sign up for the Free card. The cards are good for one year and allow the holders to borrow up to ten books for a 4 week loan period. The Alumni Courtesy cardholders may also use any of the TU Libraries resources on campus.

PDF creation through Microsoft 2007

Tip: Converting Office 2007 files to PDF
Office 2007 enables you to export most files into Portable Document Format (PDF). To do this:

  1. Click on the Office 2007 logo in the upper left portion of the screen.
  2. Select Save As.
  3. Select PDF or XPS. If the PDF or XPS option does not appear, select Find add-ins for other file formats.
  4. At the Word Help window, scroll down to "Install and use the Save as PDF or XPS add-in from Microsoft" and then click on Microsoft Save as PDF or XPS Add-in for 2007 Microsoft Office programs.
  5. At the Microsoft Download Center web page, click on Continue to validate your copy of Office 2007. If prompted to install the Genuine Office Validation Component, follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. Finally, click on Download to install the add-in. Note that you may need to restart your computer to complete the installation. You can then return to step 1 to save your file as a PDF document.

New Federated Search Available

NEW FEDERATED SEARCH FEATURE
The Temple University Libraries website has a new multi-search feature that should make searching for articles much more efficient. Use the new MultiSearch link to search numerous databases in your subject area at once. The results are narrowed by database and topic with the number of items given for each. Most of the results should also be full-text versions of the articles.

EZ BORROW Bookslink opens in new window

The EZ Borrow program in which Temple University participates allows you to borrow from other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and other surrounding areas.

Books borrowed using this plan are due four weeks from pick-up at the Temple Harrisburg Library and can be renewed one time. These loaned items arrive in about 2-4 days from request submission.

You can borrow books that Temple does not own or that are not available from Temple because they have been checked out, are on reserve, or are missing.

Interested in the PRAXIS or Case Worker Exams?

Temple University provides a database in the electronic collection that includes samples and guides to both the PRAXIS and Case Worker Exam. Here how to access this valuable resource:

  1. Go to TU Libraries through the TU Portal
  2. Click on ALL DATABSES in the left column
  3. The “T” for the Testing & Education Reference Center
  4. Select “TEST PREPARATION” on the green tab at the right.
  5. Both PRAXIS and Case Worker exams are in the right column

How to Copy text from a PDF document

[Tip from Computing Services at Temple University]

If you wish to copy text from a PDF, follow these steps:

  1. In the PDF document, click on Select text in the menu options running across the top.
  2. Highlight the text you wish to copy.
  3. Hold down the control key and press the letter C.
  4. Open the application you will be using.
  5. Hold down the Control key and press the letter V to paste the text.

Have you used Ebooks? Temple has thousands online.

Using an Ebook is not as difficult as one would expect, in fact there are some reasons why they are preferable to the original models. First of all, you can look at the table of contents online. This helps you narrow down your list of possible resources and if you are already in a library…it may save you steps. You can usually conduct a full-text search on an Ebook, too. That´s much more efficient than using a several page index as your guide.

Secondly, you don´t have to worry that the book is already checked out to another student. Although you cannot use the Ebook simultaneously, the other student will not be using the Ebook for a lengthy period of time, say four weeks! Also you can get an Ebook 24/7. You do not have to worry about going to the library or about the library´s hours. This is definitely a priority for distance students.

Next, you can print the pages that you need and write your notes and marginalia. No anxiety about highlighting a book that belongs to the library. You can save your change…no photocopying fee! WOW ! Ebooks save energy, money, and time.

Most of the time, the Ebook is more current than the books on the shelves. This is especially the case for reference books; encyclopediae, handbooks, almanacs, and dictionaries. Just think of it…a newly published encyclopedia and you can print from it!

Not convinced… can you email your friends, classmates or group members pages from the regular old books? If you want more information about Ebooks, please call, email, or stop in the Temple Harrisburg Library during the library´s hours. Librarians appreciate Ebooks because they require no shelf space and are never lost, damaged or overdue!

Thanks to Rebecca for putting together this wonderful resource

Rebecca TraubRebecca Traub
Librarian
rtraub@temple.edu
(717) 232-6400 X232