Exploring Google's "Even More" Page

Google is probably the first place searchers go to find information on the Web, but how often do you click the "even more" link on Google's search page? Google offers many search features, advanced searching, and tools that most of us do not use on a daily basis.

Did you know you can search mail order catalogs via Google? You can browse by the type of catalog, or enter a search term to search all of the catalogs. Google doesn't host all types of catalogs including: "foreign catalogs, travel guides, course catalogs, manufacturers' information sheets, loose-leaf sheets/brochures and catalogs that are printed with unusually large or small dimensions, or in landscape (horizontal) format." You can however, read most types of mail order catalogs. Google also provides a link to the vendor's Website for easy ordering!

Google Video is becoming more and more popular. Google Video is arranged by the most popular, then by other catgories. You can search for videos and Google also allows you to upload your own video like other Websites such as YouTube. Google Video is still in beta, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this entertaining Google feature.

Google also offers a Code section for developers or individuals who want to download API's or open source code. The Code section offers both a search feature and knowledge base. This is definitely worth checking out if you like exploring new ways of integrating technology or using open source software.

Another section of the "More Google Products" page is the Communicate, Show & Share area. You can create a free blog, such as this one, utilize the calendar feature, create and share documents online using Docs and Spreadsheets, organize and share images using Picasa, and many more features. Most of the advanced features Google offers requires you to create a Google account. You can even personalize your Google search page and make it your homepage.

Google offers a lot of services and features to make our life easier. I can't remember the last time I used another search engine. I used to always make an effort to double check my search using DogPile, Yahoo, or other search engines, but it is so much easier to Google it!

As a side note, I am not employed by Google, nor do I aspire to be:)

LibQUAL Survey

The library is currently conducting ARL's LibQUAL survey so please take the time to fill it out and send it back in. You will receive the survey link from Joe Meyer from Institutional Research or you can follow this link to the survey. It takes roughly about 10 minutes to complete and you can enter your email address (optional) to win a 30GB video iPod. (Five random winners.)

We welcome all comments good or not so good. We use this data to improve our services for you our patron. Alkek wants our students, faculty and staff to find and use the many resources and services we offer. When we get anonymous comments such as "The only thing lacking from the library is electronic access to daily papers like the new york times. Also it needs to make more clear the way to use its vast collection of online databases (eg JStor) from outside the library" we take them seriously. The library does have subscriptions to most of the major daily newspapers and remote access to databases is available. This comment tells me we need to do a much better job to get the word out....and make it a more obvious to everyone.

To find out if we have a subscription to any magazine, newspaper or journal use the Periodical List (there is a link on the home page and also the main databases page) When you type in a title such as the New York Times, the results you see will tell you if there is is a current print subscription and information about old issues as well. This will also tell you the format old copies are stored in (bound, microfilm or microfiche.) You can also see whether the "periodical" is full-text online in one of the many databases we subscribe to.

Then all you do is follow the link to the database that has the current issues. Sometimes publishers will restrict the online access for a period of time and so you will see the word "embargo" in the results, with a time period listed. This means that until the "embargo" is up, you have to access the hard copy. (typically this is 3mo. to a year.)

I'll continue to comment on the feedback we are getting from LibQUAL and when the final results are in from the survey, the library will take this information to make the library better!