Hundreds of books, magazines and online research are available at the touch of a button, but knowing how to use this helpful resource is the key to success.

This year a new addition has been made to the online campus website. An easier way to search for and access books and research tools are available in just five steps. In order to check out a book for instance on the new library software, Alexandria, follow these steps:

First, visit www.thefeather.com and its home page.

Next, click the link on the right side of the page titled ?FCS Media Center,? which leads to the search page.

There are five different options to search by: author, title of book, key words, series, or call number. An example of a search could be The Catcher in the Rye.

The full title can be entered under ?title,? or Salinger can be entered under ?author.?
A list of search results will be brought up, click on the one that fits the book that was searched for.

At the bottom of the page are the words ?reserve book? and once that is clicked, a page with two boxes loads.

Finally, type in student number in both boxes, (i.e. 200512) and hit ?enter.? The process is then complete, and the book will be held in the library for up to one week until picked up.

The new program is built for easy-access and convenience and has already been proven effective.

?The online library link was really easy to find and use,? Andrew Rurik, ?09, said. ?It will help me find the books I need faster and more efficiently in the future.?

There are also three new programs available in the Media Center that can improve and add to independent student research: The World Book, EBSCOhost and NewsBank. Each has specific benefits.

The World Book Online is an online reference center that contains every article from the 22-volume print set. In addition students can access related articles from major newspapers and magazines and special reports that broaden and deepen coverage for selected topics.

?There are extensive graphic and multimedia enhancements include photographs, maps, illustrations, tables, animations and audio/video clips,? Lin Brown librarian, said. ?A ?Back in Time? feature offers a ?you-are-there? chronicle of events that begin in 1922 and unfolds in the distinctive voice and perspective of each successive year.?

EBSCOhost is a periodical search engine that offers full text articles from 541 magazines, 540 pamphlets, Supreme Court case transcripts, Congressional testimonies and 81,000 primary source documents. Magill Book Reviews are also provided for 5000 titles.

?Additional student research is enhanced with 235 reference books including the CIA World Factbook with maps, the World Almanac, and 81,000 full text biographies,? Brown added. ?The image collection includes wonderful maps, charts, graphs, and photos.?

International newspapers and wire services plus television news show transcripts are also searchable.

NewsBank is an information database that offers you access to international and national newspapers and wire services. The Hot Topic feature provides a quick reference to current issues in many fields of interest.

For more information on the new online library link and online programs, contact librarian Brown at [email protected] or call the library at 299-1695, ext. 119.