Volume 5, Issue 1
January 2006
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Spreading the News
More and more people are switching over to electronic calendars. I am not one of them. I love to hold that new calendar in my hands and think about what will be filling in those crisp, clean pages. Right now those possibilities are endless and I can dream big dreams. Already there are mundane items creeping in: a visit to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned, doctor visits, and suchlike. There are also some fun and exciting events: I have noted my regular storytelling dates as well as several single performances, and the approximate due date of my third grandchild. I want to make sure I pencil in some professional development days, as well.
An easy way to grow professionally and "wow" your colleagues, principals and directors is through the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD). When we showcase the features of the CLCD (you can do so much more than access reviews, you know), many of our subscribers say, "I didn't know I could do that with the CLCD." Here each month we include a Search Tip of the Month to help you learn how the CLCD can help you quickly and reliably find information on books, audio books and films, authors and illustrators. So, schedule some time in your paper or electronic calendar each month to acquaint yourself with the Search Tip. I guarantee that in the long run you will save time and create valuable resources for staff, colleagues and patrons who rely on you.
Wishing each and everyone a 2006 calendar with happy surprises!
ON THE ROAD: CLCD will be exhibiting at ALA in San Antonio, January 20-23, booth 184. We look forward to saying "howdy" and showing you all the great benefits of the CLCD database.
In our recent survey, we learned that many of our new subscribers were not aware of all of the search tips that have previously been posted. In an effort to remedy that, we are passing along some of our favorites and adding new ones when appropriate.
Abbreviated Names
When searching for an author with a name that sometimes appears in an abbreviated form, such as Chris instead of Christopher or Tony instead of Anthony, do try searching both versions, especially if you have chosen to limit your search to the author/illustrator fields. We primarily use the MARC cataloging records provided by the Library of Congress. However, and others organizations prepare MARC for materials the Library of Congress does not catalog or may not have cataloged yet. Therefore, the name authority file may not always be consulted or consistent. Also consider using the Browse feature to find an author name.
Is this Book Still in Print?
When you are looking at the information about a book and need to know more-such as the current price or availability-click on the CLCD B&N Bookstore button at the top or bottom of the page. It will take you directly to that item where you can get product information and lots more. You can then just hit the Back button to return to whatever you were doing in the CLCD database. Should you wish to make a purchase later on, remember that doing so from the CLCD database earns you an extra 5% discount.
For many of us January is a pretty chilly month. So we are featuring Snow, Snowflakes and Snowmen as well as creatures who love the cold and in particular Polar Bears. Many youngsters and adults are familiar with the Polar Express, but there are a few other famous trains-Thomas the Tank Engine and The Little Engine that Could. This month brings two holidays, and we have updated our features about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dog. Speaking of dogs, one of the better known dogs in children's literature is Shiloh. This month Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has a birthday and we have updated the feature we have about here with some additional reviews from her more recent books. Tony DiTrelizzi and Holly Black have wowed readers with the Spiderwick Chronicles and now there is Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You which our reviewer called "a treasure trove of information about the life, habits and habitats of the denizens of the Invisible World…"
Our monthly newsletter is now available to everyone within an organization, not just the primary contact. A new feature at www.childrenslit.com will provide you with a form allowing you to sign up for just the electronic newsletter. The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, updated mid-month, is your most complete source of information about children's books. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the book in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best books. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD or contact us, go to www.childrenslit.com.
CLCD Newsletter Editor, Sharon Salluzzo serves as a library and education consultant to CLCD. In addition, Sharon is a book reviewer, a storyteller, an editorial board member of Capitol Choices and a member of The Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC. She earned her MLS at SUNY Geneseo.
About the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database is your most complete source of information about children's books, audio recordings, and films. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the item in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best materials. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD, go to www.childrenslit.com.