NoveList (A and H)
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, MeL Training Materials
NoveList
06/10 KRB
minor revision 06/10 KRB - The mention of the YA Fiction Checklist was removed from #9.
12-09-10: Revisions to the script have been made to reflect the new interface. (KRB)
Start the demonstration by having the class find NOVELIST in the alphabetical list of databases at mel.org and open it.
The version of NoveList that MeL has purchased includes information on fiction books for children, young adults, and adults. This is a very rich database loaded with information and features for both librarians and patrons. It should be popular with students as well.
Please explain that NoveList now has a "plus" version with nonfiction titles, but MeL does not have that version, so we will only be seeing fiction material in our demonstration.
1. Point out the features of the Home page:
• search box at the top
• current bestsellers and similar titles
• recommended reads lists for all age groups in the left column
• variety of booklists and readers' advisory tools in the right column
2. Have the class click on the ADVANCED SEARCH link at the top of the screen. Type mystery in the first search box and change the drop-down menu to GENRE. In the second search box, type culinary and change the drop-down menu to SUBJECT. For "Search modes," change it to BOOLEAN/PHRASE. Click the SEARCH button at the top of the screen.
3. Point out features of the results page. Across the top are tabs dividing the results. Included with each record is cover art, if available, author and title, short summary, starred rating, and age range. The stars, which range from 1 to 5, indicate the popularity of the title. Popularity is based on the book sale information EBSCO receives from Baker & Taylor. This reflects the the average sales over the past 10 years of a title's publication. There is also a "Check the MeLCat Catalog" link with each record. Options for narrowing and limiting the results are on the left and right sides of the screen, respectively.
4. Have the class click on the first title to see the detailed record. Give them time to scroll down and see what type of information is given in this record. For each title, NoveList has added "appeal terms," that include notes on genre, story line, plot, and style. There are also tabs for "Reviews," More About This Book," and "Lists & Articles." Point out the Print, E-mail, "Save as File," and "Add to folder" icons at the top.
TRAINER NOTE: Printing prints the entire record, including reviews, so make sure the class understands this.
5. Have the class click on the HOME icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
6. Now, we will take a look at the various NoveList resources on the right side of the screen. These resources will be very helpful for librarians doing readers' advisory work, for patrons who are avid readers, and for book club members. First, there is a "How to Use NoveList" link. This opens a new tab/window. It contains numerous links for tutorials, webinars, tip sheets, etc. Let the class look at what is available, then have them close the tab/window to return to the Home page.
7. Just underneath the "How to Use NoveList" link is the "NoveList Resources" section. There are links to some very helpful pages. Have the class click on the AUTHOR READ-ALIKES link. Click on the first author listed. Let the class look at the type of article this section contains. This would be helpful for readers' advisory, book talks, book clubs, etc.
8. Have the class click on the HOME icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
9. Next, have the class click on the BOOK DISCUSSION GUIDES link. Click on the first title to see the type of article included in this section.
10. Have the class click on the HOME icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
11. Have the class click on the NOVELIST FEATURE ARTICLES link. Click on the first item listed. Give the class a minute to look through the information to see what is included.
12. Have the class click on the HOME icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
13. We are going to skip looking the "Award Winners" link as it is fairly intuitive and easy to use. Have the class click on the READERS' ADVISORY TOOLBOX link We do not have time to look at every feature, so let the class choose something of interest to them.
14. Have the class click on the HOME icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
15. Lastly, have the class click on the TEACHING WITH BOOKS link. This is a great resource for curriculum integration and working with teachers. It might also be good for any home schoolers who come to your library. Give the class a few minutes to look at something of interest to them on this page.
Ask for questions. Have the class do the exercises.
This service is funded in part by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Additional project support comes from the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
