Sherwood Using Plinkit
The eShelf & Research Tab
The eShelf & Research tab provides access to a variety of general research databases and other electronic resources. To view the eShelf materials, click the eShelf & Research tab below the library name banner or click the eShelf & Research link in the navigation portlet.
When you first view the eShelf & Research area of your Plinkit site, the main content area will contain reference category links similar to those shown in the screen shot above. You can edit or delete these pre-populated links or add new ones. The default eShelf & Research tab also contains several portlets in addition to the standard navigation and quotation portlets.
The default features of the eShelf & Research tab include:
1. News portlet: Displays links to the most current library news items. If there are no current news items, this portlet is not visible.
2. Magazine and Research Databases link: Displays a list of links to electronic research databases, including magazine databases, encyclopedias, and other digital information. These links are grouped into the following categories: General, Business, Health, Newspapers, and Additional Topics.
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Note: Clicking a link for a specific database will open the database in a new browser window. In some cases, patrons will have to enter a user name and password to access the list of databases or specific databases. These user names and passwords should not be confused with Plinkit login names and passwords. Patron users do not have to log in to use Plinkit. |
3. Good Reads link: Displays a list of links to a variety book recommendation lists, best seller lists, and book review sites, as well as links to current local, national, and world news sites.
4. Selected Sites link: Displays a list of recommended Web sites, as collected and grouped by the Open Directory Project. Users can browse categories such as Art, Business, Health, and Religion to find information on the Web.
5. Community Organizations link: Allows users to search by name or keyword for information about local community organizations.
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Note: The community organization database is maintained by the Plinkit Web site Editor (see Posting Information about Community Organizations). Patrons can use a link on the Community Organizations page to recommend organizations for inclusion in the database. |
6. Digital Exhibits link: Opens a Digital Exhibits page, from which users can access various collections of digital images.
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Note: The Digital Exhibits area of your Plinkit site will come pre-populated with two exhibits about the Oregon State Library. You can keep or delete these exhibits and add your own (see Creating a Digital Photo Exhibit). |
7. Library catalog portlet (if available for your library): Allows users to search your library catalog and access their personal library accounts. Search results are displayed in a new browser window.
8. More research help portlet: Provides access to L-net, a statewide library resource that allows users to chat online with Oregon reference librarians, and OSLIS (Oregon School Library Information System), a statewide reference tool designed specifically for K-12 students.
9. Search the web portlet: Allows users to search the Internet using Google. Search results are displayed in a new browser window.