Electronic Resources Challenge in Action!

On Friday, I had a real-life opportunity to share what I've learned during the Electronic Resources Challenge. The experience was really gratifying, and confirmed the many benefits of this Challenge.

A young man (mid- to late-20s) was asking for information about patents. We located several appropriate books on NetLibrary, and set up an account for the patron. He was extremely pleased. "This is so cool." Then I was able to show him the other databases with business-related content that were available free of charge. We toured a couple of them, and he was very excited. "I had no idea all this was here." I noticed that he was holding one of the German language course CD Roms from our collection. He said he hopes to retire in Germany. I was then able to introduce him to the Mango Languages site that is available for his use. "Awesome!" He was really jazzed about all of these electronic options. In fact, he said "This is so great! I could just hug you!" (He didn't.) :-)

So, kudos to the South Dakota State Library Challenge Team! Thanks for offering this great challenge and allowing me to understand and share this "awesome" information with our patrons.

P.S. I am a bit behind on Lessons 8 and 9 because I have to do them at the library, rather than at home, where I've done the previous lessons. I think I can access a library computer this afternoon and get to work.