About deweydiva

Librarian form the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District in Las Vegas, NV

Chilton’s Will Be Gone Soon!


Have you gotten used to using the Chilton Library for your automotive research needs? Unfortunately, this is one of the resources which will be eliminated in October 2010. We do not want to leave you without something, so try the Auto Repair Reference Center as an alternative. Using this is a little different, but it has primarily the same information.

Remember as always, if you want to access this from home, you must be a Las Vegas resident with a valid card number and PIN. If all of these criteria do not apply to you, then you must use this resource inside of our libraries. Ok, are you ready? Great, let’s get started. Follow these easy steps and you are on your way;

  1. Go to the Library’s homepage, lvccld.org.
  2. Click Find Information
  3. Click Databases A-Z
  4. Scroll down to & select Auto Repair Reference Center

Once you access this electronic resource, there are many ways to get started. Let’s start with the easiest.

  • Select the Year of your vehicle from the list displayed.

  • Select the Make of the vehicle.
  • Select the Model of your vehicle.
  • Select the Submodel, if there is one.

You should be at Repair Topics now.

Click on what you need, whether it’s Wiring Diagrams (not all models have these), Repair Procedures or Service Bulletins and Recalls. (These categories will change based on the type of vehicle selected)  Clicking on each will give you a list of more topics that will help to narrow your results.

After browsing through the various options, you hopefully have found exactly what you need. Now what? You can print the information, or send a copy via email and you are all set!

Be sure to browse the tabs from the Auto Repair Reference Center homepage for even more information.


We Are losing More Electronic Resources


Many companies have had to cut back on services that are offered to the public because of budget constraints. The Library is also experiencing challenges in regards to services that we offer.

Many online resources will no longer be available, so we will try and offer alternative electronic resources or other sources that may contain the same of similar information. Please remember, we are trying to provide the best service in times of a down economy and we appreciate your understanding.

Starting July 1, 2010, the following resources will no longer be available through the library’s electronic resources;

Oxford English Dictionary Online
Oxford Reference Online
Ulrich Periodicals Directory

Oxford English Dictionary Online – As an alternative to this source, you can use many of the dictionaries that are available at no charge on the Internet. Here are some that we recommend;

  • Merriam Webster Online Dictionary- Free online version of the Merriam-Webster English dictionary, with searchable dictionary definitions, thesaurus, and a student dictionary for kids.

Oxford Reference Online – Another great source to use that will give you as much information as this one is Gale Virtual Reference Library. This full-text electronic resource  contains ebooks of encyclopedias, almanacs and specialized reference sources across a variety of subjects.

This electronic resource provides many ways in which you can search for information. These include, the basic search, the subject guide search, the advanced search and the publication search.

Basic Search – Simply enter a tile in the search box and you will get a results list.

Subject Guide Search – Enter a subject in the search box and use any of the limiters such as publication date, publication title or document type to narrow your results.

Advanced Search – The Advanced search feature allows you to use the Boolean operators, and, not and or to narrow your results. You can also narrow your results list by the limiters provided, which include publication title, publication date, subject area and target audience.

Publication Search – Simply click on a subject from the list. You can expand the results list by clicking on the plus or minus sign.


Ulrich Periodicals Directory – Unfortunately, there is no alternative to using this electronic resource. We have discovered that this electronic resource is available at the University of Las Vegas-Nevada. This resource can only be accessed in person at the Lied Library.

As you can see, there are still electronic resources that will contain information to help in your research. Do you find the replacement electronic resource fun and easy to use? Why or why not?

We’re Losing More Databases!


Many companies have had to cut back on services that are offered to the public because of budget constraints. The Library is also experiencing challenges in regards to services that we offer. In the near future, you will begin to notice that we have made several changes to our electronic resources. Many sources will no longer be available, so we will try and offer alternative electronic resources or other sources that may contain the same of similar information. Please remember, we are trying to provide the best service in times of a down economy and we appreciate your understanding.

After June, 2010, the following resources will no longer be available through the library’s electronic resources;

1. Grolier Online
2. Grove Encyclopedia of Art
3. Grove Encyclopedia of Music

1. Grolier Online – This electronic resource contained many encyclopedias that could be searched all at once. Instead, you can try World Book. World Book allows you to Search all encyclopedia articles, multimedia, periodical, e-book, and primary source databases in a single search, or use our image search to focus on the site’s multimedia collection. You can find all the information you need on any research topic,

You can search the following categories in World Book Info Finder to find information;

  • World Newspapers
  • World Book Explorers
  • Current Events
  • Research Tools
  • Science Projects
  • Biography Center

You can find information using the following search methods;

  • Search box
  • A-Z
  • By subject
  • Images and Videos
  • Dictionary
  • Advanced Search

2.Grove Encyclopedia of Art – We have no electronic resource that you can use instead of this one, but we have an entire “Hot Topic” that will help with many of your art needs. The “Hot Topics” is a place where you can find websites, books, databases and much more. Each “Hot Topic” is devoted to one subject area.

To find the Hot Topics, follow these simple instructions;

  1. Go to our homepage, lvccld.org
  2. Click on Find Information
  3. Click on Hot Topics
  4. Under General Reference, click on Art

3. Grove Encyclopedia of Music – There are a few resources to use to get information on music.

For Composers –  Biography Resource Center is the best place if you need information on any composers. You can either enter the name in the search box, or you can use the Biographical Facts Search and find various composers by using the Occupation limiter.

For Music History –  Student Research Center covers a broad range of general topics designed to assist middle school and high school students. Includes a dictionary, an encyclopedia, with the ability to search by topic.

As you can see, there are still electronic resources that will contain information to help in your research. Do you find this electronic resource fun and easy to use? Why or why not?

Need a NEW Career? The Library can help you prepare for one.


The economy is turning around slightly, but many people are still looking for employment. Did you know that the library has many tools to help assist you in being well prepared for the job search, the interview or help with resume preparation? We have purchased many electronic resources to help with some of the task listed above. We have also developed an entire webpage that contains recommended books, websites, research databases and much more.

To get started with the Careers Hot Topic page, follow these simple steps;
1. Go to our homepage, lvccld.org
2. Click Find Information on the green toolbar
3. Click  Hot Topics
4. Click  Careers under Popular Topics

Once you are here, you will see the multiple categories for information. We have separated these for the easiest use possible. This way, you can get lots on information just by skimming through this page if your time is limited.

The categories include;
• CAREER RESOURCES
• RESUMES & INTERVIEWS / SKILL DEVELOPMENT / EDUCATION
• WEB SITES
• LOCAL EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
• NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
• NEWSPAPERS
• COMPANY RESEARCH
• MORE RESEARCH RESOURCES
• SEARCH WIDGETS/ BOOKS

We also have purchased many electronic resources that will help in preparing for that new job. Below is my favorite list of the electronic resources on Careers. Using these is simple, so I’ll show you how to access these and give you a brief description of each one.

To get started using the electronic resources, follow these instructions;
1. Go to our homepage, lvccld.org
2. Click  Find Information
3. Click  Databases A-Z
4. Select the database you want to use from the alphabetical listing

Note: In order to use these electronic resources, you must be a part of the Las Vegas Taxing District as well as have a valid library card number and PIN.

Brainfuse - Homework Help & Tutoring- Contains assessment tests and subject skills builders. Now features The Adult Learning Center to help if you are going back to school, switching jobs, or just want to brush up on an academic skill.

Business Source Elite - Searches business publications and contains company profiles. Back file 1985 or the first issue published for that journal.

Learning Express - Practice tests and courses for all areas. Includes Real Estate, SATs, Civil Service, GED, and much more! Be prepared, and get that high score!

Nevada Career Information System (NCIS) – The Nevada Career Information System has career, education and labor market information in one comprehensive, easy-to-use tool. Highlights include facts on Nevada industries, apprenticeships, financial aid and school directories. The NCIS is an invaluable resource for counselors, job seekers, students and educators. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation makes the NCIS available to Nevadans free of charge.

Press Display - Read today’s newspaper on-line. Over 200 newspapers from 55 countries! Your paper is here, before it can even get to the news-stand! Newspapers are archived for 14 days.

Regional Business News – Articles from 75 business journals, newspapers and news wires covering all metropolitan and rural areas within the United States.

Reference USA – Search Business, Residential, and Health addresses and telephone numbers.

Resume Maker – Build your resume online, create cover letters and get expert advice on finding your next great job!

I hope I have either inspired you to see what new career may fit your lifestyle or how to improve your skills and update your resume for a promotion in your current field. Was this information helpful or not?

Databases to be cut!


Many companies have had to cut back on services that are offered to the public because of budget constraints. The Library is also experiencing challenges in regards to services that we offer. In the near future, you will begin to notice that we have made several changes to our electronic resources.

Many sources will no longer be available, so we will try and offer alternative electronic resources or other sources that may contain the same of similar information. Please remember, we are trying to provide the best service in times of a down economy and we appreciate your understanding.

After June, 2010, the following resources will no longer be available through the library’s electronic resources;

  1. College Source
  2. Commentary
  3. Credo Reference

We are sure you can find what you are looking for in the suggested electronic resources or other sources, so give them a try. Remember, in order to use our electronic resources from home, you must be a resident of the Las Vegas taxing district with a valid library card number and pin. If not, you can always use these at any of our libraries.

1. As an alternative to American Indian History and Culture, try The Biography Resource Center if you need biographies on Native Americans. Just use the biographical facts tab and then use as many limiters as possible, such as ethnicity, gender, occupation and more.
2. Use Nevada Career and Information Systems (NCIS) as an alternative to College Source. NCIS has all the colleges in each state. You can find the following information in NCIS under the Education and Training tab;

  • Programs of Study
  • Undergraduate School Sort
  • Graduate School Sort
  • U.S. Schools
  • Apprenticeships
  • Paying for School
  • Financial Aid Sort
  • Practical Learning Activities
3. No more Commentary, but you can find lots of information in Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints has articles featuring the latest pros and cons for many subject areas. You can enter a search term in the search box or simply select from the list provided. How simple is that?
4. Credo Reference is also disappearing soon, but you can use Student Research Center for all your research needs. The Student Research Center covers a broad range of general topics designed to assist middle school and high school students. Includes a dictionary, an encyclopedia, with the ability to search by topic.

As you can see, there are still electronic resources that will contain information to help in your research. Do you find any of these electronic resources fun and easy to use? Why or why not?