State Library Electronic Resources

My biggest discovery through the South Dakota Library Challenge was discovering the vast amount of resources that are readily available to those who register for the free library card. I've begun promoting the sources through conversations with friends, family and colleagues. I also posted a link to the South Dakota Library on my classroom ICT site.

Ancestory Library

The Ancestory Library offers great resource for those interested in finding information about their ancestors. Many legal documents are available such as census, military enlistments, death certificates, and more. I was able to find one of my grandparents and great grandparents listed in a census. It was neat to see their names and occupation listed.

Under Photos and Maps, I searched "South Dakota" and found many links including Sioux Falls College yearbook dating 1933 and a historical atlas which tells about when South Dakota became a state. Looking up Photos and Maps could greatly enhance a lesson or presentation.

ArchiveGrid

To explore ArchiveGrid, I searched "Sitting Bull Autograph Card" and found a synopsis of his life and major events. For example, I read that he was a leader of the Hunapapa Sioux. He led and fought in many battles with Little Bighorn being one of the most famous ones. He was killed for taking a stand to continue Native American traditions such as the Ghost Dance that had been outlawed.

When searching Abraham Lincoln, I found the location of many museums that have artifacts or manuscripts relating to Abraham Lincoln. When clicking the links, it told me where the museum is and what their hours and cost of admission is.

CAMIO

Note: This resource is only available at schools in libraries, not from home.

This resource allows the user to search museums for images. To explore it, I entered Paul Revere in the search and found many images of paintings and artifacts. Some examples include items Paul Revere created such as a teaspoon or a salver. Others were works of art created by artists that were of Paul Revere. By clicking on the images, I was able to view them closer and learn about them.

When looking up "Sioux" I found many artifacts and artwork that can be found in museums. For example, there were pipes, dolls, and story illustrations on hide. When searching "Picasso" over 1000 results came up. 184 results were provided when searching "World War". Once you find some images that you would like to use, you can add to favorites section so that a screen appears with some good options. You may view slideshow, create webpage, and other oprions which would be helpful in researching or sharing your research results. This could be helpful in classes.

Sanborn Maps

This resource allows the user to see South Dakota maps of cities as they were on certain dates. For example, I was able to view Sioux Falls city maps on July 1902, 1924 and many other dates. On the 1902 map, I was able to locate several familiar places such as Lowell Elementary Public School. This is an interesting site if one wants to see how a town grew or find where a city began an addition (like your grandmother's home).

Heritage Quest

The Heritage Quest is a great resource for researching one's heritage. To explore this site, I searched my last name and a place that my husband's ancestors lived. I found what looks like will be a great lead for future finds. It was fun to enter in various names of people in our family tree to see what could be found. This is definitely a site I will want to return to when I have more time.

Learning Express Library

On the Learning Express Library site, one can take various diagnostic tests at all levels of school (Elementary, Middle, High, or College) There are also resources for GED, job search and adult skill building. Exploring the testing section in middles school, I began a math test on Grade 6 Number Sense and Operations. The questions seemed to be valid and similiar to other standaridized tests that students take. After answering a few questions, I ended the test and received report on how I did. The report shows areas covered and how many I received right, how many I answered, and how many I left blank. The view answers option included explainations as to why an answer is correct. It also indicates what you might have done incorrectly based on the incorrect choice you chose. I had the option to add this test again to retake it. Math, Reading, Writing, and High School Entrance prep are the areas covered in Middle School.

Under the Job Search and Workplace Skills, there are courses on Business Writing, Job Searches, Writing Resumes, and Interviewing. I explored the Writing Resume course. There is good information on what a resume is, formatting choices, and good tips. After asking a few key questions, the site recommends a format for your resume.

Another section included Ebooks. I browsed one titled Teacher Career Starter. It had some great information within the 255 pages. Unfortunately, much of the data included was outdated such as 1999 chart on supply and demand for teachers. Another ebook I explored was titled Resumes that Get You Hired. This 255 pages ebook included some helpful sections such as 35 Resumes Mistakes to Avoid and an appendix section with Action Verbs and Power Phrases.