Everything is Beta

Alternate way to get to MeSH in New PubMed

everythingisbeta — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:28:49 +0000

Hey All,

If you want to get to MeSH in the new PubMed without going to advanced search check out the screen shot below!

Cloud Computing and Medical Libraries

everythingisbeta — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:17:52 +0000

Here’s a presentation that I put together on cloud computing and it’s potential impact on medical libraries. Just thought I’d share.

Cloud Computing in Medical Libraries

View more presentations from clwissinger.

PubMed Search Strategies Blog

everythingisbeta — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:51:28 +0000

So I’m reading through my Google Reader and I see that I’ve missed a few posts by David Rotham I scroll down and BANG there it is! This AMAZING blog he found.

PubMed Search Strategies

Basically, it’s a blog full of just hedges! So before you start building that Uber search for your next systematic review check out this site. Maybe someone has already started it for you.

I know I’ll be sending her (Cindy Schmidt, M.D., M.L.S.) what I’ve got!

Define: Informavore

everythingisbeta — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:52:44 +0000

The term informavore … characterizes an organism that consumes information. It is meant to be a description of human behavior in modern information society, in comparison to omnivore, as a description of humans consuming food. George A. Miller…coined the term in 1983 as an analogy to how organisms survive by consuming negative entropy ….“Just as the body survives by ingesting negative entropy, so the mind survives by ingesting information. In a very general sense, all higher organisms are informavores.” (see: Wikepedia)

Lab Soft News

Great Starter Systematic Review Resource

everythingisbeta — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:32:57 +0000

Head’s up,

One of my colleagues just posted a great entry about Systematic Reviews! You should head over and take a look.

Systematic Reviews – Getting Started with Your Patrons.

In the name of full disclosure I should tell you that the above colleague and I also share a blog. Ref’N'Tech.

Bing vs. Google. Who’s the “real” decision engine??

everythingisbeta — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:27:21 +0000

So I’m sure by now we’ve all heard about Bing the so called “Decision Engine” by Microsoft. But, I thought the blogosphere could use a post to help gather together resources that can help you compare the two and make your own decisions

First, let me share with you a site where you can see side by side comparison from Bing v.s. Google

Here’s a link to an article the compares them based on technical merit. “Meet Bing, Microsoft’s New Search Engine.”

Want to know if anyone is actually using Bing? Check out this article “Can Microsoft’s Bring, or Anyone, Seriously Challenge Google.”

Finally, if you want my two cents worth, after searching with both Google and Bing I’ve found that while Google’s results come closer to answering my questions Bing’s results come from more authoritative sources.

For example, when I did a search for “Ocular Migraines” Google brought me back “How do I know if I have an Ocular Migraine” from a ezinearticles while Bing brought me back “Ocular, Optical and Ophthalmic Migraines” from health central.

So at the end of the day Google still rules the world with Quantity of resources but Bing may have the edge on Credible resources.

Personally, I feel the only true “Decision Engine” is a Librarian but, hey, I’m bias.

Drupal, LibGuides, IGoogle Oh My!

everythingisbeta — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:21:54 +0000

So, at my current institution we are big on “embedding.” We decided to create “Portals” for each of the departments we serve. After the technology department reviewed several products they decided to go with Drupal. Drupal is a content management system and several libraries are using it to support their websites. During the process of creating our portals we began to take notice of LibGuides. Lots of library have jumped on the LibGuides bandwagon and I can’t blame them. It’s easy to use and has a wonderful user interface.

The delema:
If LibGuides are easy to use, popular and don’t require a computer programing degree to operate (Drupal is a bit high tech) then what do we do with the Portals.

At the end of the day we need a more sophisticated subject guide but, our users want Web 2.0 functionality which Drupal supports.

To add to the confusion IGoogle can be customized and libraries are starting to create customized gadgets that link directly to the library catalog and the PubMed sfx for their institution.

With all these choices where do you go? My recommendation? If you have a tech department that is willing to put in the work or already purchased Drupal. Go there. With the Web 2.0 functionality it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

If you just need a subject guide that is more dynamic then the traditional webpage LibGuides is your best bet. With the savvy interface and the ease of use on the back end it’s a great way to go.

If you are broke or economically challenged go with IGoogle. It’s free, easy to use and will allow a fair bit of customization. The gadgets that link to your subscription resources and catalog take tech savvy to create but, it’s an excellent place to start.

Where will my instituion go? I’m waiting to find out!

Resources:
IGoogle Tutorial

What is Drupal?

LibGuides Introduction

100+ Alternative Search Engines You Should Know

everythingisbeta — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:53:44 +0000

Think you know every resources that is out there? Take a look at hongkiat.com picks.

100+ Alternative Search Engines You Should Know

Return from the dark ages

everythingisbeta — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:45:34 +0000

I’m back. Ok, so my delay was longer than expected but, thankfully I have plowed my way through the work and am back to dedicate my time to the blog.

I have lots of technology to talk about having worked with Drupal, Skype, Go To Meeting and various other technologies while away from the blog and sucked up the creative juices of my colleagues.

Soon to come more tech goodies! Hang in there.

I’ve gotten a new job

everythingisbeta — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:42:41 +0000

This site will most likely have no posting from August to November while I settle into my new position. Thank you for your patience.