The Florida Electronic Library (FEL) is a gateway to select Internet resources that offers access to comprehensive, accurate, and reliable information. Available resources include electronic magazines, newspapers, almanacs, encyclopedias, and books, providing information on topics such as current events, education, business, technology, and health issues. This site provides access to a rich collection of databases offered by Gale-Cengage Learning and OCLC FirstSearch, plus a number of relevant websites.
These resources are available, free, to anyone with a valid library card from any public library in Florida. Users just need to enter their Florida public library bar code number when requested.
The Florida Electronic Library is administered by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services.
Resources
Over 50 databases and websites are available through the Florida Electronic Library. Subjects covered include: African Americans, Agriculture, Art, Books, Business, Children, Education, Health, History, and Science. There are even resources for Spanish speakers. They can be viewed alphabetically, or by subject, here.
Florida-specific resources include: Florida on Florida, the Florida Photographic Collection, and the Florida Memory Project.
Special Features
The Florida Electronic Library offers information for all age groups, including homework help for students, resources for teachers, and training opportunities.
The Student Resources page highlights recommended resources for students and is grouped by grade level. Sample resources include Gale’s Kids InfoBits, Infotrac Junior Edition, and LitFinder, plus a link to the Florida Kids website from the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
Recommended resources for teachers include Books and Authors, OCLC’s ERIC and Gale’s Professional Collection. Lesson plans using the FEL are also available.
Training Opportunities are available in different formats, including downloadable on-demand, self-paced classes and scheduled online webinars. The self-paced classes include: FEL Quick Start – General and Academic OneFile Searches, Getting Down to Business: Effective Use of FEL Business Resources, A Healthy Perspective: Health Research Using FEL Resources, and Homework Help Using FEL Resources. Go to “Login/Create New Account” to set up a free account to access these, and other, courses.
Thing #23 Activities: Explore the Florida Electronic Library, Blog Your Final Thoughts
Please note: Thing 23 has Two activities. You must complete both.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Activity One:
1. Explore the list of resources available through the Florida Electronic Library, here.
2. Select a database and perform a search on any topic. Note your results.
3. Write a blog post about your experience: How can these tools be applied to your everyday work? How can these tools benefit your patrons? Remember to label this blog post “Thing 23”.
Activity Two:
1. Give yourself a pat on the back for completing this program! Remember, for completing all 23 Things prior to May 20, 2011, you will be eligible for the incentive prize and the prize drawings, you must complete the 23 Things by May 20, 2011.
The Brevard Library Foundation has generously donated prizes: all staff members who complete the program by May 20, 2011 will receive a customized 1GB flash drive! And, their name will be placed in a random drawing for a chance to win one of three special prizes: a Dell Mini Netbook, a Kindle, or an iPod shuffle. Our thanks to the Brevard Library Foundation for its generous support.
2. For your last and final (yippee!) activity, please reflect on your experience in the 23Things program and post a few thoughts on your blog. Here are a few last blog prompts: Which was your favorite Thing? Why? Which activities did you enjoy? How has the 23 Things program affected you? Do you feel you met the goals you set back in Thing #3? Be sure to label this blog post “Final Thoughts”.
Thanks for participating in this program!
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