Library director's column: verified resources for a digital age
If you are anything like me, each time you open your email or web browser, you are bombarded with an absolute avalanche of information. As the Director of the Charlevoix Public Library and someone that holds a degree in information science, I am keenly aware of how hard it is to locate high quality, verified, and accurate resources from amongst the sales pitches, slander, and subterfuge.
Further, teasing out the motivation, source, and sometimes even the date of origin behind the digital information that bombards us is a never-ending challenge that takes time and effort. Thankfully, our public libraries have our backs.
No matter what library you call your own, the motivation is straightforward. It is the mission of all public libraries to provide access to accurate information. No hidden agenda. No secret sales pitch. Simply put, we are in the business of helping create well-informed communities.
One of the essential ways libraries accomplish this mission, is by providing access to verified digital databases. Digital databases are what they sound like, online resources focused on a particular topic. Thanks to the State Library of Michigan and the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, Michiganders have access to some phenomenal databases at mel.org (mel stands for Michigan eLibrary). From this one-stop, online information shop, you can access a vast amount of curated and credible information that is bundled by topic such as:
Legal Help which is available from the Legal Information Reference Center database at mel.org or at the standalone Michigan Legal Help website. Both of these resources provide credible information and forms for first time home purchases, tenant rights, credit history, wills and estate planning, divorce and custody, and so much more.
Historical Data is available through mel.org from the History Reference Center database. This database provides access to all kinds of historical documents, photos, maps, and videos.
Business Resources are found at mel.org via the Small Business Reference Center and Demographics Now as well as through a few additional databases. These sources can help you parse through industry types and regulations, the make-up of your specific community, ways to legally incorporate your business, and tax savviness for business owners amongst many topics.
Career, College, Job & Military Prep is also grouped together on mel.org so if you’re looking to explore potential careers, take a practice test, or understand your military options, you can find the information you need in one great spot.
Health Topics of all stripes are searchable at mel.org thanks to Health Source, Consumer Health Complete, and Alt Health Watch. All three of these resources provide a google like search interface that only draw upon legitimate journal articles when pulling together answers.
Moving beyond Statewide resources, your local libraries including the Charlevoix Public Library, Petoskey District Library and Boyne District Library provide their patrons with some unique digital database options including: Ancestry Library Edition which is a beefed up genealogical tool and Consumer Reports Online so you can ensure you are getting the best product at the best price.
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Charlevoix Public Library and the Petoskey District Library also provide an online language learning tool called Mango Languages that can help you master your second or third language or simply figure out how to ask for directions to your hotel. The Petoskey District Library also provides digital access to Value Line to help investors make best decisions using accurate, verified information.
All of these resources are relatively easy to access. For resources found at Mel.org, you just have to be in the State of Michigan and your device will automatically connect. For a few unique resources like Consumer Reports, Mango and Value Line, you will need a library card as the your personal number will serve as your identifier for access. Lastly, Ancestry Library Edition is only available inside the library’s doors.
Wrapping it all up, these are just a handful of the digital resources your local libraries make available to help you stay afloat, stay informed, and stay accurate in our current digital age but there is far more we can help you discover. Simply stop in, send us an email or give us a call – that’s what we are here for.
This article was written by Ryan Deery, Director of the Charlevoix Public Library. The library is located at 220 W. Clinton Street in Charlevoix, Michigan. Contact the library at 231-547-2651 or www.charlevoixlibrary.org
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix Library's director Ryan Deery column
