Referencing library materials is now easier than ever due to the launch of a new e-reference service of the Provincial Library Service. The Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, is pleased to announce that the Provincial Library Service has made InfoTrac Web available at all Island public libraries and in every household with internet access. This commercial product contains two databases, the General Reference Centre and the Canadian Periodical Index. Over 600 magazines and journals, a mixture of full text and citations, may be searched, e-mailed and printed. You may gain access to the site by visiting www.library.pe.ca and following the links to InfoTrac Web.
"By using the capability of the internet for extending government services beyond the traditional walls of the library, the government continues to enhance and support local communities," stated Minister Shea. "InfoTrac Web provides an excellent mechanism of delivering a broad range of information to local communities. This is a wonderful addition to the range of services offered by our libraries."
In order to use the database from home, internet browsers will need to input the bar code number from their library card. In any of our public libraries, users will be able to enter into the database directly.
"I'm constantly amazed with the depth and range of materials available. I've found detailed colour plans for a table saw sled, recipes for family occasions, consumer information as well as information on mutual funds and stocks. I can't wait until people start using this product," stated Allan Groen, the Provincial Librarian.
All Provincial Library staff have been trained in the use of the databases and are eager to help people with its use. There are currently extra part-time staff available at each public library branch who will be able to provide one-on-one and group training. Please contact your local branch for details (branch information may be found at www.library.pe.ca).
The Canadian Periodicals Index (CPI.Q) is designed for public, academic and school libraries. You may search a comprehensive list of Canadian and international journals, magazines, newspapers and other references. CPI.Q. includes more than 400 titles with full-text articles from more than 160 of these periodicals, as well as Gale Research reference data. Examples of magazines include Actualite Economique, Chatelaine, National Geographic, United Church Observer, and Windspeaker.
The General Reference Centre is a general interest database to search magazines, reference books and newspapers for information on current events, popular culture, the arts and sciences, sports, etc. Examples of titles include African American Review, Entertainment Weekly, Public Management, Stereo Review and Workbench.