Connect to the Catalogue

Our homepage is down, but will be up soon, we promise! (Hey, have I ever broken my word to you?) Until then if you want to check out our amazing and ever-growing collections please go to: http://catalog.oslri.net/. You'll be able to search the Ocean State Libraries Catalog for books, videos, CDs, periodicals, eBooks, and more!

Because I Heart Lee Lefever

When you are looking for something on the Internet (and you don't have your trusty librarian sitting beside you) do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there? Do you hit the ENTER key and get a results list that could rival War and Peace?

My computer guru Lee Lefever (remember him?) has put together a great video designed to help you get more from your web searches.

So watch it, then surf the world wide web with confidence!

What Is All This Twittering About?

Here's a fun word that seems to be on everyone's lips these days: Twitter. People are talking (and talking) about Twitter. They discuss how often they Twitter, who's feeds they follow and how they unabashedly love all things Twitter. Oprah Winfrey just dedicated an entire show to it. A lot of people are using Twitter and just as many are wonderin' what it is (I'm with these people).

One of my favorite web gurus who makes everything internet sound so simple is Lee LeFever. He posts these wonderful 3 minute videos that explain everything about anything.

Here's one he made about the phenomena that is Twittering:

Going Green? Recycling in Middletown

It seems you can't pick up a newspaper or turn on the television without being bombarded by the words " going green". But what does it mean? "Going green" means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.

We all want a better planet for our children and grandchildren, right? Want to know one simple practice we can all do to ensure the future of our planet? Recycle! And Middletown has a great recycling program. Of course our savvy town leaders have placed all this information online so you can find out about: garbage and refuse ordinances, how to properly recycle yard waste, desposing of hazardous waste, used motor oil & e-waste drop off times, purchasing compost bins & rain barrels and MORE!

To learn more about it CLICK HERE!

Featured Lists

Here's something new and very cool MPL has added our catalogue: FEATURED LISTS & CURRENT TOPICS. The featured lists are what we believe to be the best (and most popular) books and material in our catalogue. These lists include New York Times Bestseller List (Fiction & Nonfiction), the latest and greatest materials on Career Changes & Skills, and all the RI Teen Book Award Nominees from 2007-2009.

By clicking on these links you can find and request some of the best materials the library has to offer.

So take a peak around our catalogue and discover something wonderful!

Tax Time Help

Are you over 50 and need help preparing your taxes? The AARP can bail you out (sorry, but I couldn't resist). The AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.

From February 2nd until April 15th the AARP will hold tax-aide programs right here at MPL. These programs run 3 times a week.

Mondays: 12:00-3:00pm
Wednesdays: 4:00-7:00pm
Saturdays: 9:30am-1:00pm

These seminars offer free one-on-one counseling, as well as assistance to help individuals prepare basic tax forms, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standard schedules. For more information about these on-site programs please call (401) 846-1573.

What if you can't make it to MPL? Don't worry! The AARP offers assistance over the telephone and on Internet as well. For more information on this please go to: https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp

Jobs and Employment Resources

Looking for a job? Looking to change jobs? Looking for great employees? Well look no further! The amazing Heather (my reference librarian partner-in-crime) has compiled a WONDERFUL list of online resources to help you at any stage (or any side) of the job seeking game.

RHODE ISLAND JOB and INFORMATION SITES

RI Department of Labor & Training
This site has valuable information and resources for employers and job seekers. In the Hot Jobs section there are links for State Vacancies and other employment links. Most of the Labor & Training divisions are listed here along with their functions and contacts.

Providence Journal Career Center
Browse jobs listed in the Providence Journal's Job Center.

RIJobs.com
Several major local newspapers, including the Newport Daily News, Sakonnet Times, and Barrington Times have joined together to form RIJobs.com, a Rhode Island job site dedicated to connecting employers and job seekers across the state.

JOB LISTINGS

America's Job Bank
Thousands of new job listings each day. Funded through Unemployment Insurance taxes, this service links the 1,800 state Employment Service offices. Most of the jobs are full-time and the majority are in the private sector. The job openings come from all over the country and represent all types of work, from professional and technical to blue collar, from management to clerical and sales. Resumes can be developed and posted online.

Best Jobs USA
Resources for job seekers and employers. Contains searchable job listings, rankings of employers, a database of trade shows, a resume bank, information on hiring employees, and more.

Boston Works
Search thousands of jobs by job title, region, employer, industry and more. Sponsored by the Boston Globe.

Career Builder
This site claims to list "hundreds of thousands" of available jobs in the United States. Searchable by location, job type, industry, and other factors.

Career One Stop
This government site is the "nation's publicly-funded resource for job seekers and businesses. Find jobs from entry level to technical to professional to CEO. Identify job-ready workers with the right skills...Explore alternative career paths, compare salary data for different occupations, learn which careers are hot, get resume writing tips and job interview strategies, and much more." A product of a federal-state partnership "funded by grants to states."

Moster.com
This site is currently undergoing a total redesign. According to Monster.com the new site will be up and read to go around January 10, 2009. You can see a real-time countdown on the site.

The Riley Guide
Excellent resource for using the Internet for finding a job. Contains introductions to, and annotated links for, job resources categorized by Work Opportunities (career fields), Salary Surveys (what you are worth), Research (career and work options), and Help (with resumes, cover letters, whatever you need). Don't miss the weekly "What's New" and the Quick Index or Table of Contents pages for more navigational options. Compiled and regularly updated by librarian and consultant Margaret F. (Riley) Dikel.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

JobStar Central: Job Search Guide
A library-sponsored guide to job-search resources on the Web. This site includes extensive listings of employer telephone hotlines, local career centers, libraries, and job search events. Job listings are primarily in California, but job seekers nationwide can use the salary information section (with connections to over 300 salary surveys); the resume section with state-of-the-art info; the career guides, and Ask Electra, the Electronic Librarian.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Detailed job descriptions, along with the employment outlook, educational requirements, and the salary to expect for most occupations. Revised every two years by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Department of Labor
The government website features the information and services the Department of Labor offers on various labor and employment topics.

SALARIES

International Salary Calculator
The Center for Mobility Resources, which sponsors the site, maintains cost of living information for more than 500 cities in the US and Canada, and hundred more worldwide. Just plug in your current location and income, type where you're going, and "calculate". Also available in Spanish.

Salary.com
this site offers "in depth coverage of salary information over a comprehensive set of industries and thousands of job titles." The Salary Wizard tool searches for salary ranges by occupation and by region. Other features include salary news and advice, brief job descriptions, links for job searching, and a section for Human Resources (HR) Professionals.

SalaryExpert.com
This searchable site determines the mean salary, total compensation, and equivalent "renter's buying power" for a chosen job title in a chosen zip code or metro area. Try out the international version as well as the links to many other career sites.

New Year's Resolution

One of the top resolutions people have for the New Year is: GET HEALTHY!

Here are some wonderful websites and books that can help you with that goal!

WEBSITES

USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
This government site has the latest nutritional and dietary guidelines and news releases as well as recipes. When you sign in to The Interactive Healthy Eating Index with age and gender information, it will compare your diet to the food pyramid and give you a score based on analysis of the foods and quantities you provide, as compared to recommended intake levels. The Index requires screen setting and display of at least 800x600 DPI and 256 colors. Some of the files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Weight Loss Products and Programs
Profiles of popular weight-loss products and programs, listing characteristics of the products and programs, strengths and weaknesses, and other comments. Also includes examples of ineffective weight-loss products. From a nutritionist at the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
A list of questions to ask before joining a weight-loss program. Discusses safety, costs, staff qualifications, product risks, and results. From the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Calorie Control Council
News and information about calorie control, weight loss, and low-calorie and reduced-fat foods and beverages, from a "non-profit association representing the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry." Includes calculators, dieting trends and statisticsm exercise tips, and descriptions of low-calorie sweeteners, polyols, and fat replacers. BE AWARE: Information about sweeteners is heavily weighted in favor of the use of these products, with little information about risks and side effects.

Small Step
An alarming rise in deaths in the last 10 years due to poor diet and exercise has prompted this site. Take the "small steps" to better nutrition and health by browsing the headings: "Getting the Facts," "Eating Better," "Getting Active," and "Learning More." Includes success stories and an e-mail newsletter. Also available in Spanish. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

BOOKS

American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 3rd Edition
by Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS. Wiley, 2006.
Includes the most up-to-date Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Offers quick access to timely advice on a multitude of food and nutrition topics. Includes chapters on food for fitness, healthy weight, vegetarian eating and nutrition for every stage of life.

Dieting for Dummies – 2nd Edition
by Jane Kirby, RD. Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2004
Written in a user-friendly style by a registered dietitian, this guide offers methods for evaluating diet programs, coping with cravings and eating healthfully at home or away.

The Healthy Beef Cookbook
by American Dietetic Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, et. al. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2005.
Shows health-conscious cooks exciting new ways to use lean beef in everything from quick and easy suppers to special occasion entrees. More than 130 delicious, nutritious recipes that feature the cuts of beef that meet current government guidelines for lean labeling.

The Eating Well Diet
by Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, PhD, RD. The Countryman Press, 2007.
Develop healthy eating habits with over 150 recipes, inspiring messages and practical tips. Helpful charts and sensible strategies will encourage you to set goals and track your progress.

The Way To Eat
by David L. Katz, MD, MPH and Maura Gonzalez, MS, RD. Source Books, 2003.
A comprehensive guide to a lifetime of eating well in support of three goals: overall good health, weight control and enjoyment of food.

The Dish On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!
by Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD and Densie Webb, PhD, RD. Atria Books, Simon and Schuster, 2004.
A collection of tasty recipes, combined with solid nutritional advice and a common-sense approach.

Eating on the Run
by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD. Human Kinetics, 2004.
Features practical, healthful strategies for grocery shopping, eating out and quick meal preparation for today’s busy lifestyle.

The Good Housekeeping Supermarket Diet: Your Shopping List for Delicious and Healthy
Weight Loss
by Janis Jibrin, MS, RD. Hearst Books, 2006.
Use the tear-out guide to help you shop more efficiently. Stock your pantry, then try the recipes. You’ll also find a calorie counter for 100-calorie snacks, as well as tips used by successful dieters.

A Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
by US Department of Health and Human Services. US Government Printing Office, 2005.
It's a one-stop, easy to-use resource full of good advice on nutrition and activity.

Healthy Eating Every Day
by Ruth Ann Carpenter, MS, RD and Carrie E. Finley, MS. Human Kinetics, 2005.
Teaches realistic goal-setting, coping with lapses and celebrating successes. Food shopping tips are included.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
by Brian Wansink, PhD. Bantam Books, 2006.
Learn how to recognize those triggers that make you want to eat too much, or want to eat those foods loaded with empty calories. Written in an easy-to-read style that will make you nod your head in recognition of your own cravings.

Nutrition for Life
by Lisa Hark, PhD, RD and Darwin Deen, MD. DK Publishing, Inc., 2005.
Described as a "one volume encyclopedia" of everything that's been said before, this guide provides straightforward information on nutrition.

The Portion Teller: Smartsize Your Way to Permanent Weight Loss
by Lisa R. Young, PhD, RD. Morgan Road Books, 2005.
Is that mound of pasta really just one serving? Learn what a “portion” actually looks like and how to be more realistic about what goes on your plate. Lots of visuals and comparisons for portion sizes.

So What Can I Eat?!: How to Make Sense of the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Make Them Your Own
by Elisa Zied, MS, RD with Ruth Winter, MS. Wiley, 2006.
Yes, you can have some chocolate now and then. Learn how to work with a shopping list, make menu plans and prepare balanced meals that include foods you may have thought forbidden.

The Step Diet Book
by James O. Hill, PhD; John C. Peters, PhD; Bonnie T. Jortberg, MS, RD. Workman Publishing Company, Inc. 2004.
A practical guide combining dozens of recipes with advice on how to increase the number of steps we walk each day.

10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman’s Diet: Simple Strategies to Eat Right, Lose Weight, and Reclaim Your Health
by Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD. McGraw-Hill, 2006.
How many of us taste-test while cooking? But those calories don’t count, do they? Learn about the many simple mistakes women make that interfere with successful dieting.

The Traveler’s Diet: Eating Right and Staying Fit on the Road
by Peter Greenberg. Villard Books, 2006.
Do you gain weight every time you leave town? The author confides his secrets about eating, exercising and sleep habits while traveling. Stay on track on the road.

The Volumetrics Eating Plan
by Barbara Rolls, PhD. HarperCollins, 2005.
Shows how to select those foods that let us eat satisfying portions but leave us feeling full on fewer calories. Includes 125 recipes, menu planners, charts and helpful sidebars.

AskRI is HERE!

Governor Donald L. Carcieri joined Rhode Island leaders of the Office of Library and Information Services and the Statewide Reference Resource Center at Providence Public Library (PPL) at the PPLs Central Library to announce the launch of AskRI -- a newly enhanced online resource for all Rhode Islanders.

AskRI includes features such as "Homework Help RI", "World Book Web", EBSCOHost and "Heritage Quest" as well as many more resources!

Traveling With Pets

Will you be traveling this holiday season and plan on taking Fido and Whiskers with you? Here are a few websites that can ease the stress of making sure both you and your pets have a happy holiday!

Care for Pets
By the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the site covers information related to keeping pets healthy and contains advice on vet selection, pet selection, pet loss, and traveling with your pet. The site is well organized, easy to navigate, and has links to thousands of veterinary medical and animal-related online resources. Their excellent search engine includes a database of full-text articles from the AVMA Network, as well as the NetVet and Electronic Zoo resources.

DogFriendly.com
This site "lists and describes thousands of dog-friendly places throughout the U.S. and Canada, from lodging to outdoor restaurants, parks, beaches, attractions and more." It focuses "on listing only places that allow dogs of all sizes and breeds." Also includes tips for traveling with dogs, newsletters, a photo gallery, and lists of dog-friendly events and employers. Browsable by location or type of place, or searchable. (Highlights sponsor listings.)

Importation of Pets, Other Animals, and Animal Products Into the United States
This page describes regulations governing "the importation [to the U.S.] of dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, other animals, and animal products capable of causing human disease." The FAQ on animal importation also addresses questions about horses, small terrestrial mammals and rodents, snakes, fish, birds, and animal trophies. From the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine of the National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Movement of Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) - Questions & Answers
Information about the European Union pet passports for dogs, cats, and ferrets. The site provides rules for pet passports.

Taking Your Pet on the Plane
Discussion of "what the law, the airlines and veterinarians recommend" when traveling with a pet on an airline. Covers animals that will not be accepted for air travel (such as pug-nosed dog breeds), planning for a flight with an animal (such as communication with airlines, feeding, and exercise), pet travel in the airplane cabin versus the cargo hold, and related topics. From Nolo, a California publisher of legal self-help books.


And remember: please always check with your local veternarian before traveling with your furry friends!

New Year's Is Right Around the Corner!

Fun facts about New Years

This site includes information about New Year's traditions, a brief history of New Year's resolutions, information about the celebration of New Years in ancient cultures, global good luck traditions, a list of common resolutions, and the lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns. From a company that provides materials and training for performance improvement.

Times Square Alliance: New Year's Eve

This site provides information on the spectacular celebration of New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York City, on December 31. It includes facts on the construction and descent of the famous Waterford crystal ball, event fact sheets and schedules, and a FAQ filled with details on viewing areas, public facilities, vendors, transportation, history, and more. From the Times Square District Management Association.

Chinese New Year

This site provides information on how the Chinese New Year's Day is determined, the Chinese solar/lunar calendar, the animals of the Chinese zodiac, significance of Chinese dragons, calligraphy, and Chinese graphics.

Feature Stories: New Year's Resolutions Guide

This series of articles provides ideas for sticking to resolutions made for the new year. Includes general resolution advice, and strategies for weight loss, exercise, and quitting smoking. From the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Pearl One, Knit Two

There is a new after school fad that teens are doing, and it involves needles. Breathe Mom and Dad...I'm talking about knitting needles. It seems among certain social circles knitting is the cool thing to do! So does your teen want to know more? Here are a few websites s/he might like!

Craft Yarn Council of America: Learn the basics of knitting and crocheting, find free patterns, participate in a discussion group, or investigate one of the council's special programs at this site. One of the programs is this trade association's Warm Up America program of donating afghans to people in need.

FreePatterns.com Over 1500 free craft patterns for crochet, cross-stitch, quilting, crafts, plastic canvas, and knitting. Free registration required. Images and diagrams may be available. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF).

Knit Net: An online magazine for knitters. Free content includes articles, patterns, a list of knitting blogs, and video demonstrations. (More content is available with a paid subscription.) The magazine is published six times a year.

Knitting Charities: Knitting for a Better World: Annotated list of organizations and projects focused on knitting and crocheting for charitable causes. Includes knitting for premature infants, children in hospitals, domestic violence victims, chemotherapy patients, U.S. armed forces, humanitarian projects in other countries, and more. From a publisher of craft books.

Knitty: Little Purls of Wisdom: "The web-only knitting magazine for knitters with a fresh attitude." Offers a collection of free patterns for sweaters, socks, hats, and other clothing and gifts. Patterns are rated for difficulty, and include recommendations for materials, needle sizes, and gauge. Also include articles about knitting techniques and the knitting community.

Voting!

With the election right around the corner, here are a few websites to help you!

USA.gov
Learn about voting, elections, and campaign laws. Contact elected officials. Volunteer and contribute to the election process.

Kids Voting USA
Nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization to provide information about voting!

OnAquidneck.com This is a nonpartisan website aimed at providing users with voting information and links for Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, RI.

Candidates for Election
A wonderful website which discusses who's running.

Fun Stuff to do with Kids!

The weekend is here and once again you have oodles of time to spend with your favorite short people. What are you going to do?

FamilyFun.com has some wonderful ideas! Parents (o and teachers and babysitters too) can search for activities based on the age and interests of your child. Get ideas for parties, Halloween costumes, snacks, arts & crafts and more! This site is run by the Disney corporation so you know it's chock full of fun, wholesome ideas!

Attention High School Juniors and Seniors

College Board
Sign up for the SATs, send your SAT scores to a college, find scholarships, fill out a college application, and more.

College Net
Find the college, find the money to attend, and even apply to the college of your choice online.

FinAid
Looking for ways to finance your education? Search for scholarships that match your profile? Don't know a PLUS from a Perkins or a Stafford? Look here for information about student financial aid.

COMING SOON! (October 2008)

The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making More Dough : How Five Young Women Got Smart, Formed a Money Club, and Took Control of Their Finances by the Smart Cookies with Jennifer Barrett

Let The Smart Cookies show you how to eliminate debt, spend smarter, save better, and achieve financial freedom-without sacrificing your social life or your sanity!

They were five dynamic young women: smart, successful-and secretly drowning in debt. Inspired by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show on personal finance, Andrea, Angela, Katie, Robyn, and Sandra formed a money club, together developing strategies for turning their finances around. Just one year later they had dramatically improved their financial situations-and had made major developments in their careers, relationships, and life goals to boot. Their proven recipe for success has since been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, and in the New York Daily News.

How did they do it? These five women-with varied careers in marketing, public relations, social work, and TV production-joined forces to create a fun, simple, effective strategy for achieving financial success, forming a money club and supporting each other every step of the way. Now, in this extraordinary hands-on guide, the women, who soon dubbed themselves The Smart Cookies, share the secrets of their success.

Weaving anecdotes from their own lives with practical, how-to advice, The Smart Cookies offer strategies that cut across the financial spectrum, whether you-re deeply in debt or just want to manage your money better. Tackling the unique financial challenges facing women today, they offer easy-to-follow advice on everything from creating a spending plan to boosting your income to starting your own money club.


RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY!

Computer Help!

Is your PC being a pest? Does your Dell making you dizzy? Are you about to attack your Mac? Don't dispair!

ComputerHope.com is a collection of free services that allows users to access a database of extensive computer related information. The company offers free technical support, computer product information, free online forums, computer product buying tips, third-party computer company information, driver listing, computer dictionary, news, and a weekly computer newsletter.

So make that PC, Mac or Dell work for you!

Social Bookmarking Anyone?

You've probably heard the term "social bookmarking" before. But do you know what it is? This 3 minute video by the AMAZING Lee LeFever explains it all for you!