2. Use the UCLA Library tutorial  Dissecting A Database to examine several PRPL premium databases (choose databases with some overlapping content). Write out the answers to the questions within the tutorial (for each database you choose), then use each database to research a topic of your choice in some depth. Create a chart or table comparing and contrasting each database's strengths and weaknesses for the topic you researched. Upload or post the chart where it can be a resource for other PRPL staff members. 

 

3. Choose one  premium resource you'd like to learn about in depth  (examine the vendor's tutorials and help files, learn what is-- and is not--included in it, and use it as much as possible in the course of your job over the next month). After you are comfortable with your knowledge of it, prepare an introduction, a guide, or a tutorial for that database which can be put online for Park Ridge Public Library patron use.

 

4. Find a partner who is also interested in learning about premium databases (different databases from you). Familiarize yourselves with 3 databases each using the strategies listed above. Create a 10-15 question quiz or "scavenger hunt" (indedpendently of your partner) that requires advanced knowledge of the database to complete. Answer each others' questions, then decide together which questions were most interesting and taught you the most about the databases. Combine those questions into a quiz/ scavenger hunt that can be made available for the rest of the staff to use when they want to practice with and learn more about the databases.