What are you missing at the library?

By Susan Braunstein and Travis Brink

Have you ever looked at your library card and thought, "Gee, I like to use my library card to check out books, DVDs, books on CD, downloadable audiobooks, book activity bags, get internet access at the library and receive free rides on the Rapid Ride bus to the library, but what else can it give me?"

Well, how about a vast amount of information available 24 hours a day from the convenience of your home that's reliable and trustworthy?

Let's say that your car is making a crazy, unfamiliar noise and the place where you take your car is closed already. What can you do? One option is get out your library card and check out the EBSCO car repair database at www.rapidcitylibrary.org. Created by ASE-certified technicians and featuring content from the former publisher of Chilton manuals, this database can be trusted to supply your automotive information needs right to your computer.

If you're one of those "shade tree mechanics" that likes to putter around with cars, you really should check this database out. Featuring information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles starting as far back as 1945, this database includes thousands of drawings and step-by-step photographs, technical service bulletins and recalls issued by the original equipment vehicle manufacturers, and enhanced wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing. It even features a handy labor time guide and cost estimator.

Now you’ve learned how to remove the radiator from a 1986 Buick Regal, but now what you really need is to know how to fix that snowblower sitting in the garage. That’s where the library's newest resource, the EBSCO Small Engine Repair Reference Center comes in handy. This easily searchable database is for small engine repair assistance, including: ATVs, commercial mowers, farm tractors, generators, motorcycles, marine engines, outdoor power equipment, snowblowers, snowmobiles, tillers and other small engines. This comprehensive resource contains hundreds of reference books in full text with original photos and illustrations that guide the user through every job. The database often contains more than 25 years of an engine model, and offers assistance in providing routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, as well as extensive repairs involving engine and transmission disassembly and reassembly.

As they say on the late-night infomercials, "But wait, there's more!"

Are you facing the prospect of having to take a dreaded exam that you really need to practice before taking it? You might want to check out practice tests at the Learning Express Library, another database offered by the library to ease your pre-test jitters. You can assess your skill at taking tests such as the GED, ACT, SAT, ASVAB and other tests known by their acronyms. The math section contains everything from middle school fractions all way to college level quantitative analysis. There are various vocation-specific tests including nursing, teaching, cosmetology, law enforcement, EMT and even review tests for American citizenship.

If you are one of those students who need a little extra help with a tough assignment there are actually live tutors available from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day through the library's Live Homework Help service. They will help you one-on-one with math, science, social studies and English if you are in grades 4-12 or beginning college level courses.

Perhaps you would like to know what legal processes are involved if you want to legally change your name or create a business contract. The library’s Legal Forms database from Gale Cengage provides a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms across the most popular legal areas, including real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant agreements and many others. Also included is a comprehensive attorney state directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen's language.

It should be mentioned that no database is able to replace competent, trained professionals.

For the avid reader, the can help you find your next book to read. The NoveList database of thousands of books lets you use your favorite author to link to other books you might enjoy. 'Author Read-alikes' lists the appeal factors of your favorite authors and can suggest other authors or titles that are similar to what you're looking for. Looking for a book for your next course or book group? Click on the Book Discussion Guides link to find over 300 in-depth book discussion guides for popular book group titles.

These are only a fraction of the many online services the Rapid City Public Library offers to its patrons. For a full listing, you'll want to click on the "resources" link at the top of our homepage, www.rapidcitylibrary.org.