Pages

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Tips for using Oxford Language Dictionaries Online

A few people from School of Languages and Cultures have said they are not finding Oxford Language Dictionaries Online (OLDO) very user-friendly. Here are some top tips from your friendly librarian:

Choose which language you want to search for - you can use the arrows to switch between languages for translations e.g. French to English or vice versa. Use 'Search' tab to do a quick search - click on the dropdown keyboard to put in accents or different alphabets/characters. Choose 'Browse' tab to access alphabetical entry lists.

  • Used advanced search to search the full text of the dictionary.
  • Restrict search to specific parts of speech, subject area or language register
  • Perform Boolean searches
  • Get click-through explanations of phonetic symbols
  • Insert accented characters (letters from a different alphabet) using a handy virtual keyboard
  • Print, email, cite or link
  • Find language learning and usage tools and resources
    • Grammar notes
    • Verb tables
    • Cultural information
    • Advice on applying for jobs
    • Sample letters, emails and CVs
    • Downloadable kits to help teach and learn essential dictionary skills
  • Oxford Language Web gives you a translation of a word into 13 languages
Please do try it out and give me feedback. Thanks, Clare

Monday 5 March 2012

RILM - enhancements for Music searches

EBSCOhost the provider of RILM Abstracts of Music literature have updated their site to  make subject indexing searchable within four areas:

  • Names

  • Subjects

  • Instrument Families

  • Countries

Try it out. If you need help check out the EBSCO Support site