WorldCat

This database was overwhelming to me, although I have to say I found a use for it. As a middle school librarian I would have very little need for this database on a daily basis. I can look for the books needed by our students at our district libraries and at the public library and that is sufficient. My husband is working on a Doctorate in Adult Education at USD. I was telling him about these challenges and we played with this one a little and found a book he wanted at the USD library. I typed in Ivan Illich Deschooling Society and found there are 1582 libraries that have this one, 9 in South Dakota (Universities). I found the call number, LA210, 370.19 and its location at various libraries. Also, there are several other books by the same author as well as books about this book.
Although I would not use this database very often I could see the advantages for academics and higher education. It was so convenient to be able to find this book so quickly. What used to take numerous phone calls now can be done with just a few clicks.
The OAIster database gives access to digital items which I could see being more useful for my purposes. As a researcher this database would provide so much information and primary source documents. I searched "South Dakota" and came across articles, letters and photographs. I have to admit I was hooked then and got sidetracked looking at pictures, on entitled "Log Shanty with flag woman and seven boys possible SD". There were photographs of landmarks, people, schools and homes which could provide an added dimension to students and teachers research.
I began this session with hesitancy and hours later finished the blog entry but just began scratching the surface of this database.