Welcome to Penfield Library's Teaching Resource Center                    

There are many types of resources in the Teaching Resource Center collection on the second floor of Penfield Library.  They are divided into two subdivisions:

TRC – a wide array of K-12 teaching materials, including activity books, lesson planning guides, videos, games, posters, textbooks and more.  One shelf holds reference materials for “library use only” and general encyclopedias.

TRC Textbooks – Sample textbooks for all subjects and grade levels, usually teacher editions.  These are searchable as a separate document type.

You may also be interested in searching for children’s and young adult books, which are in the second floor Juvenile collection.  You will find two divisions of materials in this collection:

Juvenile – The collection of all children’s and young adult books, fiction and non-fiction. 

Juvenile Picture Books – Part of the juvenile collection, searchable as a separate document type.  The picture books in this fiction only collection have few words and lots of illustrations, and are generally used by preschool and early primary children.

Catalog Searching and the TRC:      

1.         Connect to the library catalog through the Library homepage  http://www.oswego.edu/library

2.         Choose Advanced Search

3.         Enter your topic in the all fields search box  (exs:  history, civil war, insects).  Use an * for any ending, for example, president*.

4.         Limit by document type or collection: for example, Teaching Resource Center

5.         Hit GO and see a list of results

6.         For more details on any item, click on the title.  One thing to look for is the format of the  item, for example, video, poster, etc.

7.         Be sure to check  availability by clicking on “is it here?”. If  you see a due date, the book is checked-out.  You can also “filter” for available books only. 

Be sure to record the call number.  When you limit your search in this way, all Teaching Resource Center call numbers should begin TRC (TRC QL467.2 .I594), all Juvenile call numbers will begin Juv or JuvPic. All items in these collections, if available, will be found on the 2^nd floor. 

For items that are currently checked out, you may request a hold by choosing "I want it next" on the “availability” screen.  When that item is returned, you will be notified.  This also lets us know it is a popular resource.

More catalog strategies…

Filter -- After you have done a search, you can “filter” your results to show only those that are currently available (not checked out).  Choose filter at the top of the results frame, and then available material.

Basket -- Like shopping baskets at online stores, you can choose items from the library catalog for a select list.  After you look at the details for a resource, you may want to add it to your basket, using these 3 steps:   1) click on the boxes in front of the desired items on the results list; 2) from the top of the frame, click on “add to basket” – click on OK, if prompted; 3) go to the top right corner of the catalog screen, and click on “basket”

You will see a list of your selected items, with call numbers and locations, convenient for printing and taking to the shelves with you.  Delete your list after you have printed.  Tip: remember to either filter or check for availability, because that information is not shown on this list.

Renew Books Online -- Another great feature of the catalog is the Personal Circulation Information.  From this screen you can see due dates of books you have checked out, renew online, and check the status of holds you have placed or fines due.  TRC materials circulate for 2 weeks; Juvenile books for 4 weeks.

Discovery Education Streaming Video

An extensive collection of downloadable videos, video clips, images and other teaching materials. Resources are geared toward K-12 audiences and searchable by NY State standards. These are a great new resource!  For access and directions, look for the link on the Education Research Guide or click here.  

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

This is an important database of information on children’s books -- preschool to high school – and some teaching materials.  Search by subject, title, author, grade level, or many other criteria to identify the books you need for the lesson you are developing.  There are over 1 million book and media titles listed in this subject index!

From the Library homepage choose Research Guides by Subject then Education.  In the “Background Information” section you will find a link to CLCD. 

Here is one search strategy that works well:

1.       Select fiction or nonfiction (category) if you have a preference.

2.       Enter one or more subject terms in the box provided.

3.       Choose the approximate age or grade level you desire.  

The green dot indicates there are reviews included for that title.  Click on individual titles; or check in box, “save”, and “display” items to make a short list.

The call number does not mean we own the book.   To see if Penfield Library owns a particular book, click on the link that says “check if your library holds this title”.  Because this is such an extensive database, there are many listed that we will not own.  For fastest service, search the SUNYConnect Union Catalog next, and “request it” using your interlibrary loan (ILL) account.  If still not available, submit an ILL request form for the book you want.  (Note: Titles with multiple editions or formats are much easier to find by doing a title search directly in the catalog, since following the link may give you a false negative result.)

Try it…I think you’ll like it!!

Questions? Contact the Education Librarian, Barbara Shaffer  bshaffer@oswego.edu   or Ask A Librarian