The library catalogue is dead; long live Discover.

First thing's first-nobody panic. OK?

Take deep breaths and put the kettle on if that'll help.

Ready?

Now. I've got some big news for you-the library catalogue is being replaced by a newer, better, simpler, smarter and sexier interface called Discover. It's all coming via one simplified search box, courtesy of EBSCO.

And it's really good.

If you've used any of EBSCO's databases before then the look of Discover won't phase you in the slightest. But the advantages are that you can search across books and journals via one search box.

If you're a returning first or second year I'll be demonstrating Discover to you in induction sessions when you return. I'm just mentioning it now so it's less of a shock come the new term and rest assured that although it's new it's also very easy to use - you'll be finding things within minutes! If you want to email me with any concerns or questions at this stage then feel free. I really don't mind.

New domestic violence statistics

On Saturday 23rd The Guardian reported that domestic violence conviction rates are at an all time high by writing this. The improvement has in part been explained by the efforts of Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, who when appointed instigated a four year plan to improve things.

There are some interesting statistics mentioned in there so I'd take a look if it's an area that interests or concerns you.

Major new report on household income published

Any long term readers of this blog will know I'm a big fan of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an organisation focussing on poverty in the UK and publishing many high quality reports on related topics.

Well they've produced another very interesting piece of work, examining wages and how it relates to standards of living. What the new report does is look at how much money a family of four requires to maintain a Minimum  Income Standard (MIS) and predicts how forthcoming changes to tax credits will put more families under financial strain.

The research method involved talking to 21 focus groups and reveals some very interesting data concerning what are considered 'essentials' to modern life. To take a look at the full-text just click here and follow the links. There was also a debate on the Today Programme this morning and you can listen to the discussion from here.

It's well worth a look and listen.