[Michlib-l] MeL Minute: Using Home Improvement Reference Center to Enhance Outdoor Living

[Laura Warren-Gross]

[A picture containing text, clipart, sign  Description automatically generated]Summer is a great time to tackle projects that add value and enjoyment to outdoor spaces around the home. Home Improvement Reference Center<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hirc> from MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome> can help with the planning and execution of projects both big and small. This MeL eResource includes over 150 full-text eBooks, as well as access to current issues of popular publications such as House Beautiful, This Old House, and Log &Timber Home Living.
The content in Home Improvement Reference Center offers the opportunity to Browse by Category including:
·    Decorating
·    Electrical
·    Maintenance
·    Outdoor
·    Plumbing
·    Remodeling
·    Woodworking
Within each of these topics, you can drill down to specific projects and find step-by-step instructions and expert tips for your project. In addition, there is an A-to-Z Topics search which helps to locate additional articles on the topic of interest.
Home Improvement Reference Center features a Toolbox with eResources that will help with home repairs and upgrades:
·    How-To Videos<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&bquery=PT++Video&type=0&searchMode=And&site=hirc-live>
·    Conversion Charts<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=23700416&site=hirc-live>
·    Glossary of Terms<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=24035147&site=hirc-live>
·    Homeowner’s Journal<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=23840521&site=hirc-live>
·    Working with Contractors<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=23840522&site=hirc-live>
The homeowner’s journal is particularly helpful to keep track of every aspect of your home from roofing, siding, and windows to wiring, HVAC, floor coverings, and paint colors. The journal provides space to keep track of dates, contacts, and specific products that are used during a build or remodel.
The landing page includes a project spotlight to help do-it-yourselfers complete an attractive upgrade to the yard or home. The projects include a materials list, pictures, and instructions to complete the project.
Great summer projects patrons might enjoy include building a swingset<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=142418686&site=hirc-live>, play structure<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=23700397&site=hirc-live>, or arbor<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=23987029&site=hirc-live>. In addition, there are instructions for designing a patio<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=140950967&site=hirc-live> and adding a custom firepit<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=h4h&AN=48573324&site=hirc-live>. Home Improvement Reference Center also includes articles and projects to help upgrade landscaping<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&bquery=landscaping&type=0&searchMode=And&site=hirc-live> throughout your yard.
Whether someone is doing a small upgrade or a complete transformation, Home Improvement Reference Center from MeL.org is an eResource that provides guidance that will make home projects easier to complete and enjoy.
If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the MeL eResource Access Page.<https://www.mcls.org/mel/mel-databases/help/remote-access/> Contact meldatabaseshelp at mcls.org<mailto:meldatabaseshelp at mcls.org> for help.
Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team.
Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First.
Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks.
MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only.
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Laura Warren-Gross
Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)


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