MRI Simmons Catalyst – A Marketing Database

MRI Simmons Catalyst is a great resource available through Touro Libraries. Catalyst utilizes probabilistic data sampling to create nationally representative and culturally diverse data that provides an accurate view of the American consumer.

MRI Simmons Catalyst is great for conducting marketing research on a variety of topics including media, cars, finances, electronics, and hundreds of other consumer products.

Using this database requires some tutorial training as it is very advanced and may be challenging for beginners. To access the tutorial on using MRI Simmons Catalyst:

1. Go to the Touro University Library homepage and click on databases:

2. From the list of databases, choose MRI Simmons Catalyst:

3. At the MRI Simmons Catalyst homepage, click on the question mark in the upper right hand corner:

4. On the lefthand side of the page, click on Tutorials:

[Post by Annette Carr, Chief Librarian, Health Sciences; and Emma Larson-Whittaker, Library and Outreach Assistant, Starrett City]

Library Staff Profile: Jana De Vera

Jana De Vera, Library Assistant at Lander College for Women

Welcome to the latest in our series of Staff Profiles. Jana De Vera recently joined the Touro community as a Librarian at the Lander College for Women. Jana was kind enough to answer some questions for us below:

Where were you born?
I was born (and raised) in Rockland County, New York, where I
lived for about twenty years.

Where else have you lived?
I’ve lived upstate in the Woodstock/Kingston area for several
years and now I currently reside in Queens.

What languages do you speak?
I grew up in a bilingual household where both English and Tagalog
were spoken. I also took five years of Spanish in school; however, my
knowledge is only at a conversational level. Knowing Tagalog certainly
helped with my learning as there is a bit of overlap in vocabulary.

What fields have you studied and/or degrees have you earned?
I have an AA in Humanities & Social Sciences and a BA in
Communication, specializing in interpersonal and intercultural
communication. Additionally, my minor was in sociology. I was inspired
to go into these fields while working at my local public library,
where I discovered my fondness for helping others.

What is your ideal vacation?
Anywhere with rich culture and delicious food! Whenever I travel,
I try and go visit some sort of museum, aquarium, zoo, — any place
where I can learn something new. I also try to eat at places where locals
of that area go because prices tend to be reasonable, as are the food
quality and atmosphere.

Any hobbies?
I am a fiber artist: I love to crochet wearables like sweaters,
cardigans, and hats. Aside from my yarn crafts, I also dabble in
puzzles (logic, crossword, or jigsaw), board games, and baking.

Favorite food?
Nothing brings me more comfort than a big bowl of macaroni and
cheese!

Tell us one thing about yourself that most of us probably don’t know.
My favorite musical group is Fall Out Boy, and I had the pleasure of
seeing them live at Forest Hills during their Stardust Tour. Not to
toot my own horn but I knew every word of every song they performed.

Library Staff Profile: Sarah Kim

Sarah Kim, Librarian at Lander College for Women

Welcome to the latest in our series of Staff Profiles. Sarah Kim recently joined the Touro community as a Librarian at the Lander College for Women. Sarah was kind enough to answer some questions for us below:

Where were you born?

I was born in Seoul, South Korea.

Where else have you lived?

I lived in California and Boston before I came to New York.

What languages do you speak?

I speak Korean besides English.

What fields have you studied and/or degrees have you earned?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in music (film scoring) and a master’s degree in library science.

What is your ideal vacation?

My ideal vacation place is a busy city, where I can walk around to see many things and learn about the culture.

Any hobbies?

I knit sweaters.

Favorite food?

My favorite foods are Korean BBQ (Galbi and Bulgogi).

Tell us one thing about yourself that most of us probably don’t know.

I wanted to become a film composer before I became a librarian.

Honoring Black History Month

Image via Wikimedia Commons via BMacZeroBot

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of African Americans in U.S. history. It was started by Carter G. Woodson (pictured above) and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History as early as 1920. Originally only encompassing a week known as Negro History and Literature Week, and later Negro Achievement Week, Woodson wanted to display the “beautiful history and… inspire us to greater achievements.”

February was chosen for the holiday to line up with the birthdays of two important figures in African American history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro Achievement Week (becoming Black History Month in the 1960s) inspired celebrations and educational events in churches, schools, and communities.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation endorsing Black History Month, and every president since has done the same.

Although February puts a special emphasis on the import of Black Americans in U.S. history, the achievements of African Americans should be celebrated and remembered throughout the year.

Some ways that you can honor Black History Month are by reading books by Black authors; visiting museum exhibitions, or film screenings by Black artists; learning more about important historical figures in the African American community, or by looking up local events in your community happening this month.

[Post by Emma Larson-Whittaker, Library and Outreach Assistant, Starrett City]