If you use TIA standards, check out this new quick-start guide to VDOT's Accuris Engineering Workbench subscription. 

Great news if you work for VDOT and you use standards from the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and/or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). You now have access to a new batch of full-text online standards through the Engineering Workbench Web site.

Specifically, we're talking about the 272 standards included in the TR42 Committee Collection from TIA, and 3 standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which focus on fiber optic telecommunications systems, as referenced in these important VDOT publications: 

• 2020 Road and Bridge Specifications

• Virginia Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Fiber Optic Cable and Interconnect Test Plan, August 15, 2016

So, what exactly is Engineering Workbench?

Engineering Workbench is a subscription interface available through vendor Accuris. The name and appearance of this database may be new (vendor IHS Markit merged with S&P Global in 2022, which was renamed "Accuris" in 2023), but the content in this database may be familiar to VDOT employees who have used some version of it in the past to access standards from the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). 

Our new Quick-Start Guide shows VDOT employees how to create an account, access TIA and IEC standards in VDOT's subscription, and discusses limitations on the use of those standards.  Here's what's included: 

 
Right now, VDOT's subscription to Engineering Workbench is pretty specific. The interface WILL ONLY PROVIDE ACCESS TO A "CUSTOM COLLECTION" OF STANDARDS FROM TIA AND IEC, specifically the 272 standards included in the TR42 Committee Collection from TIA, and 3 standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which focus on fiber optic telecommunications systems, as referenced (once again) in: 

• 2020 Road and Bridge Specifications

• Virginia Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Fiber Optic Cable and Interconnect Test Plan, August 15, 2016

Who has access to these standards?

Any VDOT employee who wants to create an account may access and use these standards within the limits of VDOT's licensing agreement. 

What If I Need a Standard NOT in Engineering Workbench?

VDOT employees routinely need access to standards from groups like AASHTO, ACI, ASCE, ASTM, NACE, NEMA, NFPA, AWWA, and many other publishers. Here are a few guidelines we'd like you to keep in mind:

1. If you need a standard from an organization other than TIA or IEC, please do not try to find it in Engineering Workbench.

2. Do not use Engineering Workbench to "recommend" that we add other standards to VDOT's subscription. Instead, please use this ONLINE REQUEST FORM and library staff will assist you in getting the standard you need. After all, we may already license it for you through another Web site. 

To recommend a VDOT subscription to standards from an SDO not in Engineering Workbench, use this ONLINE RECCOMENDATION FORM.

Questions? Let us know, we're here to help. 

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

This animation shows how "hot topics" articles are pushed through RSS "feeds." Try it yourself!

From time to time, we get asked: "What is the easiest way to "track" an emerging issue?"  Or, some variant of the question: "How can I get a quick sense of the latest research and news headlines on a so-called 'Hot Topic' in transportation?"
 

While the topics come and go, one thing's for certain: Every year it seems like the quantity of information—including really good information— goes up and up. Sadly, our attention spans are not infinite, it is impossible to create more time in a business day, and even the quantity and quality of databases for searching is on the rise, not to mention the increase in innovative AI tools. 

Which of these should we use? Are we really seeing the most current or most relevant sources?  What if we need to track a topic over time, or weekly?

In an effort to assist busy researchers and practitioners who needed a simple way to "check in" on topics like Autonomous Vehicles, Climate Change, and Workforce Development, the VDOT Research Library created a series of Hot Topic Web Pages that use RSS feeds to automatically display the latest headlines from the TRID database (for "Research") and Google News (for "News") on 15 separate "Hot Topics" in transportation.   

Here's how it works:
A series of preconfigured searches run behind the scenes to fetch the 10 most recent professional articles and news headlines for each of the Hot Topics we've selected. The headlines refresh automatically every time you visit the page. This content changes daily, as relevant research articles are published and as fresh news breaks. 

So, if you wanted to track research and news on "Drones" for example, simply bookmark and visit this site any time you want a quick update: https://library.vdot.virginia.gov/guides/hot-topics/topics/drones 

Each time you return, the most current 10 links will load, so you don't have to remember what database to look in, or what search terms you used last time. Just load the page and you're loading fresh content.  
 

See a headline that catches your eye? It is hyperlinked, so clicking on it will lead you to the full text. You can also hover over the "information icon" to read the abstract or an article summary.  Because the page displays the publication date, it is easy to see how "fresh" each article is. A typical feed will look like this:  

Of course, you may want to see all citations on your topics (not just the top 10) or perform a fresh search from the database of origin.  If so, all you have to do is click on "Website" (to go to the source, where you can search manually) or Feed to show the feed or search behind the scenes.

Like the idea but don't see your favorite transportation "Hot Topic" on our list?  Use the suggestion form here so we cna add it: https://library.vdot.virginia.gov/guides/hot-topics/suggest
 

After all, our job is to help you do your job!
 

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

VDOT's subscription provides all employees unlimited access to National Electrical Safety Code 2023, 2017, 2012, 2007, and 2002, as well as Preprints...all in pdf format. Try it out today!

If you need access to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and you work at VDOT, you are in luck, thanks to a new full-text online subscription provided by the VDOT Research Library. 

Produced exclusively by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) specifies best practices for the safety of electric supply and communication utility systems at both public and private utilities. The NESC sets the ground rules for practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation, or maintenance of power, telephone, cable TV, and railroad signal systems.

The NESC is revised approximately every five years to keep the code up to date and viable and IEEE now offers convenient online access to all VDOT employees through the IEEE Xplore Digital Library database. While that database has citations to 5.4 million works (journal articles, conference papers, technical standards and more), VDOT's "full-text subscription" only includes the 10 documents in the new NESC Online subscription. 

As the definitive safety standard for more than a century, the National Electrical Safety Code continues to be the go-to resource for utility companies of all sizes and ownership structures. With the latest edition, the NESC 2023 offers the industry with the latest guidelines and best practices to help ensure the safety of utility, communications and the general public.

By pursuing an enterprise-wide subscription for the entire agency, the VDOT Research Library has secured significant cost savings and improved access to this important reference source, regardless of what edition you need to consult. Translation: Any VDOT employee can access the following editions of the NESC: 2023, 2017, 2012, 2007, and 2002, as well as Preprints. All documents delivered in PDF format, and that even includes access to a redlined version as well. 

Of course, if you are a VDOT employee and you happen to find a useful paper in IEEE Xplore, you can always use this online form to request a document delivery and the Library will provide you with a full-text copy free of charge in 1-2 weeks. 

After all, our job is to help you do your job! 

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

The 7th Edition addresses practitioners’ current and future needs to help them be proactive, innovative and nimble in enabling desired project outcomes.

Did you know that the latest (7th) Edition of the "The Standard for Project Management and a Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (also known as the PMBOK ® Guide) is available as an online eBook to all VDOT employees through VDOT's Skillsoft Books subscription?

Since its inception in 1987 the PMBOK® Guide has been the go-to resource for project management practitioners. The project management profession has significantly evolved due to emerging technology, new approaches and rapid market changes. Reflecting this evolution, The Standard for Project Management enumerates 12 principles of project management and the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition is structured around eight project performance domains.
 

This latest edition combines two publications ("The Standard for Project Management" and "The PMBOK Guide") into one volume, presenting 12 principles of project management and 8 project performance domains that are critical for effectively delivering project outcomes. This edition is designed to address practitioners’ current and future needs and to help them be more proactive, innovative and nimble in enabling desired project outcomes. 

This edition of the PMBOK® Guide:

• Reflects the full range of development approaches (predictive, adaptive, hybrid, etc.);
• Provides an entire section devoted to tailoring the development approach and processes;
• Includes an expanded list of models, methods, and artifacts;
• Focuses on not just delivering project outputs but also enabling outcomes; and
• Integrates with PMIstandards+™ for information and standards application content based on project type, development approach, and industry sector.

But perhaps we're preaching to the choir? After all, VDOT engineers and project management professionals have been using the PMBOK ® Guide and The Standard for Project Management (a consensus established standard authorized by ANSI) for ages.  However, for those who do have questions about the latest edition this PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition FAQ (from PMI) may be helpful. 

Of course, we encourage employees to share this information with your peers at VDOT, since our subscription offers unlimited online access. The Skillsoft Books interface has some great features for sharing, annotating and much more, all covered in the library's Quick Start Guide to Skillsoft Books. 

Need a different book, article or standard related to project management?  The VDOT Research Library has an amazing track record for finding and delivering published resources to VDOT employees, regardless of what you do or where you work.  

After all, our job is to help you do your job! 

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

The library started with the first director's personal collection of 118 books and reports. Today we have a print collection of nearly 70,000 items plus millions of eBooks, articles, papers, reports, standards and more accessible from any connected device. 

VDOT has had a library since 1945? Who knew!?

This slide deck above will be running at the upcoming Garver Leadership Conference, but we wanted to share it more widely. If you've used the library and found it helpful please share this article with a friend at VDOT who might also benefit.

Why? Even folks who know about the library might not realize it is for EVERY VDOT EMPLOYEE. Equally important, the library is 100% virtual these days. What that means is you don't have to come to the library to take advantage of its many collections and services. They are all virtual and self-paced... so the ball is in your court!

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE VDOT RESEARCH LIBRARY:

 

Exam Study Collections:  The library has systematically built up P.E. and other exam study collections. Today we have more than 500 volumes of material to help VDOT employees study for (and pass!) the FE, PE, PMP, FS, PS, PTOE, PTP and RSP certifications.

FREE OnlineSubscriptions:  Last year VDOT employees downloaded 15,390 electronic documents available from more than 20 full-text online databases the library manages for self-service VDOT employee access. 

After all, our job is to help you do your job!

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

This video shows how easy it is to access Knovel using 'Single Sign On.' Click to try it now!

Building on our efforts to create 'one-click' access to ASTM Compass (last May), the VDOT Research Library is excited to announce that 'Single Sign On' access is now in place for the Knovel database as well! 
 

Since 2011 Knovel has been one of the library's top subscriptions in terms of full-text online downloads by VDOT employees in search of technical content. But like ASTM Compass, access to Knovel has historically been "unique" among our 20+ databases in that it required VDOT users to create a second username and password for access.

Those days are gone thanks to the magic of SSO...If you are logged on the VDOT network and you click a link to Knovel you will now go straight in! In fact, returning Knovel users will even be recognized back "by name" with all your favorites, recently accessed eBooks, recent searches and everything else right where you left off last time you were in. How great is that? 

How does access work for first-time Knovel users? 
If you are already logged in to the VDOT network, but you have never used Knovel before, a partial account will be created for you "on the fly" the first time you access it.  You'll see this message to "Please complete your profile..." 
 

You can do that by simply adding your first and last name (you will only ever see this screen one time) and clicking "save" as shown here:

What happens if I try to use Knovel from a device off the VDOT network? 
Like all Okta-enabled applications, you'll be prompted for your VDOT network credentials so you can be recognized and authorized with those credentials. This will be the case in situations where authorized VDOT employees are using their personal PC at home, personal device like a phone or an iPad, or a VDOT-issued device that is not directly connected to the network or connected through VPN. 

 The Okta sign-in screen looks like this: 

If you frequently use the Okta "My Apps" page you'll notice a tile leading to Knovel is there as well now, as shown below. One click of that tile takes you right in to start using Knovel: 

Finally, you may want to add a bookmark to Knovel to your favorite browser, or you might want to share a link to Knovel with a friend at VDOT.  We hope you do!  If so, please use this special URL: https://library.virginiadot.org/resources/knovel as it is designed to redirect you through VDOT's SSO technology. 

For questions or support see this Knovel Quick-Start Guide. 

Or get in touch with a librarian...we're here to help!

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

With 'Single Sign On' you can get ASTM standards with one click. Watch this how-to video or simply click to try it now!

Sometimes less is more...and that has got to be the case with passwords!

In an effort to make life a little easier for busy VDOT employees the VDOT Research Library has configured its #1 subscription database — perennial favorite ASTM Compass — to work using Okta and "Single Sign On" (SSO) authentication.
 

Translation: If you're on the VDOT network, and you click a link to ASTM Compass, you will now get in with no further password prompts!

In fact, returning ASTM users will be recognized back "by name" with all your favorites, recently accessed standards and tracked documents right where you left them. How great is that? 

This could be a huge time saver for frequent users of ASTM Compass, which provides more than 13,000 standards from ASTM, AASHTO and other standards issuing organizations, not to mention close to 3,000 manuals, monographs and reports, and 45,000 papers and articles. 

How does it work for new or first-time users? 
If you are already on the VDOT network, the first thing you'll see when you enter ASTM Compass is a partial user profile recognizing VDOT as your agency as well as your VDOT e-mail address. Complete your profile by inserting your first and last name (you will only see this screen one time) and click "save" as shown here:

What happens if I try to access ASTM Compass from a device off the VDOT network? (like  a home PC, personal device or VDOT device without VPN)
Like all Okta-enabled applications, you'll be prompted for your VDOT network credentials so you can be recognized and authorized. The Okta sign-in screen looks like this: 

If you frequently use the Okta "My Apps" page you'll notice a link to ASTM Compass there as well, as shown below. One click takes you right in to ASTM Compass from that page as well: 

Finally, you may want to add a bookmark ASTM Compass to your favorite browser, or you might want to share a link to ASTM Compass with a friend at VDOT.  We hope you do!  Use this URL: https://library.virginiadot.org/resources/astm

For questions or support see this ASTM Compass Quick-Start Guide. 

Or get in touch with a librarian...we're here to help!

​

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

TRID helps you search smarter by focusing on 1.4 million books, papers and reports specific to transportation, about 30% of which have links to full text.

Do you use the TRID Database for your research and information needs at VDOT?

If not, you could be overlooking a resource that can "out-Google" Google when it comes to peer-reviewed, credible and current information needed by transportation professionals, including not just RESEARCH but the stuff that helps practitioners and folks in the field.

TRID was developed with sponsorship by State Departments of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), relevant federal agencies, and other sponsors of TRB's core technical activities. Translation: It was built for YOU!

TRID can help you locate solutions to problems, avoid accidental duplication, save your time and VDOT's money, and help you to capitalize on the latest innovations whether they are being implemented in the state next door or an overseas country. Combine TRID with the VDOT Research Library and you've got an unbeatable combo. 

FREE TRID WEBINAR: TRB will host a webinar on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern to help you understand what is in TRID, how to use its search functions and to teach you ways to find the most relevant publications and other products from transportation research projects. There is no fee, but registration through the MyTRB portal (also free) is required. Even if you might not be able to make it, I still recommend you sign up since a self-paced recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar.

Agenda and presenters: The first 40 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 20 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

1. Content presented by Bill McLeod, Transportation Research Board
2. Q&A session moderated by John Cherney, Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Learning Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Start transportation research with TRID
2. Run basic and advanced searches to locate the most relevant information for your project
3. Save, email, and/or export results

If you need help getting started with your research visit the Library web page, where you'll find research guides, FAQs, instructional videos and best of all, librarians who can help. 

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

With 'Single Sign On' you can get ASTM standards with one click. Watch this how-to video or simply click to try it now!

Sometimes less is more...and that has got to be the case with passwords!

In an effort to make life a little easier for busy VDOT employees the VDOT Research Library has configured its #1 subscription database — perennial favorite ASTM Compass — to work using Okta and "Single Sign On" (SSO) authentication.
 

Translation: If you're on the VDOT network, and you click a link to ASTM Compass, you will now get in with no further password prompts!

In fact, returning ASTM users will be recognized back "by name" with all your favorites, recently accessed standards and tracked documents right where you left them. How great is that? 

This could be a huge time saver for frequent users of ASTM Compass, which provides more than 13,000 standards from ASTM, AASHTO and other standards issuing organizations, not to mention close to 3,000 manuals, monographs and reports, and 45,000 papers and articles. 

How does it work for new or first-time users? 
If you are already on the VDOT network, the first thing you'll see when you enter ASTM Compass is a partial user profile recognizing VDOT as your agency as well as your VDOT e-mail address. Complete your profile by inserting your first and last name (you will only see this screen one time) and click "save" as shown here:

What happens if I try to access ASTM Compass from a device off the VDOT network? (like  a home PC, personal device or VDOT device without VPN)
Like all Okta-enabled applications, you'll be prompted for your VDOT network credentials so you can be recognized and authorized. The Okta sign-in screen looks like this: 

If you frequently use the Okta "My Apps" page you'll notice a link to ASTM Compass there as well, as shown below. One click takes you right in to ASTM Compass from that page as well: 

Finally, you may want to add a bookmark ASTM Compass to your favorite browser, or you might want to share a link to ASTM Compass with a friend at VDOT.  We hope you do!  Use this URL: https://library.virginiadot.org/resources/astm

For questions or support see this ASTM Compass Quick-Start Guide. 

Or get in touch with a librarian...we're here to help!

​

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

Two new subject categories (left) now appear when you use the "Browse" option in Knovel. The "Library Chat! widget appears on the far right.

Results are in from last quarter's month-long trial of four new content categories being considered for addition to VDOT's Knovel subscription...and by the time you read this there will be an additional 536 new eBook references in Knovel!

The new subject categories selected for VDOT's current contract (up for renewal in next fall), include: 

Environment & Environmental Engineering (431 books): Covers soil and ground remediation, water treatment, solid waste management, recycling, air quality monitoring, environmental pollution, indoor air quality control, and total life cycle design.

Fire Protection Engineering & Emergency Response (105 books): Covering fire dynamics, modeling performance of suppression and ventilation systems, planning for the effective egress of people, staging of first responders and emergency management planning, and fire protection systems in manufacturing and industrial applications. 

In addition to the two categories above the Safety & Industrial Hygiene category of 383 books had some highly relevant titles, so if the library has adequate funds in the next budgetary cycle it stands at the front of the line, so to speak.

We found this not to be the case (at least not enough) for the Sustainable Energy & Development category, which had some interesting titles but overall was just too far out of scope for what most VDOT employees need. 
 

In other news, the library worked with programmers at Elsevier to code in a nifty feature to the Knovel interface, namely the "Library Chat!" widget you'll now see located on the right side of the Knovel search and results screens.

Clicking on the tab causes the widget to slide out during normal business hours. Just enter your name and contact information to start a chat and in seconds you'll be connected to a librarian who can answer your questions and interact with you in real time!

What about "after hours" you ask? Well, live chat is not staffed 24/7, so after hours and on weekends and holidays the widget allows you to do one of the following:  

Search our questions/answers database

Submit a question using an online form

 

At the end of the day the VDOT Research Library is working hard to give VDOT employees the best content, the best tools, and the best service possible, so look for more resources added to our collections that support more than just transportation engineering and civil engineering...which we've had pretty well covered for years. 

If you've read this far but you've never used Knovel (especially because it didn't have materials on topics like environmental or fire safety!) now's a great time to give it a try. 

Check out this Quick-Start Guide for instructions or simply dive right in, at: http://library.virginiadot.org/resources/knovel 

Questions? We're here to help!

​

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library