Thursday, July 30, 2009
Blog Reflection 5: The Final Chapter
I had a wonderful experience taking my first online class. I enjoyed meeting and blogging with classmates. This class was very convenient, no looking or fighting for a parking spot. Most assignments were done in the comfort of my own home an occasion visit to the library to do research but I’m not complaining. The course was fun and informative. Some assignments were very easy, while others took a little longer to do. But I like challenges. I thinking I now prefer online courses over traditional classes due to the fact I work in the day and absolutely dread spending all evening and night in class. I like the flexibility of an online class. I’m able to do my assignments at home, on my lunch break or at the park on a nice day with a traditional class I can not do these things. I would come and have a face-to-face open workshop if one was offered for the course.
My Research Guide
Research Guide: African American Genealogy
A. Overview
The topic I decided to research was African American Genealogy. I wanted to know more about my family background and black culture. So, the following resources I selected below are extensive in content and are the top resources in the field. I’ve searched many library catalogs such as LBBC Voyager, Cerritos Library, Howard University, the University of South Florida, the Inglewood Public Library, the University Cal-State Dominguez and Worldcat.com to find these various resources. All resources found here can also be found in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Please note the resources call numbers. Some resources were hard to find while others were very easy to search for. I hope someday that the information I gather in this research guide will help me trace my ancestors. The scope of my topic will cover resources books, government and educational Archival, Directories, and web resources.
B. Library of Congress Subject Headings
Genealogy (Not Subd Geog)
A. Overview
The topic I decided to research was African American Genealogy. I wanted to know more about my family background and black culture. So, the following resources I selected below are extensive in content and are the top resources in the field. I’ve searched many library catalogs such as LBBC Voyager, Cerritos Library, Howard University, the University of South Florida, the Inglewood Public Library, the University Cal-State Dominguez and Worldcat.com to find these various resources. All resources found here can also be found in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Please note the resources call numbers. Some resources were hard to find while others were very easy to search for. I hope someday that the information I gather in this research guide will help me trace my ancestors. The scope of my topic will cover resources books, government and educational Archival, Directories, and web resources.
B. Library of Congress Subject Headings
Genealogy (Not Subd Geog)
- UF Ancestry
- Descent
- Family Trees
- Genealogical research
- Genealogy – Handbooks, manuals, etc.
I tried to look up African American Genealogy in the Library Congress Subject Headings catalog, but it wasn't listed. So I went to the broader topic term of Genealogy. I found this information at University Cal-State Dominguez Hills.
C. Keywords
- African American Genealogy Research
- African American Ancestry
- Tracing your African American family history
- Black Genealogy
- African American Family Tree
The keywords above, in the following order, gave me the greatest number of results as I searched various online catalogs.
D. Reference Sources- Boyce-Davies, Carole Elizabeth. Encyclopedia of the African Diaspora: Origins, Experiences, and Culture 3-volume set. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2007.
Call Number: DT16.5 E53 2008
I felt that this three volume cross-referenced set by Carole Elizabeth Boyce-Davies would be a valuable resource in studying African-American Genealogy because it covers geography, cultural and political movements, personalities, and theories.
- Library of Congress. The African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1993
Call Number: E184.6 .L47x 1993
This book covers an aray of topics such as Colonization, Abolotion, Northen and Western Migration, and Slave Narratives.
- Fisk University. Dictionary Catalog of the Negro Collection of the Fisk University Library, Nashville, Tennessee. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1974.
Call Number: E185 .F57x 1974
According to the Harvard guide to African-American History this book identifies over 35,000 books and pamphlets on African American Life and Culture.
- Howard University. Dictionary Catalog of the Jesse E. Moorland Collection of Negro Life and History, Howard University Library, Washington, D.C. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1970.
Call Number: E185 .H69x 1970
According to the Harvard guide to African-American History this is a nine volume set first published in 1970 added two supplemental books in 1976 that includes an Index to African Periodicals, Index to American Negro Periodicals as well as an Index to Biographies.
E. Books
- Carter-Smith, Franklin. A genealogist's guide to discovering your African-American ancestors: how to find and record your unique heritage. Cincinnati, Ohio: Betterway Books, 2003.
Call Number: E 185.96 .S6514 2003
I found this book while searching the Cerritos Library Online Catalog using the Keyword search "African American Genealogy".
- Cruise, M.T.W. Guidelines for ancestry research with an emphasis on African-American genealogy. 1st Ed. Dublin, VA: M.T.W. Cruise, 2007.
Call Number: CS42.7 .C78 2007
I found this book while searching the Inglewood Public Library Online Catalog using the Keyword search "African Americans Genealogy Handbooks, manuals, etc".
- Saunt, Claudio. Black, white and Indian race and the unmaking of an American family. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Call Number: E99.C9 S27 2005eb
I found this book while searching the Voyager Online Catalog using the NetLibrary Database "African American Genealogy Research."
Call Number: CD3047.5 .W37 2001
I found this book while searching the Inglewood Public Library Online Catalog using the Keyword search "African American Genealogy Research". Subjects covered in this book are: a) United States. Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands Archives Catalogs, b)African American families History Sources Bibliography Catalogs, C)African Americans Genealogy Bibliography Catalogs.
F. PeriodicalsCall Number: CS21.R57 2003
I found this book while searching the Chicago Public Library Online Catalog using the Keyword search "African Americans Genealogy Handbooks, manuals, etc."
- Journal of Black Studies. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1970 to 2003.
The Journal of Black Studies can be accessed electronically on JSTOR online database at Cal State Dominguez Hills. - Journal of Negro History. Chicago, Ill: Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 1919-2001.
Journal of African American History
. Chicago, Ill: Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 2002-Present.
The Journal of Negro History was changed in 2002 to the Journal of African American History. Both journals can be accessed electronically on JSTOR online database at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
G. Websites
- The USGenWeb Project http://www.usgenweb.org/
The USGenWeb Project is a free genealogy website run by researchers and volunteers that contains genealogical research in every
county and every state of the United States. I like this website because it is very easy to use. All that you have to do is select your state of interest, then a county (i.e. California, Orange County). Then type in a last name, first name for research (i.e. Jackson, Franklin) and year of birth, marriage or death. Within seconds, a list of all the persons fitting that description will appear.
- Cyndi’s list of Genealogy Sites on the Internet http://www.cyndislist.com/
Cyndi’s list of Genealogy Sites on the Internet is a categorized & cross-referenced index to genealogical resources on the Internet. Most website links are free on Cyndi’s List but there are a few pay websites.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blog Reflection 4
I think being an information competent student means having the capability of finding information as technology changes; in other words the ability to do research. I remember growing up checking out a book with a card catalog. Then the card catalog system was replaced by a computer database. Now most libraries use online database systems along with the Internet.
After this course is over, I will continue to take library and computer information courses to improve my information competency skills.
After this course is over, I will continue to take library and computer information courses to improve my information competency skills.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Blog Reflection 3
I would have never imagine that this course would have covered an array of interesting topics when I first enrolled. But I am happy to say I have learned so much in a short time. From how to use the Library of Congress Classification System, to evalutating websites for authenticity and learning to use different database systems and search engines. I still do get a little confused in citing sources but the webpage for citing information has been very helpful. I've also learned how to search for scholarly journals using LBCC Voyager catalog. Overall, I think this is the best informational college course I've taken so far.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Blog Reflection 2
Blog Reflection 2
This course has given new perspective and appreciation for libraries. It funny to think back when I first started using the library system as a grade school student and compare it to the technology of the library today. I remember the old card catalog to check-in and check-out books. Even now the circulation desk staff role is becoming more limited with new technology like self-checkout kiosks emerging in public libraries. I remember spending hours just using the microfilm machine to look up newspaper articles for homework assignments. I remember laughing at how cheap sales ads were for food, clothes and transportation. With the Internet people can now find instant information; but it sad to say we lose a sense of history because the Internet is so current and easy to use.
I love going to the library and I believe it should be the focus point of every community. With the rising budget deficit in California our public libraries are being targeted, especially in middle class or inner city neighborhoods. These libraries’ doors are closing we are losing a valuable resource in our communities and our children will be hurt the most by these actions. The Internet is a good resource to have in your home, but not everyone can afford the Internet so they use the library. The library offers many valuable resources such as homework help, literacy programs, story time and arts & crafts. Along with its general materials such books, periodicals, computers DVDs and CDs for public usage.
The library plays a major role in my life as a library assistant and an overseer of a school library. I try to take the knowledge, skills and resources I learn and incorporate it my work place. I believe students and teachers can benefit from the new technological services of the library.
This course has given new perspective and appreciation for libraries. It funny to think back when I first started using the library system as a grade school student and compare it to the technology of the library today. I remember the old card catalog to check-in and check-out books. Even now the circulation desk staff role is becoming more limited with new technology like self-checkout kiosks emerging in public libraries. I remember spending hours just using the microfilm machine to look up newspaper articles for homework assignments. I remember laughing at how cheap sales ads were for food, clothes and transportation. With the Internet people can now find instant information; but it sad to say we lose a sense of history because the Internet is so current and easy to use.
I love going to the library and I believe it should be the focus point of every community. With the rising budget deficit in California our public libraries are being targeted, especially in middle class or inner city neighborhoods. These libraries’ doors are closing we are losing a valuable resource in our communities and our children will be hurt the most by these actions. The Internet is a good resource to have in your home, but not everyone can afford the Internet so they use the library. The library offers many valuable resources such as homework help, literacy programs, story time and arts & crafts. Along with its general materials such books, periodicals, computers DVDs and CDs for public usage.
The library plays a major role in my life as a library assistant and an overseer of a school library. I try to take the knowledge, skills and resources I learn and incorporate it my work place. I believe students and teachers can benefit from the new technological services of the library.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Project 1: Library Visit
Lib3 - Information Competency
Project 1: Library Visit
Today, I had a breathtaking experience at the Cerritos Library. The Cerritos Library is located at 18025 Bloomfield Avenue in Cerritos, CA 90703. It is a magnificent three-story structure that is sort of cross between a shopping mall and a museum. The library is divided into twelve sections but I will only focus on five. Each section is uniquely designed and furnish with style to fit a particular age or interest group.
The first section I visited was the “Children’s Library” located on the first floor which includes a giant Aquarium, an Art Studio, and The Little Theater, as well as a Tyrannosaur Rex Exhibit. The Children’s Library consists of a Children’s Help Desk better know as a reference desk, a multimedia collection of DVDs, VHS tapes, books on tapes and CDs; as well as a beautiful collection of children books. There I also observed computers for homework research, and online catalog computers. On my second stop I visited the “Local Museum” located on the first floor. It consists of a collection of books dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States that would likely capture the interest of the female demographic or history buffs. On display in the “Local Museum” were oil paintings of landscapes by a Korean artist named Jung Sook Hyun. The third section I explored was the Periodical, which consist of magazines, newspapers, paperbacks and Internet Express Stations. This section is beautifully crafted with Mahogany books cases and plush leather seating that radiate the feeling of a corporate office. The forth section I travelled to was the “Young Adult”. It was hip and urban in its décor; filled with plug in lab top stations, graphic novels and high interest books for teens and young adults; it also consists of a Help Desk and a Multimedia Center. The last section, I explored was the “Adult Reference” located on the second floor. The Adult Reference is a state of the art complex filled with eighty Internet stations and twenty research terminals free for public usage (no membership required), print & copy station, and about a half a dozen study / conference rooms.
The Cerritos Library uses the Library of Congress Catalog system to classify its materials. It also has a large collection of books, magazines, journals, CDs, and DVDs for public checkout. The library has an online database called the E-Catalog which you can search for library material either by “Keyword, Title, Author, Subject, Journal Title, Series Title, Call Number and ISBN/ISSN.” The E-Catalog is very user friendly, I searched for “African American Poets” using “Keyword” and I found twenty-one results. As well as these features, it subscribes to sixteen online databases that the public can access from home by going to the library’s homepage http://menu.ci.cerritos.ca.us/. Two of its most popular online subscription databases are a) “EBSCO Host” which provides full text articles from over 2800 journals, Encyclopedias and other literary directories and b) “LearningExpressLibrary.com” provides test preparation materials and tutorials of Microsoft applications. Three services available to public for the months of June & July are a) Mini Movie Classics of Disney films, b) Digital Photography Class and C) the Summer Reading Program. The Cerritos Library also offer a monthly news letter of programs and events.
My favorite part of visiting the Cerritos library was seeing all its beautiful exhibits and huge collection of books. I also love how it’s the cornerstone of the community; I’ve never seen a community utilize the library like Cerritos has. It has something for everyone from the young to the old. My least favorite thing about the Cerritos Library is its library card policy. That states to obtain a free library card you must meet one of four of the following requirements: a) a resident of Cerritos, b) student or employee of ABC School District or Cerritos College, c) city employee, and d) a non resident living in a neighboring city covered by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library Powers Agreement. All other non residents must pay one hundred dollars a year to obtain a library card.
Cerritos Library
18025 Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1388
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/
Library Hours:
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Sunday 1 p.m to 5 p.m.
Project 1: Library Visit
Today, I had a breathtaking experience at the Cerritos Library. The Cerritos Library is located at 18025 Bloomfield Avenue in Cerritos, CA 90703. It is a magnificent three-story structure that is sort of cross between a shopping mall and a museum. The library is divided into twelve sections but I will only focus on five. Each section is uniquely designed and furnish with style to fit a particular age or interest group.
The first section I visited was the “Children’s Library” located on the first floor which includes a giant Aquarium, an Art Studio, and The Little Theater, as well as a Tyrannosaur Rex Exhibit. The Children’s Library consists of a Children’s Help Desk better know as a reference desk, a multimedia collection of DVDs, VHS tapes, books on tapes and CDs; as well as a beautiful collection of children books. There I also observed computers for homework research, and online catalog computers. On my second stop I visited the “Local Museum” located on the first floor. It consists of a collection of books dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States that would likely capture the interest of the female demographic or history buffs. On display in the “Local Museum” were oil paintings of landscapes by a Korean artist named Jung Sook Hyun. The third section I explored was the Periodical, which consist of magazines, newspapers, paperbacks and Internet Express Stations. This section is beautifully crafted with Mahogany books cases and plush leather seating that radiate the feeling of a corporate office. The forth section I travelled to was the “Young Adult”. It was hip and urban in its décor; filled with plug in lab top stations, graphic novels and high interest books for teens and young adults; it also consists of a Help Desk and a Multimedia Center. The last section, I explored was the “Adult Reference” located on the second floor. The Adult Reference is a state of the art complex filled with eighty Internet stations and twenty research terminals free for public usage (no membership required), print & copy station, and about a half a dozen study / conference rooms.
The Cerritos Library uses the Library of Congress Catalog system to classify its materials. It also has a large collection of books, magazines, journals, CDs, and DVDs for public checkout. The library has an online database called the E-Catalog which you can search for library material either by “Keyword, Title, Author, Subject, Journal Title, Series Title, Call Number and ISBN/ISSN.” The E-Catalog is very user friendly, I searched for “African American Poets” using “Keyword” and I found twenty-one results. As well as these features, it subscribes to sixteen online databases that the public can access from home by going to the library’s homepage http://menu.ci.cerritos.ca.us/. Two of its most popular online subscription databases are a) “EBSCO Host” which provides full text articles from over 2800 journals, Encyclopedias and other literary directories and b) “LearningExpressLibrary.com” provides test preparation materials and tutorials of Microsoft applications. Three services available to public for the months of June & July are a) Mini Movie Classics of Disney films, b) Digital Photography Class and C) the Summer Reading Program. The Cerritos Library also offer a monthly news letter of programs and events.
My favorite part of visiting the Cerritos library was seeing all its beautiful exhibits and huge collection of books. I also love how it’s the cornerstone of the community; I’ve never seen a community utilize the library like Cerritos has. It has something for everyone from the young to the old. My least favorite thing about the Cerritos Library is its library card policy. That states to obtain a free library card you must meet one of four of the following requirements: a) a resident of Cerritos, b) student or employee of ABC School District or Cerritos College, c) city employee, and d) a non resident living in a neighboring city covered by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library Powers Agreement. All other non residents must pay one hundred dollars a year to obtain a library card.
Cerritos Library
18025 Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703
(562) 916-1388
http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/
Library Hours:
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Sunday 1 p.m to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Blog Reflection 1
Blog Reflection 1 : Library 3 - Information Competency
When I reflect back on what I have learned in this course so far several things come to mind.
First, how online catalogs and electronic databases has change the way we use and access information from the library. The Internet plays a vital role in todays library; information and research is found much easier and faster than ever before.
Second, I now have a greater understanding on how material is cataloged and listed in the Library of Congress Catalog System after using the LCSH Reference books.
Third, I have learned new library skills and resources that will enhance my life as student, parent and as a Library Assistant. I wished that you all could see my computer desk top I have icons of online library catalogs all over the place where as before starting this course I had none.
What I love about this course is the freedom of not being stuck in a classroom all day. I have the option of completing my homework assignments “virtually” anywhere. I’m really enjoying networking with fellow classmate over the web as well as creating my first blog page. I foresee taking more online distance education courses in the future.
When I reflect back on what I have learned in this course so far several things come to mind.
First, how online catalogs and electronic databases has change the way we use and access information from the library. The Internet plays a vital role in todays library; information and research is found much easier and faster than ever before.
Second, I now have a greater understanding on how material is cataloged and listed in the Library of Congress Catalog System after using the LCSH Reference books.
Third, I have learned new library skills and resources that will enhance my life as student, parent and as a Library Assistant. I wished that you all could see my computer desk top I have icons of online library catalogs all over the place where as before starting this course I had none.
What I love about this course is the freedom of not being stuck in a classroom all day. I have the option of completing my homework assignments “virtually” anywhere. I’m really enjoying networking with fellow classmate over the web as well as creating my first blog page. I foresee taking more online distance education courses in the future.
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