OK—-I’ve finally taken the plunge and acquired a Kindle. This is a very big deal for me, since I’m a librarian and really love the printed word and the feel of real books. That said—-I love my Kindle!
What’s a Kindle? As most of you already know, it’s an ebook reader produced by Amazon.com. I bought one called the Kindle with Special Offers.
Kindle with Special Offers
Special Offers refers to sponsored screensavers that are resident on this Kindle. You save $25 if you agree to this special deal. I read a review of this Kindle in which the author noted how much he actually likes the sponsored screensavers, and I must agree: they’re really very attractive and quite appropriate for an eReader:
Review of Kindle with Special Offers
My Kindle has built-in WiFi that theoretically should allow me to download ebooks directly from Amazon.com. So far, I haven’t been able to connect to Amazon.com. You might think that’s a big problem, but no, it’s not.
I earlier downloaded the Kindle for PC application that Amazon.com offers for free on its website:
Kindle for PC
Kindle for PC installs on your desktop or laptop. I have not had any trouble downloading ebooks from Amazon.com and other sources into my Kindle for PC. I also have discovered that it’s a simple matter to transfer ebooks via a mini-USB cable (furnished with my Kindle with Special Offers) from Kindle for PC to my Kindle handheld device.
I bought my handheld Kindle mainly because there are some classic works of literature and other public domain titles that I’ve been meaning to read, not because I have plans to sit in cyber cafes and download ebooks onto my handheld Kindle. Therefore, I don't mind acquiring ebooks via Kindle for PC and then downloading them to my Kindle handheld. Sure, I’ll work out the WiFi problem eventually, but I’m in no hurry to do so (although if you know an easy way to solve my WiFi dilemma, let me know).
Now, because I’m acquiring mainly classics of literature and other public domain books for my handheld, I haven’t actually bought an ebook as yet: they’ve all been free. You can easily access thousands on free ebooks via the Amazon.com website, but you can also find thousands of free Kindle titles (some illustrated) at Project Gutenberg:
Free Ebooks for Amazon.com Kindle
Another great source of free ebooks:
391 Places for Free Ebooks Online
I've been acquiring books by H. G. Wells, Jules Verne, L. Frank Baum, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and some other authors that I read extensively as a child (because my local public library had numerous titles by each of those authors).
The bottom line on my handheld Kindle:
1. the display is as good as they claim—-bright and easy to read, even in varying light sources.
2. controls are really use to learn and use.
3. easy to increase/decrease font size.
4. holding handheld actually easier than holding a paperback.
5. my handheld can hold thousands of ebooks.
Disclaimer: Amazon.com is not paying me a single dime for this plug, although I would not turn down a gift certificate or free deluxe case for my Kindle…
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
SCANNING SANS SCANNER
You're a librarian, of course, but you are also most likely a genealogist, too . While playing that genealogist role, you probably spend lots of time in archives and courthouses. You want to copy relevant documents you locate, of course, but it’s a hassle dragging a flatbed scanner here, there, and everywhere. What to do? If the repository allows cameras, or you have a quality cell phone camera with the right apps added, you can make your copies that way:
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CHROMEBOOK IS HERE!
What’s a Chromebook? Why, it’s only Google’s attempt to completely change the way we acquire and use computers. Could a Chromebook possibly be a good option for you/your library? In the very near future, probably not. Six months to a year from now—-maybe so…
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LIBRARIAN’S GUIDE TO THE CENSUS
Not the population schedules we all know and love, certainly, but sometimes statistics are what the patron really wants!
LIBRARIAN’S GUIDE TO THE CENSUS
Place: Missouri Southern State University – Joplin
Date & Time: June 16, 1 pm-4 pm
The "Librarian's Guide to the Census" workshop will focus on the data that is on the www.Census.gov website and how to retrieve it.
The major tools that it will include are: the new American FactFinder website to access 2010 Redistricting data (and if Summary File 1 is released this summer before your workshop I will include it also); the old American FactFinder website to access data from the American Community Survey and the Annual Population Estimates program.
We will examine many of the tools on the Census homepage, including:
· Population projections
· The subject one-stop shops of: Housing, Income, Poverty, Health Insurance, International (I usually include this if presenting at a college or university)
· The homepage tools of (from left to right on the homepage): Catalog, Publications, Maps, [press] Releases, Minority Links, Statistical Abstract [which will have no further entries after the 2010 edition] Population Finder, Find an Area Profile with Quickfacts, Economic Indicators
We will examine some of the tools on the Census homepage in the A - Z files, including these:
· County Business Patterns/MSA-msa Business Patterns/Zip Code Business Patterns
· Service Annual Survey
· USA Counties
· Citizenship and Foreign-Born Data
· Current Industrial Reports
· Daytime Population
· Journey to Work and Place of Work
We will briefly look at some of the features on these State Data Center websites:
· Missouri State Data Center
· OK State Data Center.
Over and above learning how to access and retrieve (but not use) the data, I will include such additional considerations as:
· What levels of service should/could you provide? When to contact your State Data Center?
· What will be published from the 2010 Census in paper or CD formats?
· How do you handle book-marking, saving queries, and the fact that the website will time-out on you after 15 minutes of non-activity?
The workshop will not focus on Census concepts and Census and survey methodology. These topics will only briefly be mentioned. Nor will it focus on how to work with Census data after a customer has retrieved it, or how to examine methods of working with Census data in Excel.
More info? Contact Steve Beleu for more information!
May the Census be with you!
LIBRARIAN’S GUIDE TO THE CENSUS
Place: Missouri Southern State University – Joplin
Date & Time: June 16, 1 pm-4 pm
The "Librarian's Guide to the Census" workshop will focus on the data that is on the www.Census.gov website and how to retrieve it.
The major tools that it will include are: the new American FactFinder website to access 2010 Redistricting data (and if Summary File 1 is released this summer before your workshop I will include it also); the old American FactFinder website to access data from the American Community Survey and the Annual Population Estimates program.
We will examine many of the tools on the Census homepage, including:
· Population projections
· The subject one-stop shops of: Housing, Income, Poverty, Health Insurance, International (I usually include this if presenting at a college or university)
· The homepage tools of (from left to right on the homepage): Catalog, Publications, Maps, [press] Releases, Minority Links, Statistical Abstract [which will have no further entries after the 2010 edition] Population Finder, Find an Area Profile with Quickfacts, Economic Indicators
We will examine some of the tools on the Census homepage in the A - Z files, including these:
· County Business Patterns/MSA-msa Business Patterns/Zip Code Business Patterns
· Service Annual Survey
· USA Counties
· Citizenship and Foreign-Born Data
· Current Industrial Reports
· Daytime Population
· Journey to Work and Place of Work
We will briefly look at some of the features on these State Data Center websites:
· Missouri State Data Center
· OK State Data Center.
Over and above learning how to access and retrieve (but not use) the data, I will include such additional considerations as:
· What levels of service should/could you provide? When to contact your State Data Center?
· What will be published from the 2010 Census in paper or CD formats?
· How do you handle book-marking, saving queries, and the fact that the website will time-out on you after 15 minutes of non-activity?
The workshop will not focus on Census concepts and Census and survey methodology. These topics will only briefly be mentioned. Nor will it focus on how to work with Census data after a customer has retrieved it, or how to examine methods of working with Census data in Excel.
More info? Contact Steve Beleu for more information!
May the Census be with you!
Monday, May 16, 2011
FGS EVENTS CALENDAR
You can post your genealogy society’s event here for free (must be an all-day or multi-day event):
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THOUGHTBOX
Need to organize your thoughts, whether you’re managing people or an event, brainstorming ideas, keeping track of honey-dos, or just keeping an online journal? This free online app can help you get organized:
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HOW ST. LOUIS WAS WON
Thursday, May 12, 2011
HOLOCAUST INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES
This portal page serves as a navigational hub directing users to the search interface for finding aids and records available from each participating institution. The records are arranged and described according to each institution's policies and procedures. The descriptions are therefore in the national language of each institution (some are in English):
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HAVE YOU HEARD?
There's rumor going around that compiled military service records and pension records now stored at the National Archives in Washington, DC may be moved to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis in 2012. Various genealogy blogs are sounding the alarm about the "possible loss" of these records, but Missouri genealogists (and genealogy librarians) should welcome this potential development:
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FGS CONFERENCE 2011 OPENING SESSION
FGS is proud to pleased to have procured David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States as its keynote speaker for Thursday's opening session. Mr. Ferriero, an accomplished and recognized leader in the field of information science, will discuss the role of the National Archives and Records Administration in serving genealogists and genealogical societies. As a key player in the nation's quest to archive and preserve its records, Mr. Ferriero promises to deliver a new and exciting session full of information for attendees.
In addition to being one of the world's leading experts on libraries and archival, Mr. Ferriero is a native of Massachusetts, where he graduated from Northeastern University and Simmons College. He also served in the Vietnam War, as a Navy hospital corpsman assigned to a Marine unit in Danang, Vietnam, and on a hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary.
Other exciting activities during the opening session includes the 2011 FGS Awards Presentation Ceremony, an update on Preserve the Pensions, and a preview of the 2012 FGS Conference.
LINK
In addition to being one of the world's leading experts on libraries and archival, Mr. Ferriero is a native of Massachusetts, where he graduated from Northeastern University and Simmons College. He also served in the Vietnam War, as a Navy hospital corpsman assigned to a Marine unit in Danang, Vietnam, and on a hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary.
Other exciting activities during the opening session includes the 2011 FGS Awards Presentation Ceremony, an update on Preserve the Pensions, and a preview of the 2012 FGS Conference.
LINK
CEDAR AND VERNON COUNTY (MO) GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
They’ve changed their name (used to be Tri-County Genealogical Society), but they’re still producing a very nice newsletter:
LINK
Note: They’ve also changed their e-mail address:
Cedar.VernonCoMO@centurytel.net.
LINK
Note: They’ve also changed their e-mail address:
Cedar.VernonCoMO@centurytel.net.
WILSON'S CREEK LIBRARY UPDATE
MOBIUS is pleased to announce the addition of the library collection from the John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield to the MOBIUS Union Catalog.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located in Southwest Missouri in Republic, MO and is the site of the first major Civil War Battle fought west of the Mississippi River. This year marks the 150th anniversary of that battle (10 August 1861).
According to the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield website, the Civil War Research Library offers these collections and services.
Holdings: The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library was founded in 1985. A new library building was dedicated in April 2003. The core of the library collection was donated by Springfield attorney John K. Hulston and his wife Ruth. Currently the library contains approximately 6,500 volumes concentrating on the Civil War period and the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
Public Use: All of the library's volumes are non-circulating, but are available for use by serious scholars.
Reference Services: Staff members are able to perform limited research for patrons by regular mail, e-mail, telephone or in person. Extensive research on a particular topic should be done in person.
Genealogy: The library owns microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Service Records for all Union and Confederate soldiers from Missouri, those from other states who fought at Wilson's Creek, and some additional soldiers. Copies can be requested free of charge from the Hulston Library or ordered for a fee from the National Archives. Forms to obtain copies of National Archives records are available at the Hulston Library, or National Archives forms can be downloaded and records ordered on-line by clicking here.
The library also has published rosters giving basic information on all Civil War soldiers, and will search for particular names on request.
Regimental Histories: The library contains many histories of individual Civil War regiments, especially Union units. In addition, many Northern state adjutant general's reports and other regimental materials are available. Limited information is available on Southern units.
The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System and other Internet databases: Those seeking ancestors via the Internet should also consult the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, a database that contains brief service histories (name, rank and unit) for most Civil War soldiers. To go to the CWSSS, click here. Those seeking information on Missouri soldiers should also consult the Missouri State Archives Soldier Database. To go to the State Archives database, click here.
PLEASE NOTE: Hulston Library hours are currently Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-Noon and 1-4 p.m. The library is located next to the Visitor Center.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located in Southwest Missouri in Republic, MO and is the site of the first major Civil War Battle fought west of the Mississippi River. This year marks the 150th anniversary of that battle (10 August 1861).
According to the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield website, the Civil War Research Library offers these collections and services.
Holdings: The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library was founded in 1985. A new library building was dedicated in April 2003. The core of the library collection was donated by Springfield attorney John K. Hulston and his wife Ruth. Currently the library contains approximately 6,500 volumes concentrating on the Civil War period and the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
Public Use: All of the library's volumes are non-circulating, but are available for use by serious scholars.
Reference Services: Staff members are able to perform limited research for patrons by regular mail, e-mail, telephone or in person. Extensive research on a particular topic should be done in person.
Genealogy: The library owns microfilm copies of the National Archives Compiled Service Records for all Union and Confederate soldiers from Missouri, those from other states who fought at Wilson's Creek, and some additional soldiers. Copies can be requested free of charge from the Hulston Library or ordered for a fee from the National Archives. Forms to obtain copies of National Archives records are available at the Hulston Library, or National Archives forms can be downloaded and records ordered on-line by clicking here.
The library also has published rosters giving basic information on all Civil War soldiers, and will search for particular names on request.
Regimental Histories: The library contains many histories of individual Civil War regiments, especially Union units. In addition, many Northern state adjutant general's reports and other regimental materials are available. Limited information is available on Southern units.
The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System and other Internet databases: Those seeking ancestors via the Internet should also consult the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, a database that contains brief service histories (name, rank and unit) for most Civil War soldiers. To go to the CWSSS, click here. Those seeking information on Missouri soldiers should also consult the Missouri State Archives Soldier Database. To go to the State Archives database, click here.
PLEASE NOTE: Hulston Library hours are currently Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-Noon and 1-4 p.m. The library is located next to the Visitor Center.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
417 LIBRARIANS
Hello,
If you live in or near the (417) area code of southwest Missouri surrounding Springfield, we’d like to invite you to a casual lunch and lecture on Wednesday, May 11. During our lunch, Continuing Education Consultant Sharla Lair will be there to provide a quick overview of upcoming continuing education opportunities offered through the State Library. We'll meet from 12:00 p.m. to about 1:00 p.m. in the Frisco Room next to the Panera at the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, (417) 865-1340. There are many surrounding places to pick up food and bring it to the Library Station, including an attached Panera Bread. As usual, it will be a Dutch treat.
All library enthusiasts are welcome, so please feel free to forward this information to anyone else you think might like to join us. Future events will be announced through various listservs, a private email group (contact me to join), and our Facebook group, 417 Librarians. At more than 115 fans, the Facebook group continues to grow.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact me.
Hope to see you soon!
Andrea Miller, Missouri State University
If you live in or near the (417) area code of southwest Missouri surrounding Springfield, we’d like to invite you to a casual lunch and lecture on Wednesday, May 11. During our lunch, Continuing Education Consultant Sharla Lair will be there to provide a quick overview of upcoming continuing education opportunities offered through the State Library. We'll meet from 12:00 p.m. to about 1:00 p.m. in the Frisco Room next to the Panera at the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, (417) 865-1340. There are many surrounding places to pick up food and bring it to the Library Station, including an attached Panera Bread. As usual, it will be a Dutch treat.
All library enthusiasts are welcome, so please feel free to forward this information to anyone else you think might like to join us. Future events will be announced through various listservs, a private email group (contact me to join), and our Facebook group, 417 Librarians. At more than 115 fans, the Facebook group continues to grow.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact me.
Hope to see you soon!
Andrea Miller, Missouri State University
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
ENTER THE LEGACY FAMILY TREE FACEBOOK CONTEST!
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2011
Win a Netbook or a Special Legacy Family Tree Software/Webinar Bundle
May 2, 2011 – Surprise, AZ. Legacy Family Tree from Millennia Corporation announces a contest at its new Facebook page where contestants could win one of five special Legacy Family Tree software/webinar bundles and even a new netbook computer!
Contest Rules
Between May 2 and May 6, 2011, simply visit the new Legacy Family Tree page on Facebook and click the Like button. That’s it! And if you’ve already clicked the Like button, you’re already entered in the contest! By liking the Legacy Family Tree page, you’ll automatically be entered in the contest. Winners will be drawn on May 7, 2011 from all those Facebook visitors who have hit the Like button for the Legacy Family Tree page. Winners will be notified via email or Facebook on Monday, May 9, 2011 and must claim their prize no later than Friday, May 13, 2011.
Legacy Family Tree Expands Its Social Media Presence
You can now get the latest news about Legacy Family Tree software as well as its cutting-edge series of genealogy webinars, by following the Legacy Family Tree Facebook page. In addition, check out the Legacy Family Tree blog for additional news.
About Legacy Family Tree
“The most powerful and easy-to-use family tree software," Legacy Family Tree helps you find your ancestors, organize your research, and publish beautiful charts, and more. Take a tour of Legacy Family Tree here.
About Millennia Corporation
Founded in 1984, Millennia Corporation publishes the award-winning Legacy Family Tree genealogy software program, with headquarters in Surprise, Arizona. More information can be found here.
May 2, 2011
Win a Netbook or a Special Legacy Family Tree Software/Webinar Bundle
May 2, 2011 – Surprise, AZ. Legacy Family Tree from Millennia Corporation announces a contest at its new Facebook page where contestants could win one of five special Legacy Family Tree software/webinar bundles and even a new netbook computer!
Contest Rules
Between May 2 and May 6, 2011, simply visit the new Legacy Family Tree page on Facebook and click the Like button. That’s it! And if you’ve already clicked the Like button, you’re already entered in the contest! By liking the Legacy Family Tree page, you’ll automatically be entered in the contest. Winners will be drawn on May 7, 2011 from all those Facebook visitors who have hit the Like button for the Legacy Family Tree page. Winners will be notified via email or Facebook on Monday, May 9, 2011 and must claim their prize no later than Friday, May 13, 2011.
Legacy Family Tree Expands Its Social Media Presence
You can now get the latest news about Legacy Family Tree software as well as its cutting-edge series of genealogy webinars, by following the Legacy Family Tree Facebook page. In addition, check out the Legacy Family Tree blog for additional news.
About Legacy Family Tree
“The most powerful and easy-to-use family tree software," Legacy Family Tree helps you find your ancestors, organize your research, and publish beautiful charts, and more. Take a tour of Legacy Family Tree here.
About Millennia Corporation
Founded in 1984, Millennia Corporation publishes the award-winning Legacy Family Tree genealogy software program, with headquarters in Surprise, Arizona. More information can be found here.
ROSTER OF THE ILLINOIS GAR (1896)
This item has been digitized, and is available online and fully searchable at the Illinois Digital Archives:
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MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM UPDATE
The following sources have recently been added to the Genealogy and Local History Index.
1. Constitution and By-Laws of the Saint Louis Musical Art Association, Organized February 22nd, A.D. 1870
2. Annual Regatta of the Southwestern Amateur Rowing Assn., Creve Coeur Lake, July 25th and 26th, 1903
3. Annual Regatta of the Southwestern Amateur Rowing Assn., Creve Coeur Lake, July 29th and 30th, 1916
4. Katy Employe’s Magazine, 1917, 1946-1957 (published by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Company)
Genealogy and Local History Index
1. Constitution and By-Laws of the Saint Louis Musical Art Association, Organized February 22nd, A.D. 1870
2. Annual Regatta of the Southwestern Amateur Rowing Assn., Creve Coeur Lake, July 25th and 26th, 1903
3. Annual Regatta of the Southwestern Amateur Rowing Assn., Creve Coeur Lake, July 29th and 30th, 1916
4. Katy Employe’s Magazine, 1917, 1946-1957 (published by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Company)
Genealogy and Local History Index
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