|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| == Overview == | | == Overview == |
|
| |
|
| The Periodical Source Index, or PERSI, is the largest subject index to genealogy and local history periodical articles in the world.<ref name="ACPL">"Ask a Genealogy Librarian" Service, Historical Genealogy Department, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2010.</ref> Created by the staff of the Allen County Public Library Foundation and the ACPL’s Genealogy Center, PERSI is widely recognized as a vital tool for genealogical researchers. PERSI indexes articles in 11,000 periodical titles (including 3,000 defunct titles) published by thousands of local, state, national and international societies and organizations, arranging 2.25 million entries by surname or location and 22 basic subject headings. An important tool for genealogists looking for new avenues of investigation, PERSI’s usefulness is not limited to family history researchers. Local historians and academics, archaeologists and demographers, as well as students from elementary to graduate school and beyond, will all find PERSI an important asset in their research. | | The Periodical Source Index, or PERSI, is the largest subject index to genealogy and local history periodical articles in the world.<ref name="ACPL">"Ask a Genealogy Librarian" Service, Historical Genealogy Department, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2010.</ref> Created by the staff of the Allen County Public Library Foundation and the ACPL’s Genealogy Center, PERSI is widely recognized as a vital tool for genealogical researchers. PERSI indexes articles in 11,000 periodical titles (including 3,000 defunct titles) published by thousands of local, state, national and international societies and organizations, arranging 2.25 million entries by surname or location and 22 basic subject headings. An important tool for genealogists looking for new avenues of investigation, PERSI’s usefulness is not limited to family history researchers. Local historians and academics, archaeologists and demographers, as well as students from elementary to graduate school and beyond, will all find PERSI an important asset in their research. |
|
| |
|
| The PERSI project began in 1986 with efforts directed at indexing both “current” issues, to be published in annual volumes, and “retrospective” issues, to be published in a 16 volume set covering 1847-1985. The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] made the 16 volume set available on microfiche for its branches, but the print volumes provided the principal access for researchers until Ancestry began to briefly issue CDs containing the entire retro set, all annual volumes, plus additional pre-1986 material. | | The PERSI project began in 1986 with efforts directed at indexing both “current” issues, to be published in annual volumes, and “retrospective” issues, to be published in a 16 volume set covering 1847-1985. The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] made the 16 volume set available on microfiche for its branches, but the print volumes provided the principal access for researchers until Ancestry began to briefly issue CDs containing the entire retro set, all annual volumes, plus additional pre-1986 material. |
| Line 103: |
Line 103: |
| The ACPL Foundation offers an article copying service for those unable to visit or access the periodicals elsewhere. To use this service, print the Article Request Form available at <www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/index.html>. For each article requested, include Title of Article, Title of Journal, Volume (if cited), Number (if cited), Month (if cited) and Year. A pre-paid handling fee of $7.50 (check or money order to “ACPLF”) covers up to four articles and should be sent with each form. Multiple forms may be submitted, accompanied by the appropriate handling fee (e.g. for 10 articles: $7.50 X 3 = $22.50). An additional copying fee of 20 cents per page will be billed when the copies are sent. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. | | The ACPL Foundation offers an article copying service for those unable to visit or access the periodicals elsewhere. To use this service, print the Article Request Form available at <www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/index.html>. For each article requested, include Title of Article, Title of Journal, Volume (if cited), Number (if cited), Month (if cited) and Year. A pre-paid handling fee of $7.50 (check or money order to “ACPLF”) covers up to four articles and should be sent with each form. Multiple forms may be submitted, accompanied by the appropriate handling fee (e.g. for 10 articles: $7.50 X 3 = $22.50). An additional copying fee of 20 cents per page will be billed when the copies are sent. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. |
|
| |
|
| == Access to PERSI ==
| | == References == |
| | |
| '''Online.''' PERSI is searched via [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/persi HeritageQuestOnline]. This subscription-based web site is available for free through many public libraries throughout the United States and Canada. Some libraries provide patrons to access from home to HeritageQuestOnline and PERSI by using their library card number like a password. The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] and some larger [[Finding a Family History Center|Family History Centers]] also have access to HeritageQuestOnline.
| |
| | |
| An older PERSI version on the Internet is still available on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3165 Ancestry.com], a subscription Internet site. Some public libraries and the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], and some larger [[Finding a Family History Center|Family History Centers]] have a subscription to Ancestry.com with access to its older PERSI.
| |
| | |
| It is currently accessible for free at the [[Allen County Public Library|Allen County Public Library]] in Fort Wayne, Indiana and in over 200 other library locations throughout the world. There is also the option of purchasing the PERSI Index on [http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=5340 '''CD-ROM.''']
| |
| | |
| <br>
| |
| | |
| === Finding a LDS Family History Center with PERSI ===
| |
| | |
| To find a LDS Family History Center that does or will offer PERSI Index for free, go to [http://www.lds.org/ '''www.lds.org''']. Move your mouse over the "Family History and Temples" option on the left and click on "[http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp '''Family History Centers''']". From there, select the country you live in and fill in the remaining blanks more specific to where you live. Since access to this service will be limited to 1,400 family history centers in North America, patrons should contact their local family history center to see if this service is available. Family History center directors should contact Family History Center Support with questions.
| |
| | |
| === Finding a library with PERSI ===
| |
| | |
| There are more than 200 libraries worldwide that offer free access to the PERSI Index. To find a library location nearest, go to [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/15689202&referer=brief_results '''http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/15689202&referer=brief_results'''] or go to [http://www.worldcat.org/ '''http://www.worldcat.org'''] and type in "Periodical Source Index" and click Search. A list of results will come up and you need to choose the link with the "Periodical Source Index" tile by the Allen County Public Library, Genealogy Department.
| |
| | |
| Then, while under the library tab, you can enter your location information (this can include your city, state, zipcode, or country). I have found the search to be most effective when I have entered both a city and a state or just a zipcode for a location. (That way if there is more than one location that has this service available in the state you live in, the answers will be in order by those closest to you.) Then, click the "Go" button to the right. A list of the closest libraries, historical societies, and any other place that offers free access, will be ranked in order of proximity (distance from your location). A city, state, and zipcode will come up for each location, as well as the approximate number of miles each site is located away from the location that was entered. An address and other contact information regarding the site that you are interested in visiting can be obtained under each site by clicking on the "Library Information" link.
| |
| | |
| == Obtaining a copy of articles found in PERSI ==
| |
| | |
| After having done a search, click on the title of the periodical article that you would like a copy of. Details such as the periodical title, publisher, PERSI Code, and the other known repositories will be on the screen. If you scroll down to the lower section fo the page, you will see all of the different volumes of that periodical that are available. Carefully copy all of the necessary information for up to six articles that you would like a copies of. A copy of the order form as well as the photocopy fee schedule can be printed off by clicking [http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/database/graphics/order_form.html '''here'''].
| |
| | |
| Put your name and address on the form where indicated, include your $7.50 and send the form and check off to the address given. When the Allen County Public Library Foundation has photocopied all the pages, they will bill you for them at 20 cents per page.
| |
| | |
| == References == | |
|
| |
|
| <references /> | | <references /> |
|
| |
|
| [[Category:Family_History_Library]] | | [[Category:Family_History_Library]] |