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Periodical Source Index (PERSI): Difference between revisions
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*PERSI is a subject index to articles, '''''not an every name or every word index'''''. Entries are by: <br>- Location and record type; <br>- Surname as subject; or <br>- How-to topic. | *PERSI is a subject index to articles, '''''not an every name or every word index'''''. Entries are by: <br>- Location and record type; <br>- Surname as subject; or <br>- How-to topic. | ||
*PERSI does not cover surname periodicals and does not normally include queries, charts, fiction, cartoons, or poetry. | |||
*The article title listed in the citation may not be the actual title as it appears in the periodical. Article titles are not always descriptive, so encoders sometimes alter them to include the actual subject or time period. | *The article title listed in the citation may not be the actual title as it appears in the periodical. Article titles are not always descriptive, so encoders sometimes alter them to include the actual subject or time period. | ||
*PERSI has evolved over the years. Originally limited to 50 characters, article title entries can now be 150 characters, allowing for a fuller description that can assist the researcher in identifying useful sources. | *PERSI has evolved over the years. Originally limited to 50 characters, article title entries can now be 150 characters, allowing for a fuller description that can assist the researcher in identifying useful sources. | ||
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=== Searching People === | === Searching People === | ||
To search for articles on People, enter the “Surname” in the appropriate box. There are more than 126,000 surnames included in the PERSI database. “Keywords,” such as a first name, spouse’s last name, or location, may be added to narrow the search, but please remember that PERSI is not an every name index. Every person mentioned in an article does not appear in the title, so searches combining a surname with a locality keyword may yield better results. Soundex searching is not possible. A specific “Periodical” title in which to search can also be indicated. Once the surname and any keywords, or a specific periodical, is entered, click the Search button. | To search for articles on People, enter the “Surname” in the appropriate box. There are more than 126,000 surnames included in the PERSI database. “Keywords,” such as a first name, spouse’s last name, or location, may be added to narrow the search, but please remember that PERSI is not an every name index. Every person mentioned in an article does not appear in the title, so searches combining a surname with a locality keyword may yield better results. Soundex searching is not possible. A specific “Periodical” title in which to search can also be indicated. Once the surname and any keywords, or a specific periodical, is entered, click the Search button. | ||
=== Searching Places === | === Searching Places === | ||
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As a note, most methodology articles are encoded "Other" because the study of genealogy goes well beyond the 23 record types in PERSI, other areas are: Documenting your genealogy, Writing your family history, Photography, Heraldy, Preservation, Computers, etc. | As a note, most methodology articles are encoded "Other" because the study of genealogy goes well beyond the 23 record types in PERSI, other areas are: Documenting your genealogy, Writing your family history, Photography, Heraldy, Preservation, Computers, etc. | ||
PERSI citations often include the name of a locale – such as a town, township, or region – or another keyword or phrase – such as preservation, Native American, or Revolution – as part of the article title. Using “Keywords” like these as part of a place search can help focus the results. A bit of experimentation, practice and creativity will help. Once the place has been selected, and any keywords added, click the Search button. | PERSI citations often include the name of a locale – such as a town, township, or region – or another keyword or phrase – such as preservation, Native American, or Revolution – as part of the article title. Using “Keywords” like these as part of a place search can help focus the results. A bit of experimentation, practice and creativity will help. Once the place has been selected, and any keywords added, click the Search button. | ||
=== Searching "How-to's" === | === Searching "How-to's" === | ||
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The How-tos selection searches thousands of citations about research methods, ranging from long, detailed articles to short tips or hints. The “Record Type” and “Keywords” options are the same as those for the Places search. | The How-tos selection searches thousands of citations about research methods, ranging from long, detailed articles to short tips or hints. The “Record Type” and “Keywords” options are the same as those for the Places search. | ||
The Periodicals search option provides access to detailed information about a specific periodical title, including publisher and address, subject focus of the periodical, the international standard serial number (ISSN), previous titles, frequency of publication, ACPL holdings, other known repositories of the title, and PERSI code. Used by project staff, PERSI codes often begin with the two letter postal abbreviation for the state of publication, thereby indicating the geographical focus of many titles. PERSI codes can also help in determining whether project staff members have established previous, current and subsequent titles of the same periodical. An ACPL call number may be provided on the “Periodical Details” page, but the call number field is often blank or says “Open,” even though almost all titles now have call numbers in the ACPL catalog. Finally, each periodical’s individual “Details” page also provides browsing access to a list of articles appearing in every issue, even through title changes. Simply click on the volume, number or date of the issue of interest. <br> | The Periodicals search option provides access to detailed information about a specific periodical title, including publisher and address, subject focus of the periodical, the international standard serial number (ISSN), previous titles, frequency of publication, ACPL holdings, other known repositories of the title, and PERSI code. Used by project staff, PERSI codes often begin with the two letter postal abbreviation for the state of publication, thereby indicating the geographical focus of many titles. PERSI codes can also help in determining whether project staff members have established previous, current and subsequent titles of the same periodical. An ACPL call number may be provided on the “Periodical Details” page, but the call number field is often blank or says “Open,” even though almost all titles now have call numbers in the ACPL catalog. Finally, each periodical’s individual “Details” page also provides browsing access to a list of articles appearing in every issue, even through title changes. Simply click on the volume, number or date of the issue of interest. <br> | ||
=== Printing Citations === | === Printing Citations === | ||