1.) First I searched online on IUCAT thinking that I would find my collection right away, however it was not online.
2.) Next I looked in the manuscript collections description book, which is located in the back left of the reading room, and found my collection, and every other person with the same last name, this helped me because I could get an understanding of what would be in each box which in turn allowed me to narrow my search for related material. The description book obviously described what was in each box making it easy to find related topics.
3.) next was locating the collection in the index cards, I wanted to be able to find anything just incase next time I come here the collections are not out I will be able to access the information.
4.) Once I found my collection I got on IUCAT and searched for my related material. I used an author search and found Jane Addam's "long road to women's memory"
Getting started was probably the hardest part because at first everything seemed so overwhelming because of the sheer size and magnitude of this library, however once I had a handle on finding information everything was cake.
Charles Jeffrey
I felt the same way when getting started; it just seemed like there was so much to search and so much to choose from in the Lilly that it was a little overwhelming at first. But now that I've done it with a partner and I've read the other posts, I agree that it will be a piece of cake next time!
ReplyDeleteWhat format is Jane Addams' "long road to women's memory"? Is it a letter, essay, or other form of text? Was it written to or for Haldeman? Do you know if it had any effect on Haldeman or are there similarities between the writings of the two sisters?
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem of initially not being able to find a text on IUCAT. I could not locate the Nightingale text I was looking for and had to resort to the card collection. The librarian at the desk informed me that IUCAT, although easiest, is probably the least reliable resource because it does not contain the location of all the library's texts, just some. The card and manuscript collections, however, should produce results for any text being searched for. It was definitely a learning experience, but if all three search engines are utilized, in the way that you did, then any text should be able to be located.
ReplyDeleteI too found this phase to be "interestingly confusing" as you so accurately put it. Based on the comments I received on my blog, it turns out a lot of people did not realize that if you are looking for manuscripts you must request a manuscript form from the working attendant. Call cards do not exist for manuscripts, which Lauren and I discovered when we were doing our research. I just thought knowing that might be helpful to you in conducting future research.
ReplyDeleteCharles--
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I was so overwhelmed when we first went into this phase. I'm glad that we were able to work with partners! I've gone to the Lily to do research before, but my professors have always given me the call number that I need to hand to the person at the desk. I'm glad that we had to do the work. I really hope it's going to be "cake" next time! =)
-Merey
I think you've all made some good knowledge in this commenting string and realized something important--that the digital records for the Lilly's collections are still being compiled; thus, you'll have better luck finding things in the "hard card" files. Nice job working through it. But I do also have the same questions that Nicole raises, and I'm wondering a bit about where Jane Addams' text comes from? In other words, what collection did you find it in, Charles, and what information can you provide us with so that we can contextualize the collection a bit more? That might help us understand the relevance of your good find.
ReplyDelete