News and announcements from the New York State Library http://www.nysl.nysed.gov http://www.nysl.nysed.gov http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/images/nysl140.jpg 120 50 News From NYSL The New York State Library's Division of Library Development continues to develop and update a new site, Job and Career Information in New York's Public Libraries. Highlights of the site include: examples of information and assistance patrons will find through many public library job information, career development, and employment testing programs and services; links to Public Library System job and career information web sites; links to statewide and national job information resources, including NYS Department of Civil Service and Department of Labor, and Veteran's Services sites; current news stories about libraries and job/career related services; and job search and resume assistance links. LD-careerinfo-20090701 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/outreach/careers.htm Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:45:00 EDT On July 5, 2009, CBS News Sunday Morning will feature the New York State Library's New Netherland Project as part of a story on the quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's first voyage up the river that now bears his name. The segment, which will be aired sometime between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 5th, will include an interview with Dr. Charles Gehring, director of the New Netherland Project. A program of the New York State Library, the New Netherland Project has been working since 1974 to translate and publish the official 17th-century Dutch colonial documents of one of America's earliest settled regions. RL-newnetherland-20090629 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/cbssunday.htm Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EDT The Spring 2009 edition of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) newsletter, Upstate Update, is now available on the Library's web site, in HTML, audio or podcast format. Upstate Update is published quarterly to keep TBBL borrowers informed of developments at State and national levels that affect their service. TBBL-spring2009news-20090616 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/2009spr/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:55:00 EDT As you may have noticed, the NYS Library recently moved to a new site design, based on that of our parent institution, the New York State Education Department. Although most of the original content is still there, some of it has been reorganized, and there is additional navigation. We hope these changes will make it easier to find information on our site. Next time you visit the NYS Library site, please check out the new look; if you have any comments or questions about the redesign, you can share them with us via the "Feedback" link at the bottom of any of the redesigned pages. all-newsite-20090609 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/newlook.htm Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EDT The NYS Library will offer three noontime programs in June. On Thursday, June 4th, Tod Ottman, Ph.D., will present "The Origins of the State University of New York," showing how World War II unleashed demographic, ideological, cultural and political changes which profoundly altered higher education policy in New York State, leading to the creation of the State University of New York. On Wednesday, June 17th, Bill Schilling, Senior Librarian, will conduct a hands-on class on "Trademarks," including doing a federal trademark search on the US Patent and Trademark Office's web site and a brief introduction to filing for a federal trademark electronically. (Registration is required.) And on Thursday, June 25th, Jean Nudd, Archivist at the National Archives in Pittsfield, will provide tips on how genealogists can find parental relationships when vital records don't exist in "Using Pre-1850 Census to Locate Family Relationships." All programs are free and open to the public. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20090527 Thu, 27 May 2009 11:45:00 EDT The sixth issue of our quarterly electronic newsletter, Library News For You, is now available. The May issue features information on MergentOnline and Mergent BondViewer, two new database resources available at the Library, and on podcasting. RL-libnews6.htm-20090515 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/libnews6.htm Fri, 15 May 2009 08:40:00 EDT The NYS Library will offer three noontime programs in May. On Wednesday, May 13th, librarian Bill Schilling will present "Patents," an introduction to the patenting process in the United States, including how to conduct a preliminary patent search using the U.S. patent classification system. (Registration is required.) On Wednesday, May 20th, local authors Frankie Bailey and Alice Green will present "Wicked Albany," a look at the effect that the Volstead Act of 1919, which established Prohibition, had on Albany. And on Wednesday, May 27th, architect James Comegys and engineer Benjamin Marra from the NYS Office of General Services will discuss the State's efforts to achieve sustainable building and LEED certification in "Green Building." All programs are free and open to the public. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20090428 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 9:55:00 EDT The New York State Library is participating in a nationwide project to find out how library users in the United States use computers and the internet at public libraries. If you use the public computers here at the NYS Library, or at your public library, please help us by filling out a survey. The information collected from this survey will be used to try to design better public-access computer services. The survey will be available for two weeks, from April 27 through May 11, 2009. LD-survey-20090428 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/using.htm Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:55:00 EDT The lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection were updated on April 20. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Arts and Architecture to Military History to Transportation. RL-newbooks-20090420 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT The Sanford collection, which was donated to the NYS Library last summer, consists of nine manuscript journals, a small group of letters, and a manuscript recipe book. Nathan Sanford was Chancellor of NYS from 1823-1826, a NYS Assemblymember and Senator, US attorney general, and a US senator. The family was well connected and Nathan's descendants married into other prominent families such as the Gansevoorts, Stuyvesants, and Motts. Most of the journals were kept by Nathan's son, Robert; covering his days as a student at Union College to 1881, they provide a wealth of detail into the daily lives of New York's upper class. The other journals were kept by female family members. The recipe book is marvelously descriptive and comprehensive and would be of interest to anyone researching aspects of the domestic sphere in the 19th century. RL-historicdocs263068823-200904013 http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/263068823 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:20:00 EDT The Winter 2009 edition of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) newsletter, Upstate Update, is now available on the Library's web site, in HTML, audio or podcast format. Upstate Update is published quarterly to keep TBBL borrowers informed of developments at State and national levels that affect their service. TBBL-winter2009news-20090325 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/2009win/ Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:25:00 EDT The New York State Library now has remote access to two CCH online databases: CCH Human Resources Management Network, which includes BenefitsAnswersNow and HRAnswersNow, and covers all aspects of human resources management, including wages, hours, taxation (state and federal), benefits, laws, OSHA regulations, pension, and compensation information; and CCH Internet Tax Research Network, which has Federal and New York State tax information, including Internal Revenue Code, Federal Tax Regulations, some journals, state laws and regulations, practice aids, commentaries and more. These online resources can be accessed from the State Library's website 24/7 with a NYSL Borrower's card (with a "P" number). If you have any questions about the Tax Research Network, contact Bill Schilling at 518-474-2274 or bschillli@mail.nysed.gov. If you have any questions about the Human Resources Management Network, contact Sheldon Wein at 518-474-2274 or swein@mail.nysed.gov. RL-newdatabases-20090317 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/remotedb.htm#C Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:35:00 EDT The NYS Library's Web site, online catalog and digital documents collection will all be unavailable from 5 PM on Friday, March 20 through 11 AM on Sunday, March 22 because of maintenance and testing in the building that requires all electrical systems to be shut down. RL-downtime-20090317 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/downtime.htm Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:35:00 EDT Beginning on Monday, March 23, 2009, electrical contractors will be working on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. This electrical work could take from three days to one week. The Library will remain open with no change in our regular hours or service, but visitors to the Library may note periodic disruptions in public access to certain parts of the floor, which may affect researchers using the 7th floor. RL-announcedisrupt-20090316 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/renov.htm Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EDT The New York State Library now offers a mediated fax service to the general public for a fee. This fax service will be available for both sending and receiving faxes. The NYSL fax service is located at the 7th floor Circulation Desk and is available to the general public. RL-announcefax-20090316 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/faxservice.htm Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EDT Two new databases will be added to our collection as of April 1, 2009: Grolier Online (includes Encyclopedia Americana, Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia and the New Book of Knowledge) and ProQuest Platinum. Some other databases, which cover similar material, will be discontinued. RL-noveldbs.htm-20090306 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/noveldbs.htm Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST The lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection were updated on March 6. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Arts and Architecture to Military History to Transportation. RL-newbooks-20090306 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:20:00 EST The NYS Library's Web site, online catalog and digital documents collection will all be unavailable from 5 PM on Friday, March 6 through 11 AM on Sunday, March 8 because of maintenance and testing in the building that requires all electrical systems to be shut down. Similar testing may cause an additional service interruption the weekend of March 21. RL-downtime-20090302 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/downtime.htm Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST The NYS Library will host three programs on Wednesdays in March. On March 4th, librarian Bill Schilling will provide an introduction to one of the Library's subscription databases, "Commerce Clearing House’s (CCH) Tax Research Network." (Note: this is a research database, not a tax preparation tool.) On March 18, Dr. Peter Neenan, Director of Research and Statistics at the Department of Labor, will discuss "On-Line Job Information YOU Can Use." And on March 25, Kwinn Doran will discuss her research of Lulu Stillman, who was very active in Native American affairs, in the presentation "Lulu Stillman, Iroquois - N.Y./U.S. Conflict, and Globalization, 1950-1966." http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20090227 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST The fifth issue of our quarterly electronic newsletter, Library News For You, is now available. The February issue features articles on customized training opportunities and the new State Librarian. RL-libnews5.htm-20090220 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/libnews5.htm Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:15:00 EST The 1967 Convention was the last State Constitutional Convention held in New York State to date. (New Yorkers voted against calling a constitutional convention in 1977 and 1997.) All of the 1967 Convention's proposals were rejected by the people when the proposals were submitted to the voters. The twelve-volume set "Proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New York, April fourth to September twenty-sixth, 1967" includes the Directory of delegates and staff (volume 1); Records (volumes 2-4); the Journal, the Calendar and the Resolutions (volume 5); Propositions (volumes 6-10); Documents no. 1 - no. 60 (volume 11); and an Index (volume 12). The New York State Library has also digitized other materials related to earlier New York State Constitutional Conventions. RL-historicdocs17455467-20090206 http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/17455467 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST In 1895, Governor Morton appointed a state historian whose duties were "to collect... edit, and prepare for publication all official records... and data, relative to the colonial wars, war of the revolution, war of 1812, Mexican war and war of the rebellion." The New York State Library recently digitized the State historian's 1st Annual Report (1895), 2nd Annual Report (1896) and 3rd Annual Report (1897). The 2nd Annual Report includes Volume 1 of the Colonial Muster Rolls for 1664-1760 (Appendix H); the 3rd Annual Report includes Volume II of the Colonial Muster Rolls (Appendix M), as well as an index of names contained in the Colonial Muster Rolls (pages 899-1130). The annual reports of the State Historian are among the many historical documents that the New York State Library has made freely available online. RL-historicdocs10576268-20090126 http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/10576268 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST The NYS Library will host three programs this month. On Thursday, February 5th, Harry Bradshaw Matthews, founding president of the USCT Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College, will present "Development of the African American Infrastructure and its Impact Upon Ending Slavery in the U.S." On Wednesday, February 11th, Paul Stewart, co-founder of the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, will discus "The Liberty Minstrel," one of several books of antislavery songs written by George Washington Clark in the NY State Library's collections. On Friday, February 20th, amateur genealogist and family historian Aaron Mair will share his knowledge and experience in tracking down the facts, stories, and records of people of color in the Americas in "Practical Field Tools for Locating African Ancestors in the Americas." http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20090121 Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST The New York State Library's online catalog and digital documents collection will be unavailable from 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday evening, January 23 through 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, January 26 because of scheduled system maintenance. The rest of the Library's web site will not be affected. RL-downtime-20090121 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/downtime.htm Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST The NYS Library will host two programs this month. On Wednesday, January 14th, the Musicians of Ma'alwyck, with guest artists from the Metropolitan Opera and Glimmerglass, will perform portions of "The Poor Soldier," a comic opera from 1783 that is being revived locally. On Wednesday, January 21st, Maya Rook, a graduate student in U.S. History at SUNY Albany, will explore how L. Frank Baum incorporated the values of consumerism and mind cure into his children's novel in "Buying Happiness: Mind Cure, Consumerism, and The Wizard of Oz." http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20090105 Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST Twenty volumes of papers and correspondence of Sir William Johnson have been released in a revised, second edition digital CD format by the New York State Library. The papers, which are part of the Manuscripts Collection of the NYS Library, are primary documents dating from 1738 to 1808 that provide a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Revolutionary interactions among the British, French, and Iroquois empires. The second-edition CD features several enhancements, including more digitized images, improved accuracy of scans, and electronic indexing allowing simultaneous searching of the entire collection. The CD is available from the New York State Library for $20. RL-annjohnsoncd.htm-20081209 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/johnsoncd.htm Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST The latest lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection have been posted. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. RL-newbooks-20081208 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST Compiled in 1981 by New York State Library staff members Marilyn Douglas and Melinda Yates, "New York State Census Records, 1790-1925" contains an inventory of federal and state census manuscripts and microfilm holdings in repositories throughout New York State. A list of the questions asked on federal population schedules (1780-1980) is included on pages 43-46 and a list of the questions asked on state population schedules (1825-1925) is included on pages 48-49. A survey of the data included on the federal census special schedules is also included. This publication contains additional information about statistical census records, a "Genealogy of New York State Counties" chart that shows when and how counties were formed, etc. Although some of the information in this publication is a bit outdated, such as the inventory of New York State Library federal and state census holdings, it is still a good reference source. This volume is one of the many documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. RL-historicdocs9643270-20081203 http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/9643270 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:05:00 EST The fourth issue of our electronic newsletter, Library News For You, is now available. The newsletter, which is published quarterly, contains information on programs and services of interest to New York State agency employees. The November issue features articles on new information delivery services and digital collections. RL-libnews4.htm-20081201 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/libnews4.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST "Civil List and Constitutional History of the Colony and State of New York," by Edgar A. Werner, was published in 1891 and includes lists of officers "connected with the public service of the State," a constitutional history of New York State and the history of development of each department that was part of New York State government. This volume includes the text of the Constitution of New York (1846) as amended and in force as of 1/1/1891 and an Index of Names that lists all names included in this work, along with the county or town of residence of each individual. This volume is one of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. RL-historicdocs09950165-20081126 http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/09950165 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST The latest lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection have been posted. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology, and each book listed includes a link to the catalog record for additional information. RL-newbooks-20081126 http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST There will be two programs in December: "From Nickelodeons to Cell Phones: A Brief History of the Motion Picture" on Wednesday, December 3rd, and "Gutters and Street Paving: Elkanah Watson, the New England Migration, and the Improvement of Albany, New York in the Early Republic" on Wednesday, December 10th. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm RL-press.htm-20081121 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:35:00 EST The annual report for the Research Library provides background information on the varied collections, historical documents, and other resources available from the Library, including the Talking Book and Braille Library, highlighting in particular the Research Library's accomplishments in the past year. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/publications/annual08/annrpt08.htm RL-annrpt08.htm-20081112 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST The New York State Library announces the availability of grants for research in New York State history. The Cunningham Research Residency Program was established to benefit scholars using the unique collections of the New York State Library to study the history and culture of New York. The New Netherland Institute and the Library will also make a Quinn-Library grant for specialized research in Dutch-related documents and printed materials at the New York State Library. Four Cunningham residencies ($1,000) and at least one Quinn fellowship ($2,500) will be awarded in 2009. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/researchres.htm RL-researchres.htm-20081110 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST If you plan to visit the New York State Library in November, please be aware that work on the public floor (7th floor) of the Library is taking place from November 4 through November 14, 2008. The library will remain open with no change in our regular hours or service, but there may be periodic disruptions in public access to certain parts of the floor. We will try to keep disruption down to a minimum, but we hope you take this into consideration when planning your library use through November 14. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/renov.htm http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/renov.htm Wed, 5 Nov 2008 15:05:00 EST Coming programs in November include: Researching Patent and Trademark Information, a free, full day seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators and legal professionals, presented by representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office; Hidden Landmark - Saving Albany's Oldest House, presented by Bill Brandow, Associate with John G. Waite Associates; and Consumer Health - Online Resources, presented by Chris Szczerba, a Senior Librarian at the NYS Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EDT On October 22, 2008 the Library marked Governor Paterson's declaration of the week of October 20 as the second Friends of Libraries week by celebrating the many volunteers, including the Friends of the New York State Library, who give their time and knowledgeable assistance to keep the Library running smoothly. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/volunteers.htm http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/volunteers.htm Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:45:00 EDT On October 21, 2008, the Board of Regents announced the appointment of Bernard A. Margolis as the New York State Librarian. Mr. Margolis, who previously served as the President of Boston Public Library, will assume his new responsibilities in January 2009. http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/nyslibr.htm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EDT On October 15, 2008 the New York State Library went "live" with the IDS (Information Delivery Services) Project. The Library became the 34th member of this rapid resource sharing system, which is also used by various SUNY, CUNY and private academic libraries. The Library will begin lending materials first to customers at these institutions and will soon implement unmediated borrowing for NYSL customers who have a "P" borrower's card, allowing them to place online requests themselves. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/ids.htm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EDT With all of the media focus on the upcoming presidential election, you may not be hearing too much about more local races. One place you can now look for that information, however, is the Library's bibliography of web sites related to New York State elections. The sites on the list cover federal, state, and local representatives; New York State newspapers; political and citizens action groups; New York-based public opinion polls; and voter registration information. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/election.htm Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:50:00 EDT Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology, and each book listed includes a link to the catalog record for additional information. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:45:00 EDT Coming programs in October include: "The Most Electrifying Capital in the World: the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza," presented by John Egan, Commissioner of the NYS Office of General Services, on Monday, October 6th (part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rockefeller's birthday by the New York State Museum, Archives and Library, in conjunction with the Plaza Art Collection); "Newspapers Online," presented by librarians Mary Beth Bobish and Sheldon Wein on Thursday, October 16th; and "The Anti-Rent War of 1839 to 1869," presented by Michael Barrett, well-known Troy historian and Deputy Director of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, on Friday, October 24th. All three Public Programs take place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. and are free. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT In November, the NYS Library will host a free, day-long seminar, geared toward inventors, entrepreneurs, educators and legal professionals, on "Researching Patent and Trademark Information." Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office will present sessions on intellectual property, conducting a patent search, conducting a trademark search, using the USPTO web site and dealing with invention promotion firms. The session will take place Thursday, November 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited, so registration is required. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:25:00 EDT Coming programs in September include Book Collections and Appraisal, with Diane DeBlois and Robert Dalton Harris, partners in aGatherin, a book and manuscript appraisal business on Thursday, September 18th; and Education Online with librarian Stephanie Barrett, on Wednesday, September 24th. All Public Programs are free. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:25:00 EDT Due to scheduled maintenance, the NYS Library's Web site and online catalog may not be available for periods between 5 PM and 10 PM this evening, Wednesday, September 10, 2008. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/11th.htm Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EDT Beginning on September 8th, electrical contractors will be working on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. This electrical work could take 1-2 weeks. The Library will remain open with no change in our regular hours or service, but visitors to the Library may note periodic disruptions in public access to certain parts of the floor, which may affect researchers using the 7th floor materials and computers. Thank you for your patience during this work period. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/11th.htm Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:15:00 EDT Joseph E. Persico, bestselling author of 'The Imperial Rockefeller: A Biography of Nelson A. Rockefeller,' will speak about the former New York governor and later U.S. vice president. Prior to his career as historian and biographer, Mr. Persico was chief speechwriter for Mr. Rockefeller, whose 100th birthday is being celebrated in 2008. Cosponsored with the Friends of the New York State Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EDT The third issue of a new electronic newsletter, Library News For You, is now available. The newsletter, which will be published quarterly, contains information on programs and services of interest to New York State agency employees. The August issue features information access to electronic journals and magazines, RSS feeds and readers, and new books in our collection. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/index.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:07:00 EST The Summer 2008 edition of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) newsletter, Upstate Update, is now available on the Library's web site, in HTML, audio or podcast format. Upstate Update is published quarterly to keep TBBL borrowers informed of developments at State and national levels that affect their service. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/smr2008/ Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:53:00 EST This three-volume set, the seventh edition of the revised statutes, was the first of two commercially published editions edited by Montgomery H. Throop, who was the grandson of Governor Enos T. Throop and a member of the New York State Statutory Revision Commission from 1870-1878. This set includes statutes in force passed from the year 1778 to the close of the Legislative session of 1881, together with statues as altered by subsequent legislation. Annotations, explanations, and references to judicial decisions are also included. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/71303134 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EDT Orderly books are the companies' official record of all military orders, and include courts martial, disciplinary actions and promotions. These are the orderly books of Captain Amos Hitchcock's Connecticut provincial companies during the French and Indian War. The volumes also provide a record of troop movements in northern New York and Canada, and encampments at Albany, Fort Edward, Lake George, Crown Point and Fort Ontario. This is one of the many historical documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/71303134 Tue, 5 Aug 2008 15:40:00 EDT Beginning on Wednesday, August 6, electrical contractors will be working on the 11th floor of the Cultural Education Center. This work, part of on-going security upgrades, may affect researchers using the collections of the New York State Archives and/or the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections. The work may take up to 4 weeks and we will probably not know in advance when the workers will be in the Research Room. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/11th.htm Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:11:00 EDT "The Constitutional History of New York," a five-volume set by Charles Z. Lincoln, published in 1905, is a fundamental resource for NYS constitutional history from the beginning of the colonial period to 1905. Volume 4 includes the text of the Constitution of the State of New York as revised in 1894 with the amendments of 1899, 1901 and 1905. Volume 5 includes a general index, an index of persons and table of cases, and tables of statutes held to be constitutional and unconstitutional. Charles Lincoln was a member of the New York Constitutional Convention of 1894 and chairman of the Statutory Revision Commission from 1895 -1900. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/1337955 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EDT The Natural History Survey of New York, undertaken in the mid-1800s, covered zoology, flora, mineralogy, geology, agriculture and paleontology. The NYS Library has digitized the first three components of the survey so far. The "Zoology of New York", or the "New York Fauna," is a five-volume set published from 1842-1844. This pioneering study by James E. De Kay addressed both recent and fossil mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks and crustaceans. The hand-colored plates in part 1 (Mammalia), part 2 (Birds) and part 5 (Mollusca and Crustacea) can be found at the end of those volumes. "A Flora of the State of New-York," a two-volume set by John Torrey, was published in 1843; at the time, it was the largest single work of its kind published. The hand-colored plates are listed after each volume. "Mineralogy of New-York" by Lewis C. Beck was published in 1842 and provided detailed descriptions of minerals found in the state, with information on their uses in the arts and agriculture. These are some of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/5045324 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:20:00 EDT "A Set of Plans and Forts in America, Reduced From Actual Surveys," by John Rocque, was published in 1763 in London. The volume consists of 30 maps of forts in the British colonies in North America (what is now the northeastern part of the U.S. and Canada), including many in New York, such as Albany, Schenectady, the Fort of Saratoga, Fort William Henry and the Redoubts at Crown Point. The volume also includes a "Map of the British Dominions in North America according to the Treaty of 1763." This volume is one of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/1010245 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:55:00 EDT The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, published in 1829, is a three-volume set which includes the statues passed during 1827 and 1828, as well as former acts which had not been revised. The Articles of Confederation, the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of New York State are included in volume 1 of this set. This set is one of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/NY200026559 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:20:00 EDT Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. Books listed now include a link to the catalog record for additional information. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EDT The New York State Education Department (NYSED), which includes the New York Sate Library, is redesigning its web site. As part of the process, NYSED is conducting a brief survey to learn more about how visitors use the web site. If you use the SED and/or the Library site, please take a few minutes to complete our six-question survey and let us know what you like or dislike about the site, and how it could be more useful to you. http://www.forms2.nysed.gov/oms/survey/redesign.cfm Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EDT Due to the large number of registrations we have moved the June 25th program on "Using the Internet for Genealogy Research" to the Huxley Theater, which is in the same building, the Cultural Education Center, but on the first floor. As you enter the building from Madison Ave. you will be on the first floor of the Museum; the Huxley Theater is through the doors to the right. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EDT An entry from the New York State Library has been identified by the American Library Association as a 'Notable Government Document' for 2007. The document is a CD that contains the digital edition of the Sir William Johnson Papers. Johnson, who served from 1755 to 1774 as the British Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New York, is best remembered for his diplomatic achievements among the various Native American tribes and as a military leader during the French and Indian War. This set of primary documents from the colonial era provides a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Revolutionary interactions among the British, French, and Iroquois empires. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/johnson.htm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EDT The findings of the New York State Indian Commission (1919-1922), whose purpose was to investigate the status of Indian welfare and land rights in NYS, are described in the Report of the New York State Commission to Investigate the Status of the American Indian Residing in the State of New York, commonly known as the Everett Report. Assemblyman Edward Everett was chairman of the Commission. The report was presented to the legislature on March 17, 1922 only to be rejected for filing. It wasn't until 1971 that the report was finally released. Lulu Stillman, a stenographer for Assemblyman Edward Everett, was credited for preserving the only remaining record of the report, from which the 1971 transcript was made. As Everett's stenographer, Stillman retained copies of most of the material produced by or related to the commission. (Many of the original documents are either missing or unavailable.) The published report released in 1971 and Stillman's annotated draft have both been digitized. These documents are some of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/indiancommission Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EDT Three classes will be offered in June: Childhood: An Endangered Experience?, with author and recently retired teacher, Chris Mercogliano on Wednesday, June 11th, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.; Horse Racing in New York State, with Allan Carter, historian and librarian at the New York State Racing Museum, on Wednesday, from June 18th, 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.; and Using the Internet for Genealogy Research, with Jean Nudd, Archivist with the National Archives and Records Administration,on Wednesday, June 25th, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. All Public Programs are free, and you are welcome to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:15:00 EDT The Annotated Lists and Indexes of the New York State Assembly and Senate Document Series, 1831-1918 and the Annotated List and Indexes of the New York State Legislative Document Series, 1919-1976 were both compiled by Robert Allan Carter, a former State Library reference librarian. These useful guides provide a list, by date, of the documents contained in the Assembly and Senate document series and the Legislative documents series. These guides also provide indexes to the documents by subject, keyword in titles, name of chairperson, geographical names, etc. These are some of the many documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/27658236 Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:15:00 EDT Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. Most books now include a link to the catalog record, which has more information about the book. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Wed, 28 May 2008 08:45:00 EDT The Laws of the State of New York published in 1802 is a two volume set that contains selected early statutes and is the first consolidation of local law (county, town, city and village law), banking laws, corporation (turnpike and toll bridges) law, navigation law, etc. This set is commonly known as the "Kent and Radcliff Revision"; James Kent and Jacob Radcliff were judges of the NYS Supreme Count at the time. The text of the 1807 edition is almost the same as the 1802 version, but some errors in text and binding were corrected in 1807 edition. These sets of Laws of New York State are some of the many historic documents the New York State Library has made freely available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/newyorkstatelaws Wed, 28 May 2008 08:45:00 EDT The second issue of a new electronic newsletter, Library News For You, is now available. The newsletter, which will be published quarterly, contains information on programs and services of interest to New York State agency employees. The May issue features information on how to request a book, and the lifespan of electronic documents. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/index.html Thu, 15 May 2008 04:31:00 EST The New York State Library's web site, catalog and digital collections will all be unavailable from 5 p.m. on Friday evening, May 2nd through noon on Sunday, May 4th because of scheduled building maintenance. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/power.htm Tue, 29 April 2008 08:40:00 EDT This class is an introduction to patent searching using the US Patent Classification System. It will include a guide to all of the resources available on the USPTO's web site and an introduction to PubWEST, a more sophisticated patent search system available only at the NY State Library, other Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries and at the USPTO Public Search Room in Alexandria, VA. Bill Schilling, Senior Librarian, will conduct the class. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT Trademarks are a valuable way for businesses to identify and market their goods or services. This class will cover unregistered trademarks as common law rights and registered trademarks at the state and federal level. It will also cover doing a federal trademark search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office's web site and a brief introduction to filing for a federal trademark electronically. Bill Schilling, Senior Librarian, will conduct the class. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT Speaker Leigh Davies, Coordinator of the Creative Arts Therapy Program at Russell Sage College, will offer a general overview of Art Therapy including appropriate populations and settings, its history, its benefits and how it is presently situated in the world of therapy. Art Therapy is best understood when experienced so an effort will be made to allow a mini-experience. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT The New York State Library, in cooperation with the Mid-York Library System, has scheduled a Basic Outcome-Based Evaluation (OBE) training workshop in May 2008. The workshop will be held at the Mid-York Library System on May 15 and 16. These OBE workshops are designed for staff from all types of library systems and central libraries who are engaged in training. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/obe/wrkshp08.htm Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:21:00 EDT Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection were posted on April 4. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EDT Philip A. DiGiorgio, a partner with the Pierro Law Group, will conduct this class on Estate Planning. He will provide a broad overview of wills, trusts, long term care planning, advance directives such as health care proxies and powers of attorney. In addition Mr. DiGiorgio will discuss estate and gift tax planning, and alternatives to Medicaid. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:16:00 EST Tom Shanahan, a registered lobbyist and head of the Shanahan Group, will explore the development of lobbying and the increasingly stringent regulations that govern it by using case studies going back more than 200 years. The talk also explores some proposed restrictions that may threaten the constitutionally guaranteed right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:16:00 EST Paul Rapp, Esq. will explore copyright law from its genesis in the 1600's to its applications today. Emerging problems with copyright in the digital age will be highlighted, including the tension between copyright law and "remix culture," the "Google books" controversy, and YouTube. He will provide an in-depth look at the music industry's attempts to stem online file-sharing by bringing mass lawsuits against consumers. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:16:00 EST The New York State Library is receiving $621,000 through the New York State Universal Broadband Access Grant Program for a statewide project entitled Bringing Broadband to New York's Libraries. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/broadbnd/ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST Sponsored by The Right Move and the New York State Library. Games at 10:30, 11:40, 1:10, and 2:20. Trophies to the Top Three in each section; Medals to all who score 2.5 or more points in each section. Location: Student Center, 1st Floor of the State Museum, Madison Ave, Albany, NY. Register at www.maketherightmove.org, or call 212-729-7060. Play chess! Win prizes! Pizza lunch available for purchase! Free parking by the Cathedral and the Museum. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/chess08.htm Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:18:00 EST Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection were posted on March 4. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:40:00 EST The New York State Library's web site, catalog and digital collections will all be unavailable from Friday evening, March 7 through noon Sunday, March 9, 2008 because of scheduled building maintenance. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/power.htm Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST Susan Goodier, PhD, argues that the impact of the Great War in Europe on New York anti-suffrage women was overwhelming, a point few historians make. Virtually all the work of antis, and most of the funds they raised after 1914, went toward war relief or war preparedness efforts. Suffragists, conversely, were far more divided on the war issue. Acknowledging that suffragists were deeply divided in their support of the war belies the contention of the many historians who argue that women received the vote in gratitude for their support of American war efforts during World War I. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has entered into a partnership with IBM and New York State to apply high-end computational modeling in areas of nanotechnology and biotechnology. Over the last year, this partnership has made the world's most powerful academic supercomputer operational. According to the Top500.org list, this supercomputer is the 12th most powerful overall. Building on the intellectual strengths in science and engineering modeling and the acquisition of this system, this partnership is poised to provide insights and new design and analysis tools that are essential for growth in several critical high-tech industries. John E. Kolb, Vice President for Information Services and Technology at RPI, will describe the work to date in establishing the Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI) and a glimpse into the future. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:34:00 EST Many have argued, with considerable justification, that the Hudson-Mohawk region was the "birthplace of the American industrial revolution." P. Thomas Carroll, PhD, Executive Director of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, will review this interpretation and add another dimension. Upstate New Yorkers of the nineteenth-century cultivated infrastructure developments in transportation (including the Erie Canal), in education (including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), and in investment banking. Early on, they recognized that what they were doing would not improve the then-dominant rural-agrarian lifestyle, but would rather replace it with our "modern" urban-industrial way of life. Just as Silicon Valley enthusiasts breathlessly celebrate "postmodernism," yesterday's visionaries gushed about their millennial role and gave direction to some celebrated engineering innovations. Bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST The New York State Library is pleased to announce the first issue of a new electronic newsletter, Library News For You, for state agency employees. The newsletter, which will be published quarterly, contains information on programs and services of interest to New York State agency employees. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nyempnews/libnews1.htm Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:25:00 EST The Winter 2008 edition of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) newsletter, Upstate Update, is now available on the Library's web site, in HTML, audio or podcast format. Upstate Update is published quarterly to keep TBBL borrowers informed of developments at State and national levels that affect their service. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/win2008/ Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:12:00 EST The infamous "Whipple Report," a report of the special committee appointed by the New York State Assembly of 1888 "to investigate the Indian Problem of the State of New York" has been scanned and made available online in PDF format. The Whipple Report contains a list of 18th and 19th century treaties and other important documents related to the cession, sale and partition of land held by members of the "Six Nations" of New York State. In 1815, for example, representatives of the Seneca Nation sold the islands in the Niagara River to the State of New York for $1,000 (see Volume 1, page 211). The report includes a complete chronological survey of land deals and reprints land grants back to 1629. The report also features hundreds of pages of testimony by Native American leaders before the committee. The Whipple Report is one of many historic documents the New York State Library has made available online. http://purl.org/net/nysl/nysdocs/4709377 Tue, 5 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Tue, 5 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST Senior Librarian, Stephanie Barrett will demonstrate the HeritageQuest and Ancestry online databases, both of which are accessible through the NY State Library. Through these databases learn how to access Census records, genealogy and history books, maps and more. Seating is limited and registration is required. This session will be held in the Library Computer Classroom on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center. Registration is required. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST Paul Mercer, Senior Librarian in Manuscripts and Special Collections, will present a selection of songs from a unique manuscript songbook in the State Library's Collections. In December 1814, England and the United States signed the Treaty of Ghent marking the end of the War of 1812. For the 6,000 American Prisoners of War held in England's notorious Dartmoor Prison, the war did not end until well into the following year. The story of their captivity was told in a small manuscript song book kept by prisoner Thomas B. Mott "of the state of New York." Paul Mercer will perform songs from this collection, and discuss his extensive research into Mott's life and the experiences of the Dartmoor prisoners. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST Rick Tuers, Coastal Engineer for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, will share many stories of photographing and researching the Lighthouses of New York State. The history of New York State Lighthouses has been interwoven with the discovery, settlement, and industrialization of America, with their importance and construction increasing after the opening of the Erie Canal. Rick will discuss the many different types of construction used in towers and the fuels they use, as well as the physics and characteristics of the lenses that can project a beacon of light up to 22 miles. The 15 "Lost Beacons" will be included in the talk along with the 7 Hudson River Lighthouses and wonderful color photos of the 71 Lighthouses still in existence in New York. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:03:00 EST Darrell Welch, former Rare Books librarian with the NYS Library, will discuss the rare book collection at the NYS Library and highlight a representative selection of items. Among the treasures to be discussed and displayed will be the first English language description of New York - Daniel Denton's A Brief Description of New York Formerly called New Netherlands, 1670. Darrell will also talk about one of the first books printed in New York, Bradford's Laws, 1691, a book that marks the beginning of the modern legal system of government in New York. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:01:00 EST The Fall 2007 edition of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) newsletter, Upstate Update, is now available on the Library web site, in HTML, audio or podcast format. (Although the Library has been posting these newsletters in audio format for many years, with this issue the podcast was added so that users could subscribe once and then receive future issues automatically.) Upstate Update is published quarterly to keep TBBL borrowers informed of developments at State and national levels that affect their service. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/fall2007/ Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:50:00 EST Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/nbsubject.htm Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:55:00 EST Independent films, or "indies," are features and/or short movies made by individuals or production companies outside of the Hollywood studio system. Albany has a thriving indie filmmaking community, and two of its most prominent members, Bruce G. Hallenbeck and Jeff Kirkendall, will discuss the ins and outs of filmmaking on a shoestring, focusing on screenwriting, pre-production, casting and the entire process of making a film from conception to distribution. The filmmakers will also show clips from their productions to illustrate indie filmmaking techniques. This program will be held in the Carol Huxley Theater on the first floor of the Cultural Education Center. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST This class will teach participants how to use the LegalTrac and Loislaw databases to support legal research. LegalTrac is an index to over 1400 legal publications that includes law reviews, legal newspapers, and bar association journals. It also contains law-related articles from additional business and general interest titles. Coverage spans from 1980 and includes some full text articles. Training in Loislaw will focus on the Secondary Law section which contains Treatise Libraries and Bar Publications. This class will be held in the Computer Classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. Seating is limited to 12. Registration is required... http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST Due to planned Department-wide maintenance, the New York State Library's Web site and catalog will not be available from 6:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/intrup10.htm Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:22:00 EDT This report summarizes the results of a two-year pilot testing the application of WebFeat federated search software for the online collections of the New York State Library and the collections of the NOVELNY pilot project. (Federated search software allows users to simultaneously search across multiple online resources, including subscription databases and web sites.) While cost considerations may limit its widespread adoption, the findings of the pilot program may be of interest to other libraries using, or considering implementation of, federated search. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/news/portal.htm Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:05:00 EDT The New York State Library (NYSL) has recently updated the section of its web site that deals with patent information. NYSL has been a U.S. Patent and Trademark Depository Library since 1871 and its collection includes nearly everything the USPTO has published and distributed. These materials can be used for both patentability searches and historical inquiries. New additions to the site include information on conducting a patent search and links to online patent tutorials. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/patents/ Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:50:00 EDT Lists of the newest books added to the Library's collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EDT The New York State Library's web site, catalog and digital collections will all be unavailable from Friday evening, October 5, 2007 through Monday, October 8 because of scheduled building maintenance taking place throughout the Empire State Plaza. By 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2007 all systems will be back to normal. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/intrup.htm Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EDT The period between 1790 and 1850 was a time of dynamic change in New York State. There were revolutionary changes in agriculture, transportation, finance, communications and demography that would ultimately make New York State recognizable to twenty-first century people. Bob Arnold, Historian and Archivist, will present this program. (Thursday, October 11th, 12:15-1:15 p.m.in Librarians Room, 7th floor of the New York State Library. Feel free to bring your lunch.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:40:00 EDT This class is for grant seekers who want to learn how to write successful proposals. The class will focus on key components of a proposal, the overall proposal process and the best way to present the information. This class will be presented by Dr. JuWon Choi of the Foundation Center. (Thursday, October 18th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. in 11th floor Conference Room.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:42:00 EDT This class is for beginning proposal writers who want to learn the nuts and bolts of budget preparation to support their project proposals. Learn the essentials of project budget preparation and presentation in a grant proposal, including compiling both expense and income elements. This class will be presented by Dr. JuWon Choi of the Foundation Center.(Thursday, October 18th, 1:15-2:15 p.m. in 11th floor Conference Room.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:43:00 EDT Additional session scheduled for 10/2. (Sessions scheduled for 9/20 and 9/26 are full.) Big Online is an online database of grant-makers in the United States and Canada. It includes funding sources from private foundations, corporations and government programs. In this hands-on class on Thursday, September 20 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Chris Szczerba, Senior Librarian, will show participants how to use search techniques and targeted language to retrieve foundation profiles, contact information, funding preferences and recent grants awarded. This session will be held in the Library Computer Classroom on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center. (No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:23:00 EDT 'The Great Railroad Strike of 1877' is an instructional packet on Labor History for teachers, particularly social studies and language arts teachers of grades 7, 8 and 11. The activities in the packet, which correlate with the New York State Learning Standards and Performance Indicators for the Intermediate and Commencement Levels, include seven student activities based on 15 newspaper articles from The Albany Argus and the Buffalo Morning Express. The packet was originally produced by The Friends of the New York State Newspaper Project as a loose-leaf book in 2001; it has now been made available online, in both HTML and PDF. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/teacherguides/strike/ Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:40:00 EDT Are you trying to find out where your ancestors came from or where they went? Federal records can help. From places of birth listed on census records to payment records for Federal military pensions, information on migration is readily available in Federal records, if you know where to look! On Friday, September 14th, from 12:15 to 1:15pm, Jean Nudd, an Archivist with the National Archives and Records Administration in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, will discuss strategies for researching family migrations. The presentation will be held in the Huxley Theater of the New York State Museum on the 1st floor of the Cultural Education Center. Feel free to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:40:00 EDT Big Online is an online database of grant-makers in the United States and Canada. It includes funding sources from private foundations, corporations and government programs. In this hands-on class on Thursday, September 20 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Chris Szczerba, Senior Librarian, will show participants how to use search techniques and targeted language to retrieve foundation profiles, contact information, funding preferences and recent grants awarded. This session will be held in the Library Computer Classroom on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center. (No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:40:00 EDT Insatiable demand and record prices at auction for fine art and artifacts have fueled new interest in the creation of deceptive forgeries, willful misattribution of property, and provenance. But advances in technology and manufacturing processes over the last ten to twenty years have also equipped scientists with a new arsenal of tools to distinguish masterpieces from fakes and forgeries. Join the Library and presenter James Martin, founder of Orion Analytical (a firm specializing in the examination and analysis of cultural property) on Friday, September 28th, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. for this program, which will be held in the Huxley Theater of the New York State Museum on the 1st floor of the Cultural Education Center. Feel free to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:40:00 EDT This virtual exhibit highlights items in the Fred B. Abele Transportation History Collections, covering the period from 1905-1985, which the Library acquired in 2001. Beyond that, however, it provides an intriguing look at what goes on behind the scenes when the Library's Manuscripts and Special Collections unit acquires a new collection, processes it, and makes it available to researchers. (August Feature) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Wed, 8 Aug 2007 10:10:00 EDT A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the Melancton Smith Papers, 1767-1795, the Bratt Family Papers, 1689-1854, and the Veeder-Vrooman Family Papers, 1662-1925. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/ Tue, 7 Aug 2007 11:48:00 EDT The Summer 2007 issue of Upstate Update, the quarterly newsletter of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL), is now available online in HTML and MP3 audio. TBBL is a unit of the State Library that lends braille and recorded books and magazines to upsate New Yorkers who are unable to read standard printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/smr2007/ Fri, 3 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT On Friday, August 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public is invited to view "Freedom's Treasures," a unique exhibit from the New York State Museum, Library, and Archives featuring some of New York's most important Revolutionary War-era artifacts. This exhibit is part of "1st Friday," Albany's evening of arts and culture. The exhibit will be open on this date only. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/firstfri.htm Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:39:00 EDT The latest lists of books added to the collection are available. Lists are divided into 34 subject areas, ranging from Agriculture to Law to Zoology (Animals). http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:50:00 EDT Governor Elliot Spitzer has invited the public to a free exhibit of Revolutionary War era documents and artifacts at the State Capitol, in Albany, July 4th-6th. The exhibition, entitled "Freedom's Treasures," features a collection from the New York State Library, Archives and Museum of some of New York's most important Revolutionary Era artifacts that have rarely been seen by the public. Items from the State Library's collection include some of George Washington's papers and personal items, such as the original draft of his Farewell Address, his dress sword, pistol (a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette), and his copy of the "Cloathing Book" (1742), a book of colored engravings of British military costume. "Freedom's Treasures" will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM on July 4th in the State Capitol's ceremonial Red Room. The display will remain available for public viewing on July 5th and 6th through scheduled Capitol tours. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/freedom.htm Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:05:00 EDT The State Board of Regents is encouraging all children and teens to participate in the free New York State Summer Reading Program, Get a Clue @Your Library. Kids who join the summer reading program at their local public library have the opportunity to read and share books with others and to join in activities, events and celebrations related to the reading program theme. As Chancellor Bennet noted in the press release, reading during the summer is important because it helps children keep and even improve the reading skills they have developed during the school year. http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/SummerReading.2007.htm Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:40:00 EDT The General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Archives and Library Collection consists of 1,034 rolls of microfilm with information on the War with Japan, World War II, the Korean War and the allied occupation of Japan. It includes correspondence, official files, news clippings, speeches, memorabilia, reports, etc. Items in this collection are available for use on-site or can be borrowed via Interlibrary Loan or directly by individuals with a NYSL Borrower's card. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/collections/military/macarthur.htm Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EDT The Mexican-American War: Unit Histories and Personal Narratives is a collection of 460 microfiche. It includes general reference works, state and federal adjutant general's office reports, state histories of the war, compilations of unit histories and unit histories representing the contributions of specific cities and counties. Items in this collection are available for use on-site or can be borrowed via Interlibrary Loan or directly by individuals with a NYSL Borrower's card. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/collections/military/mexicanwar.htm Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EDT The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) recently made their catalog of books available online. Now anyone can search the catalog on the Web, and those who are registered to borrow from TBBL can also add titles directly to their request list from the catalog. (TBBL, a unit of the New York State Library, administers a free program that loans recorded and braille books and magazines, and specially designed playback equipment, to upstate New Yorkers who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:10:00 EDT A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the papers of Charles C. Adams, which contain correspondence, reports, and printed works detailing the founding and administrative operations of the Roosevelt Wild Life Forest Experimental Station within the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse. Correspondents included many prominent individuals in the fields of natural history and sciences. These papers also detail the creation of Allegany State Park in western New York State. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc22108.htm Fri, 8 Jun 2007 16:29:00 EDT A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the Shaker Collection, 1784-1992. This collection of manuscripts and publications touches all aspects of the Shaker way of life. In addition to the better known Shaker principles--celibacy and separation from the world. It also includes information on their beliefs and actions regarding pacifism, charitableness, equality of sexes, and sanctity of labor. A selected bibliography is also available. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc20330.htm Fri, 8 Jun 2007 16:32:00 EDT Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) initiative did much to advance the stewardship of our nation's natural resources, and did even more to improve the profound socio-economic plight of the "greatest generation." On Wednesday, June 6th, from 12:15-1:15pm, join Craig D. Thompson, Director of NYS DEC's Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, for an overview of the CCC program in New York State, which had the largest CCC program in the country with over 200 camps. The presentation will take place in the Librarians Room on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. Feel free to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EDT Are you trying to find out where your ancestors came from or where they went? Federal records can help. From places of birth listed on census records to payment records for Federal military pensions, information on migration is readily available in Federal records, if you know where to look! On Friday, June 15th, from 12:15 to 1:15pm, Jean Nudd, an Archivist with the National Archives and Records Administration in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, will discuss strategies for researching family migrations. The presentation will take place in the Librarians Room on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. Feel free to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EDT On Wednesday, June 20th, from 12:15 to 1:15pm, Sheldon Wein and Mary Beth Bobish, librarians in the Public Services Unit of the New York State Library, will introduce Digital Sanborn Maps for towns and cities of New York State. Sanborn fire insurance maps are valuable historical tools for anyone who wants to learn about the history, growth, and development of American cities, towns, and neighborhoods. The maps include details such as the outline of each building, the size, shape and construction materials, heights, and function of structures, and location of windows and doors. Since this session will be held in the State Library's Computer Classroom (on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center), seating is limited and registration is required. Please note also that no food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EDT The lists of books added to the collection in the last couple months are available. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Wed, 30 May 2007 10:15:00 EDT The Catalog and Digital Collections will be unavailable from late Saturday afternoon, May 19, through 12:00 noon on Sunday, May 20, while the system is upgraded. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/intrup.htm Fri, 18 May 2007 13:30:00 EDT The Spring 2007 issue of Upstate Update, the quarterly newsletter of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL), is now available online in HTML and MP3 audio. TBBL is a unit of the State Library that lends braille and recorded books and magazines to upsate New Yorkers who are unable to read standard printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/sp2007/ Fri, 11 May 2007 15:00:00 EDT One of the requirements for obtaining a patent in the United States is that the invention must be new. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recommends that performing a preliminary patent search should be among the first things done when considering a patent application.This class is an introduction to patent searching using the US Patent Classification System. It will include a guide to all the resources available on the USPTO's web site and an introduction to PubWEST, a more sophisticated patent search system available only at the NYS Library, other Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries and at the USPTO Public Search Room in Alexandria, VA. Free session will be held in Librarians Room in the State Library, which is on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 08 May 2007 14:52:00 EDT Trademarks are a valuable way for businesses to identify and market their goods or services. This class will cover unregistered trademarks as common law rights and registered trademarks at the state and federal level. It will also cover doing a federal trademark search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office's web site and a brief introduction to filing for a federal trademark electronically. Free session will be held in Librarians Room in the State Library, which is on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 08 May 2007 14:50:00 EDT Paul C. Rapp, Esq., will discuss intellectual property law in the United States, including an overview of patents, copyrights, and trademarks. There will be an emphasis on copyright protection, its history and theoretical basis, the new challenges presented by new media and the internet. Particular attention will be paid to music downloading, appropriation art and the current lawsuits involving Google and YouTube. Free session will be held in Librarians Room in the State Library, which is on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 08 May 2007 14:46:00 EDT Games at: 10:30am, 11:40am, 1:10, and 2:20pm. Location: The Student Center, 1st Floor of the State Museum, Madison Ave, Albany NY. Trophy presentation at 3:30pm. Special guest panel on Chess and Education at 12:00pm. Learn how to start your own chess club! Free lessons for beginners! Free movie- The Mighty Pawns: shown at 10:30am. Pizza available to order, or bring your own lunch. Co-sponsored by The Right Move and the New York State Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/chess07.htm Thu, 03 May 2007 10:21:00 EDT Sheldon Wein and Mary Beth Bobish, librarians in the Public Services Unit of the NYSL, will introduce ScienceDirect, a database for scientific research that contains more than 1,800 Elsevier journals in the life, physical, medical, technical, social sciences and business areas, offering approximately 8 million articles in full-text. In this program, they will demonstrate ways to search and browse journals, set up topic alerts, export citations and obtain cited by references to take advantage of the database's full suite of customizable features. (This hands-on session will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. Seating is limited to 12 people and registration is required. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:15:00 EDT A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the papers of Martin Henry Glynn, journalist and politician; Governor of New York State, 1913-1914. These papers contain an assortment of manuscript and printed materials related primarily to his political career as well as his role as editor and publisher of the Albany Times Union. The manuscripts consist chiefly of writings and speeches on a variety of topics, including Irish independence, Catholic patriotism, as well as speeches regarding foreign and domestic issues. Also includes research notes, newspaper clippings, periodical articles collected by Dominick Lizzi while working on his biography of Governor Martin H. Glynn. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc21255.htm Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:09:00 EDT Selected county and town histories from the State Library's collection have been digitized. These publications, online in PDF, were recently indexed and are now searchable. Included are Annals of Albany, by Joel Munsell, published between 1850 and 1859, and Troy and Rensselaer County, New York, a History, by Rutherford Hayner, published in 1925. (April Feature) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:50:00 EST Sheldon Wein and Mary Beth Bobish, librarians in the Public Services Unit of the NYSL, will introduce ScienceDirect, a database for scientific research that contains more than 1,800 Elsevier journals in the life, physical, medical, technical, social sciences and business areas, offering approximately 8 million articles in full-text. In this program, they will demonstrate ways to search and browse journals, set up topic alerts, export citations and obtain cited by references to take advantage of the database's full suite of customizable features. (This hands-on session will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. Seating is limited to 12 people and registration is required. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 5 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST Jack Dunn, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Water Supply Protection within the NYS Department of Health, will discuss and answer questions on the regulation of public water supplies across the state. The who, how and when of drinking water monitoring and regulation will be addressed, as well as a historical perspective on how drinking water oversight has progressed over the last several decades. Bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 5 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST Ward Stone, Wildlife Pathologist at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will discuss factors influencing the health of the bird population, ranging from pesticides and pollutants to mortality factors such as trains, windows, glass buildings and windmills. Additionally, global warming and the global economy have affected the health of birds, as well as our pets and our children. In 1999, Stone was involved in discovering the West Nile virus and will discuss what we can expect to happen in the future regarding that virus and the potential introduction of avian influenza. This session will be held in the Huxley Theater of the New York State Museum on the 1st floor of the Cultural Education Center. Feel free to bring your lunch. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 5 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the papers of Sir William Johnson, who immigrated to the American colonies in 1738 and settled in the Mohawk Valley of New York. Johnson established strong relations with the native tribes and became a prominent military leader and negotiator with the Six Nations during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). Johnson acquired huge land holdings, much of which came as gifts from the Mohawks, and he became one of the wealthiest men in the colonies. In 1762 Johnson founded the city of Johnstown, N.Y. The Sir William Johnson papers in the New York State Library cover a period from 1738 to 1808 and constitute a rich vein of documents related to his private life as well as his career in business, the military and government. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc7005.htm Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:30:00 EDT A finding aid, or collection guide, is now available online for the William B. Elmendorf Papers, which are related primarily to Elmendorf's interest in the history of travel and transportation on the Hudson River via steamboats. He was particularly interested in the Hudson River Day Line Company, since he was the principle agent of Day Line operations at Albany from 1884 through the 1930s. The papers include correspondence and research notes along with photographs, timetables, tickets, and other memorabilia. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc11970.htm Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:30:00 EDT A finding aid (guide) is now available online for the Charles Hallenbeck, ca. 1860-1930 Annals of Steamboating on the Hudson River, 1807-1908. These papers provide a chronological history of steamboat transportation on Hudson River from 1807 to 1908. They include information on the design and construction of steamboats, firms operating steamboats, names of boat captains, and dates of sailing season, disasters, and other events. Many illustrations appear with the text as well as newspaper clippings. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc14824.htm Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:04:00 EDT A finding aid (guide) is now available online for the Sanger Family Papers, which focus closely on William Cary Sanger, documenting numerous facets of his professional and personal life. William Cary Sanger's political, military and business activities are documented primarily by correspondence, drafts of writings and speeches, and clippings. In 1894, Sanger was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican from the second district of Oneida County. Sanger served in the State Assembly from 1895 to 1897. As a member of the Assembly, Sanger was particularly concerned with civil service reform and ballot reform. Correspondence, invoices, and other papers document the management of Sangerfield House and Sangerfield Farm, Sanger's properties in Oneida County, New York. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc22786.htm Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:14:00 EDT Governor Spitzer has announced the upcoming display of Lincoln's preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, was held at the State Capitol for the public on Sunday, March 11 from noon to 4 P.M. The display has been extended through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12. The Emancipation Proclamation, which some consider the third most significant document in the history of the United States (after the Constitution and the Bill of Rights), was issued on September 22, 1862 at the height of the Civil War. It declared that on January 1, 1863 all slaves held in confederate states "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation is one of the New York State Library's greatest treasures. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/ep.htm Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:08:00 EST Due to a power shut down, there will be an interruption in service from 5 p.m. Friday, March 16 through Sunday morning, March 18. The Library's Web site and catalog will not be available during this time. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/intrup.htm Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:02:00 EST Because the programs scheduled for March 21, March 26, and March 29 are already full, the Library has added another session of Online Business Resources on Monday, April 1 at 12:15. Mary Beth Bobish and Sheldon Wein will review the many online business resources available at the New York State Library and demonstrate ways to obtain information on companies and industries, locate financial data, investment reports, articles and more. (This session is limited to 12 people and will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Fri, 9 Mar 2007 14:53:00 EST Because the programs scheduled for Wednesday, March 21st and March 26 are already full, the Library has added a third session of Online Business Resources on Thursday, March 29th at 12:15. Mary Beth Bobish and Sheldon Wein will review the many online business resources available at the New York State Library and demonstrate ways to obtain information on companies and industries, locate financial data, investment reports, articles and more. (This session is limited to 12 people and will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Thu, 8 Mar 2007 09:29:00 EST Governor Spitzer has announced the upcoming display of Lincoln's preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, to be held at the State Capitol for the public on Sunday, March 11 from noon to 4 P.M. The Emancipation Proclamation, which some consider the third most significant document in the history of the United States (after the Constitution and the Bill of Rights), was issued on September 22, 1862 at the height of the Civil War. It declared that on January 1, 1863 all slaves held in confederate states "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation is one of the New York State Library's greatest treasures. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/ep.htm Tue, 6 Mar 2007 03:45:00 EST Because the program scheduled for Wednesday, March 21st is already full, the Library has added a second session of Online Business Resources on Monday, March 26st at 12:15. Mary Beth Bobish and Sheldon Wein will review the many online business resources available at the New York State Library and demonstrate ways to obtain information on companies and industries, locate financial data, investment reports, articles and more. (This session is limited to 12 people and will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 6 Mar 2007 09:15:00 EST Since March is Women's History Month, the Library is featuring collections from our Manuscripts and Special Collections division that are related to women's history, particularly those listed in the finding aid, or guide, 'Selected Women's History Collections held by the New York State Library.' Browsing the list, which includes a brief description of each collection, will give you a taste of the size and scope of our collections, which may be as small as a few letters or a diary of an individual woman, or as large as 40 to 60 boxes of organizational records, included because they have information about specific women or because they give insight into women's activities, interests and lives in general during the time period covered by the collection. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Fri, 2 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST On Thursday, March 15th at 12:15 Bill Brigham, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), University at Albany, will talk about ways to get a business started as well as trends in small business. SBDCs around the state offer no-cost, one-to-one counseling to assist start-up and existing businesses in developing strategic business plans, identifying appropriate sources of funding, providing market research, management information and financial analysis. (The program will be held in the Librarians Room in the State Library, which is on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:55:00 EST On Wednesday, March 21st at 12:15, Mary Beth Bobish and Sheldon Wein will review the many online business resources available at the New York State Library. This program will explore ways to obtain information on companies and industries, locate financial data, investment reports, articles and more. (This session is limited to 12 people and will be held in the computer classroom on the 7th floor of the New York State Library. No food or drink is permitted in the computer classroom.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:55:00 EST On Wednesday, March 28th at 12:15, Maurice Padula, Senior Consumer Frauds Representative with the NYS Attorney General's Office, will discuss how the Attorney General's Office mediates complaints and prosecutes businesses and individuals that engage in fraudulent, deceptive or illegal trade practices. Learn what steps need to be taken to file a complaint if you feel you have been the victim of unfair business practices. (The program will be held in the Librarians Room in the State Library, which is on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center, Madison Avenue, Albany.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:55:00 EST A finding aid (guide) is now available online for the State Library's collection of records from the Empire State Society of the Sons of The American Revolution (SAR), a lineage organization open to men who can prove themselves direct descendants of individuals who served the United States of America during the Revolutionary War. The New York State Library holds over 100 years of records of the SAR.  This collection is organized into seven series: Administrative Records, Financial Records, Correspondence, Membership Records, Ancestor Card Files, Chapter Records, and Awards, Newsletters, and Miscellaneous Files. Overall, this collection provides extensive documentation of the organization and administration of the Empire State Society. Information on member lineage and Revolutionary War ancestors also makes it a valuable genealogical resource. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc22749.htm Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:00:00 EST A finding aid (guide) is now available online for the Rufus Alexander Grider collection, which consists of albums of Grider's pen-and-ink sketches and watercolors. From 1886 to about 1900, whenever his school duties allowed, Grider traveled up and down the Mohawk Valley, with occasional excursions to the Cherry and Schoharie valleys and Lake George and Lake Champlain, in search of historic buildings, battlefields, the sites of ancient forts, and relics of Indians and early settlers, all of which he drew or copied and then arranged with explanatory notes on pages of albums. By the time of his death in 1900, Grider had compiled nine volumes containing 1,041 pieces, including 623 water color sketches, 42 water color portraits, 169 tracings of manuscripts, 81 original engravings, seven original manuscripts, 71 tracings of maps and plans, 23 photographs and 25 water color drawings of powder horns. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/vc22932.htm Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:00:00 EST Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? There is a bushel full of medical information available to health consumers today. This presentation will discuss how to find relevant health information on databases at the New York State Library and on the Internet. Reliable websites will be emphasized, including MedlinePlus and Health & Wellness Resource Center. Join librarian Chris Szczerba as she demonstrates various techniques to sort the wheat from the chaff in health information. Seating is limited and registration is required. Feb. 28, 12:15, in the Library Computer Classroom on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:16:00 EST Author L. Lloyd Stewart presents research from his book, A Far Cry From Freedom: Gradual Abolition (1799-1827): New York States Crime Against Humanity. This work clarifies some of the misleading facts about the history of the Holocaust of African enslavement and its abolition in New York State. In particular, Stewart will focus on a little-known period in New York history called Gradual Abolition (1799-1827) in an effort to explore the role of the State in the institutionalization of human enslavement and its politically corrupted attempts at abolition. Feb. 23, 12:15, at the Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:16:00 EST An exhibition of letters, written by former slave and prominent black anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass, has opened at the New York State Museum. The exhibition in New York Metropolis Hall, outside of the Harlem in the 1920's gallery, features six letters recently acquired by the New York State Library. They provide valuable insight into anti-slavery activities in upstate New York in the years just before the Civil War. Douglass wrote the letters between 1855-1857 to Miss Hannah Fuller, the organizer of the Skaneateles Ladies Anti-Slavery Society. The letters will be exhibited through March 9. A Virtual Exhibit of the letters is available on the Library's Web site. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/fd/ Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:15:00 EST A finding aid (guide) is now available online for this collection documenting the operational activities of the Society from the early 1950s until the late 1990s. NYFS's primary activities were holding annual and semi-annual membership meetings and folklore conferences, and publishing a folklore journal.The types of materials found in this collection include flyers, invitations, RSVP cards, programs and other materials connected to organizing, promoting, and holding membership meetings; correspondence, meeting minutes, and other materials documenting board business; financial records and reports; well-documented grant applications to the New York State Council on the Arts and the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York State Archives, and subscription records to NYFS's publications. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc22879.htm Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:16:00 EST A finding aid (guide) is now available online for this collection, which consists of muster rolls, orders, returns and other records including requisitions, accounting records, inspection reports and appointment records of the regiment. These records contain information on individual soldiers such as date of birth, duty activities, and wounds received. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/sc161-222.htm Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:16:00 EST The lists of books added to the collection in November are available. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/newbooks/ Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:16:00 EST Due to a scheduled hardware and software upgrades, the State Library's Web site and online catalog will experience several brief interruptions in service on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, starting at 6:00 p.m through 10:00 p.m. These interruptions will also affect the New York State Education Department's Web site. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/notice.htm Fri, 2 Feb 2007 08:45:00 EST On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that "all persons held as slaves...shall be free." The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation is an earlier version which Lincoln read to his Cabinet on September 22, 1862. Handwritten by President Lincoln, it also contains annotations by Secretary of State (and former Governor of New York) William Seward. The unassuming appearance of this four page declaration in Lincoln's hand tends to mask the significance of what one source declared to be the "most important and far-reaching document ever issued since the formulation of this government." http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Fri, 2 Feb 2007 08:45:00 EST What was musical life like in Albany in the 1820's and what did the music sound like? On Wednesday, January 31, from 12:15 p.m to 1:15 p.m., Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, Director and violinist of Musicians of Ma'alwyck, will discuss the formation of the Euterpean Club in 1823. This musical society, which typified amateur music in Albany, worked with professional music directors Richard Willis and Charles Gilfert and established a reputation as an outstanding musical organization. Drawing upon records of the Euterpian Club held at the NYS Library, Ms. Schwartz will discuss the diversity of its repertoire, the curious nature of its instrumentation, and amateur musical life in Albany. Musicians will perform several of the pieces. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 3 Jan 2007 09:10:00 EST On Wednesday, January 10, from 12:15 p.m to 1:15 p.m., John Pipkin, Professor of Geography and Planning at SUNY Albany, will present a program outlining the political and aesthetic struggles over urban space that raged in Albany at the beginning of the twentieth century. Republican Boss Billy Barnes, architects Marcus Reynolds and Arnold Brunner, Governor Charles Evans Hughes, the railroads, and many neighborhood and business organizations designed a series of projects that began as a clean-up of the riverfront. The plan was for Albany to be a "City Beautiful," but Barnes and the "City Beautiful" ideology were defeated by the Democrats and the "City Practical." http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Tue, 2 Jan 2007 15:20:00 EST A finding aid (guide) is now available online for the State Library's Declaration of Independence Signers collection, which consists of original manuscript letters and documents containing autographs of men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Engraved portraits of many of the signers are also included. In addition, the collection contains the autographs of Robert R. Livingston and Thomas Willing, members of the Continental Congress who voted in favor of independence but did not sign the Declaration; John Dickinson, who voted against the measure; and Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress and signer of the Declaration, ex officio. The documents are organized alphabetically by state (colony) and then by surname of signer. The collection was originally assembled by Israel K. Tefft of Savannah, Georgia. New York State purchased it in 1868 and the Library has subsequently added to the collection. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/vc17270.htm Tue, 2 Jan 2007 14:15:00 EST The feature for January is one of the many historical documents the Library has recently scanned and made available online in PDF format. Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg is a three-volume set that contains New York at Gettysburg by William F. Fox and includes regimental histories of the numerous New York State regiments that fought at Gettysburg. The report also includes the dedication of the monuments erected in honor of the New York regiments at Gettysburg; the location, dimension, construction and cost of each of the New York monuments at Gettysburg; and color maps of the battle. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Tue, 2 Jan 2007 14:55:00 EST Finding aids (guides) to the following special collections have recently been published online: the Holcomb Family Papers (1805-1889); the Sterling Iron And Railway Company Records (1740-1918); and the World War II Rationing Collection (1942-1946). http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/msscfa/ Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:45:00 EST African American history and culture is broken into topics such as history, biography, literature, arts, culture, business, civil rights, politics, sports, education, science, and more in this full text database. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/remotedb.htm Wed, 13 Dec 2006 10:05:00 EST Traveling around the state these days? New York State Transportation Federation's TravelInfoNY.com Web site can show you how traffic looks for your drive along the roads in New York State, any winter travel advisories, and lane closures. Traffic cams show you real-time traffic at many locations. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Tue, 5 Dec 2006 13:32:00 EST The New York State Museum has the most comprehensive collection of labelled and documented New York furniture in the nation. John Scherer, Curator of Decorative Arts, will present a survey of New York State furniture spanning the years 1680 to 1950 using examples from the collections of the New York State Museum. This collection contains prime examples by exemplary New York cabinetmakers such at Duncan Phyfe, Alexander Roux, and Gustav Stickley, as well as less sophisticated examples by country cabinetmakers from around the state. Among the pieces owned or used by famous New Yorkers are Governor DeWitt Clinton's writing chair, President Martin Van Buren's dining chair, Alexander Hamilton's parlor chair and a table that George Washington dined on. Wednesday, December 6, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., in Librarians Room on the seventh floor of the New York State Library. Free. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST Diana S. Waite, President of Mount Ida Press in Albany, New York, and co-author of Tweed Courthouse: A Model Restoration, will discuss how she and her staff approach projects on regional history and architecture for their clients. Mount Ida Press recently researched and wrote a commemorative history of the Fort Orange Club, an organization that has reflected the social, economic, and political culture of Albany for the past 125 years; Diana will highlight how materials at the New York State Library and the Albany Institute of History and Art, as well as the club's own archives, proved essential to that project. Thursday, December 14, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., in Librarians Room on the seventh floor of the New York State Library. Free. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST The Friends of NYSL will present a lecture on William C. Bouck, who was governor of New York from 1842 to 1844. Edward A. Hagan, former Schoharie County Historian, meticulously researched Bouck over a period of twenty years and became an authority on Bouck, who was perhaps the most noteworthy individual Schoharie has produced. Although Hagan died before he could complete his planned biography, his widow, Stasia Hagan, published her husband's life-time work, William C. Bouck, New York's Farmer Governor, in 2006. Lester Hendrix, Editor, will discuss the book and the life of Governor Bouck on Tuesday, November 14, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., in Librarians Room on the seventh floor of the New York State Library. (Doors open at 12:00 noon.) http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/bouck.htm Tue, 7 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST The Fall 2006 issue of Upstate Update, the quarterly newsletter of the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL), is now available online on the TBBL Web site in HTML and MP3 audio. (Note: MP3 audio files will play in many types of audio players, including Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, and iTunes.) TBBL is a unit of the State Library that lends braille and recorded books and magazines, as well as the equipment to play recorded books, to residents of the 55 upstate counties of New York who are unable to read standard printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/tbbl/audio/fall2006/ Tue, 7 Nov 2006 15:45:00 EST "Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE)" is a popular education Web site offering access to many learning resources including teaching ideas, learning activities, photos, maps, primary documents, data, paintings, sound recordings, and more. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/features/nyslfeat.htm Thu, 2 Nov 2006 16:11:00 EST Noontime classes for November include "Records of the Court Chancery," which will help untangle the complexities of these records through a discussion of the Court's history, changing jurisdiction, and records systems; "Doing Business with New York State," with representatives from the Small Business Division of Empire State Development and the Office of General Services (OGS); and "Newspapers Online," which will focus on the newspaper databases accessible through the New York State Library. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:20:00 EDT This database for scientific research contains more than 1,800 Elsevier Science journals in the life, physical, medical, technical, and social sciences. http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/gate/remotedb.htm Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EDT Recently, the New York State Library expanded the types of materials it is scanning and making available online. Now, in add