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Post by Leifer on Sept 16, 2014 8:17:15 GMT -7
I'm always in awe as to how some of you guys are able to find the things you do. Google has served me well in a number of cases, but many times the trail just goes cold for me in the online environment. I know this probably is no small request. I'd like to learn how to "research better", perhaps in a slightly less "spray and pray" method. Would someone be willing to share how you go about searching or researching a subject or historic item?
Leifer
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Post by Chuck Burrows on Sept 16, 2014 9:36:44 GMT -7
I'm on the run but can offer one quick peace of advice - use www.archive.org and register for jstor.org - google books is good, but several times they have said no Ebook and it was available at archive.org If you're computer savvy enough use a decent database - even a fairly simple flat file data base will help by being able to sort like info. Otherwise a spread sheet with multiple sheets can be effective with the proper search listings included. Order your images and if need be rename them so like can be found with like in a simple search - include a small text file for each image with the same name as the image file noting source and any other pertinent info. If you have the time and cash take some classes online or at a local college if available for a research assistant - I did this beaucoup years ago by auditing classes at a local college (with the profs permission) - most profs don't care as long as the lecture hall is full- I didn't get a degree since I was auditing but frankly that wasn't a concern and my only cost was books and some other small fees.... finally cross check, cross check, and cross check again to make sure the info is valid and not just some authors fantasy or mistake and yes even the big boys make mistakes like continuing to parrot older invalid or at least semi-valid info. While I may not always be a stickler when it comes to making sure all my gear is based on the primary docs, I generally only pass on info that is of the "librarian/stitch Nazi" level (like the rednecks did I sometimes think we should all "glory" in such terms until they are no longer used by others to denote something nasty - you might be a stitch Nazi if...), but I also add on any caveats.... |
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Post by Chuck Burrows on Sept 16, 2014 9:42:48 GMT -7
One more thing - while the internet can be a great resource don't forget your local library and library loan - There are online library sites such as www.library.org and swww.openlibrary.org that can tell you where books and other info are available. There is also the library of Congress site, the Smithsonian, and beaucoup other museum sites that can be helpful, although some can be a real pain in the butt to use |
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Pare
Mountaineer
Posts: 153
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Post by Pare on Sept 16, 2014 15:41:50 GMT -7
I will 2nd Chuck's recommendation on JSTOR. Lots of great stuff on there. I mainly use Google using typical key words; title, subject or whatever and sometimes include either the author or owner's name. I also click onto the image link which sometimes proves to be a short-cut to the item I'm looking for. You might also sign up for auction notifications from Sotheby's, Christie's, Skinner, Bonham's, Allard's, Live Auctioneer's and others.
Smaller museums also hold a ton of great information. I get the idea that some of the locals who have donated their items feel a little more comfortable with having their items on display close to home, as opposed to in the Smithsonian or other museums in larger cities.
Pare-
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Post by Leifer on Sept 19, 2014 8:56:06 GMT -7
Many thanks guys!
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isaac
Mountaineer
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Post by isaac on Sept 19, 2014 9:28:00 GMT -7
x2 everyone else's comments. Also get acquainted with all the museums that have online collections. Especially for native objects, there are quite a few! I am also a fan of Inter Library Loan. As a teacher, I utilize our school's library and ILL services frequently.  Book titles especially come from the footnotes (yes I read them) and the bibliographies of other books I read. After a quick skim and picture look of a book, a perusal of the bibliography is the next thing I do before I even read the book!! IW |
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Pare
Mountaineer
Posts: 153
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Post by Pare on Sept 19, 2014 14:32:13 GMT -7
What Isaac said about searching for Indian items is key. A few travelers, artist, enlisted men and Indian agents were given items as gifts and were more favorably collected. The items I've found were strikers, knives, axes, guns, beaded items, clothing, etc. from the same period and from that I've gotten an idea of what was used or worn.
I even joined a metal detecting forum that has shown a few items that I've only read about. Pretty interesting stuff!
Keep on searchin'!
Pare-
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luke
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Post by luke on Sept 19, 2014 17:05:31 GMT -7
What they said, JSTOR and Project Muse are a couple of online databases that I use. I will really hate to lose access here in a month when I graduate. Archive.org has a large number of period works you can download for free. Also a good number of museums have put their collection online, so you can see many artifacts even if they are not on display.
Another source with printed material is google books. You can do keyword searches and limit results to a block of time. IE search for "Shot Pouch" but limit the results from 1750 to 1790. Then do the same search for "Shot Bag", "Hunting Pouch" and learn when terms became popular.
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Book titles especially come from the footnotes (yes I read them) and the bibliographies of other books I read. After a quick skim and picture look of a book, a perusal of the bibliography is the next thing I do before I even read the book!!