Genealogy Tips to Handle the Pitfalls of Passenger Records

Genealogy Public Library Resources

By Michael Tepper

Researchers often run into problems when they are on the trail of an immigrant ancestor. The most common misconception about passenger lists is the belief that people had their names changed when they got to Ellis Island. In fact, immigrants did not change their names unless they applied for a change of name by deed poll at a courthouse or when they were naturalized. During processing at Ellis Island, officials had the actual ships’ manifests in front of them. They called each immigrant by name, according to the manifests, and often put a check next to the name after it had been called. So the passenger records are an exact reflection of the immigrants’ identities before they crossed the Atlantic, not after.

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Michigan eLibrary Boosts Local Economy

Public Libraries support local business

By Gale Marketing Research Team

In June 2013, the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), a service of the Library of Michigan, added three Gale online resources – DemographicsNow: Business & People, BusinessInsights: Global, and Gale LegalForms – plus a collection of business-oriented GVRL eBooks to their portfolio.

The decision to purchase business resources for Michigan resulted in funding proposed by the office of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as part of his “Economic Gardening” initiative to grow businesses in the state, which was then enacted by the Michigan state legislature.

Before MeL had these new business resources available, libraries had to buy their own. Many didn’t have the funds to do so, according to Deb Biggs Thomas, Michigan eLibrary & Outreach Coordinator at the Library of Michigan.

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Chilton MARC Records Now Available

Chilton Auto Repair Library Resource

Gale is committed to helping your library boost patron usage of its products. To assist with online discovery, Chilton MARC records are now available for download at support.gale.com.

Once MARC records are in place, the library user will be directed from their catalog search to the Chilton landing page where they can select the appropriate year, make and model of interest.

To download Chilton MARC records, please follow these simple steps:

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Resources for Curbing Kids’ Summer Weight Gain

Kids Summer Weight Gain

By Jacquelyn Goetz Bluethmann

GVRL Healthy living ebooks

Ice cream, popsicles, and other sugary snacks are certainly plentiful in the summer months, one of many factors for children being at a greater risk for weight gain during their time off from school. Research available from the National Summer Learning Association has shown this to be true. Without the structure of school, children gain weight two to three times faster in the summer months.

It’s a cause close to First Lady Michelle Obama’s heart and one of the main reasons the Obama administration launched its “Let’s Read. Let’s Move.” campaign. The campaign has the duel goal of curbing summer learning loss and preventing childhood obesity.

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Enhancements to Gale Courses Admin and Reporting

Gale Courses Product Update

We’ve been listening to customer feedback and based on your suggestions, we’re introducing a new and improved Gale Courses Information Center (IC), formerly known as the Online Admin Center (OAC)! The new streamlined IC dashboard will be available on July 14.

Benefits of the new IC include:

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In Other News: The King of Spain

A look at a current news item through the lens of different titles available on GVRL.

By Michelle Eickmeyer

There are few “jobs” in the world from which people don’t quit. In just over a year, we have seen two exceptions to this — the resignation of Pope Benedict and the abdication of Spain’s King Juan Carlos I. The latter giving just over the (Western) traditional “two weeks notice.” After making his intentions known on the 2nd of June, Spain crowned their new King, Felipe, on the 19th.

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Exciting Times Ahead in Las Vegas for ALA Annual 2014!

By Michael Arthur

In just a few short days, I will be making a much anticipated trip to Las Vegas for ALA Annual 2014.  This will be my first visit to Las Vegas, and I’ve  packed as much into the three-day visit as I possibly could.  But this article isn’t meant to be about my plans as a tourist. Instead, I’d like to share the discussion topics and initiatives that will occupy the bulk of my time while in Vegas.  It will definitely be a busy three days filled to the brim with meetings and events, but I’ll make sure to leave a little time to walk around and see some of Vegas while I am there!

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5 Simple Readers’ Advisory Best Practices

Public Library Best Practices

By Kara Kugelmeyer

How do you discover your next read? I am always on the lookout for my next read.  For me one of life’s sweetest moments is discovering a new title that I am sure will open up a new universe for me.

With thousands of books published each year and no way to read them all… sigh. Finding those trusted sources to recommend my next read is important to me. While there are a host of ways to find that next good book, I the best is to ask the original readers’ advisory service – public librarians.

Readers’ advisory (RA) is both and art and a science and practitioners support all formats: print, large print, eBooks, audio, etc., and of course all genres as well!

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Special Savings on eBooks for Everyone in Your Community

eResources for your community

Over  the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted various  users in your community – Keisha the Goal-Getter, Jennifer the Caregiver, Connie the Beginner, and others. Your patrons’ interests are wide ranging and unique. And so is our extensive list of eBook titles! For a limited time, you have an opportunity to save on some of the most popular titles they want and need.

Find exactly the titles they need with 40% off regular prices when you order by June 26. 

Read moreSpecial Savings on eBooks for Everyone in Your Community