Class Descriptions (A-Z) for The Research Libraries
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Researching Brain Injuries: Finding Articles in Science Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: Hands-on research workshop on how to search science databases for full-text articles in science research publications. Class will cover the features of searching Wiley Interscience, Web of Science, as well as many of our life science and medical databases.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
"This is the Beat Generation" [check scheduled dates]
Description: In a 1952 New York Times article, John Clellon Holmes introduced the term “Beat Generation” and defined beat as “a sort of nakedness of mind, and, ultimately, of soul; a feeling of being reduced to the bedrock of consciousness…. A man is beat whenever he goes for broke and wagers the sum of his resources on a single number.” This class takes a closer look at this circle of writers who went for broke and explores the possibilities of researching their history.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Advertising Research for Business [check scheduled dates]
Description: Presents a synergistic approach to doing an advertising plan for your small business: from doing background market research to choosing the right information sources and finally designing an effective advertising plan
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
After Class Practice on E-Resources New to You [check scheduled dates]
Description: Bring your questions about searching electronic resources at SIBL. This is an opportunity for hands-on practice with a librarian for research assistance.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: This class requires some basic mouse and keyboard skills.
Apparel & Textiles: Finding Industry & Technology Resources [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class introduces print, electronic resources and Web sites useful for researching the apparel and textiles industry and technology. Provides a discussion for the most appropriate sources to use for obtaining information on topics such as market research reports and trends, company and industry news, locating companies and manufacturers, fabric/fiber production and finishing, testing and measurement standards, tradeshows and associations for contact information.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Articles: Finding Them Electronically [check scheduled dates]
Description: Hands-on instruction covering the use of electronic indexes to find articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: This class requires some basic mouse and keyboard skills.
Authentication and Appraisal: What You Need to Know [check scheduled dates]
Description: A professional appraisal of a fine or decorative art object involves examination, identification, and marketplace comparison, so that a fair market value can be placed on the object in question. This class explains and demystifies this process, and describes useful resources.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Bonds & Bond Mutual Funds: Investment Resources at SIBL [check scheduled dates]
Description: Introduces the best SIBL print and electronic resources, including Web sites, for researching bonds and bond mutual funds. Discover SIBL's financial services information.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Building & Construction: Finding Industry & Technology Resources [check scheduled dates]
Description: Researching your building or construction industry? This class highlights SIBL's resources in the Building and Construction industries that include technology standards and information, industry news and analysis, company profiles, locating clients and business-related contacts, product news, market research reports, and more.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Business Basics [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introductory course discussing the essentials of opening a business in NYC. Include information on creating a business plan, developing marketing strategies, understanding business structures and generating financial statements. Offered by the NYC Dept of Small Business Services at SIBL. Register in advance at 212-618-8722.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Business Start-up Resources & Services [check scheduled dates]
Description: Starting or expanding a business? This class gives an introduction to an array of online and print resources available for entrepreneurs needing information or assistance in starting or expanding their business. Class includes sample business plans and guides, service providers of business counseling, how-to videos, and an overview of the vast online resources for gathering market research for your business plan.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: none
CANCELLED!! Virtual Newsstand [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class has been cancelled. It will be offered again on January 24 at 2:15 p.m.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
CANCELLED!!! Investigating New York City Architecture! [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class will be offered again on January 31 at 3:15 p.m.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
CANCELLED!!! Preservation 101 [check scheduled dates]
Description: Preservation 101 has been cancelled.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
CANCELLED!!! Road Maps [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class has been Cancelled.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Companies & Contacts: Creating Customized Lists [check scheduled dates]
Description: Type of company, as well as location, size, and sales, are a few of the ways you can create your customized list for mailing lists, company research, contacts, and job searching.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Computer Lab [check scheduled dates]
Description: Get the most out of using the Library's numerous databases and e-resources. A New York Public Library staff member will be on hand to answer your questions and assist with your research. This lab is self-paced and hands-on. You may stay for the whole session, or just stop in for a quick search.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Cooked Books [check scheduled dates]
Description: Explore the delicious world of all things culinary at the New York Public Library.
The Library’s cookery collection is vast and interdisciplinary. In this class we will investigate sources in the Library, around the city, and on the web. Rebecca Federman’s popular blog covers cookbooks and graphics, restaurants and recipes, and arcane culinary history.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Country Guides, Risks & Forecasting: Economist Intelligence Unit Database [check scheduled dates]
Description: Class will cover the international content of Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU): Country Commerce (commercial guides to doing business in 55 countries) Risk Briefings (150 countries, updated daily), Industry Briefings, Country Reports (200 countries, updated monthly), Country Profiles (200 countries, updated annually), Views Wire (201 countries, updated daily), Country Finance (50 countries, updated annually), and World Commodity Forecasts (28 commodities).
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Decoding the Art Market [check scheduled dates]
Description: Acquaint yourself with the tools used in the art market for the identification and valuation of fine and decorative art. Become familiar with reference books and databases in the field including biographical dictionaries, auction sale indexes, and catalogues raisonnés. You will learn how to search and interpret auction records while accessing auction catalogs here at the Library.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Digital Americana [check scheduled dates]
Description: Did you know that almost all books printed in America from 1639 to 1819 are now available in digital format? Many American newspapers and magazines from this period are also available, and searchable, as electronic facsimiles. Scholars and other researchers can now consult previously difficult-to-obtain and little-studied historical documents at workstations throughout the Library.
Learn how to search and explore newly developed resources such as Early American Imprints, Series I, Evans (1639–1800) and Series II, Shaw and Shoemaker (1801–1819); Early American Newspapers (1690–1876); and the American Periodical Series Online (1740–1900), which together provide a world of authoritative documentation for the study of all aspects of early American culture.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Digital Gotham [check scheduled dates]
Description: Did you know that you can search thousands of images and photographs of “old” New York City for free from your PC? This class will introduce you to a myriad of online resources, many of which are available from your own desktop. From digitized newspapers, magazines, and books to passenger lists, menus, and maps, come discover New York City history through a computer.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Digital Photography Resources for Professionals [check scheduled dates]
Description: The photography industry around our midtown Manhattan location has been transformed in the last five years. Digital technology offers new opportunities and challenges to photographers trained in analog film-based photography. We will describe information resources that photographers can draw on to learn about and keep up to date with this fast-changing field. SIBL offers both onsite and offsite access to advanced electronic databases and houses a library containing the latest technical books on digital color management, professional digital cameras, Photoshop techniques and large-format fine art inkjet printing. From our stacks you can access cutting-edge color science journals and professional magazines. We will also show you the hottest online discussion groups and websites where new equipment and processes are discussed on the Internet. And we’ll share our own experiences managing digital archives and metadata in such projects as the award-winning NYPL Digital Library.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Directories: Using Them to Find Companies and People [check scheduled dates]
Description: Hands-on training in the use of electronic directories. Also covers tips for compiling mailing lists.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: This class requires some basic mouse and keyboard skills.
Discovering Primary Sources at NYPL [check scheduled dates]
Description: Primary sources provide a researcher with firsthand evidence of historical events from the perspective of someone who was there. This class will provide an overview of how to proceed through the research process using primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. We will learn how to locate primary sources both here at NYPL and on the web.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Downloading with Confidence: eBooks, Music, Audio [check scheduled dates]
Description: Electronic books, music files, digital images, and audio programs—a wealth of resources await you on the Library’s website. In this hands-on training session, you will learn how to take advantage of new services that give you free access to new media—often from the comfort of your own home! Also, you will glimpse some recent exciting projects such as Google Books. Take this class to make the most of your Library card.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Egypt: A Cyber Journey [check scheduled dates]
Description: The Library’s Digital Gallery stores images of more than 650,000 primary sources. As part of an ongoing effort to make NYPL collections more accessible, Dr. Lundquist has compiled hundreds of images documenting archaeologists’ rediscovery of ancient Egypt to create the Library’s first-ever web-based publication, Egyptian Ideas About the Afterlife, Illustrated through 19th-century Prints and Photographs. Join us as Dr. Lundquist discusses this exciting time in human history, gives us an intimate look at the actual materials used in this groundbreaking publication, and shows us how these items have been given immortal form through digitization.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Eminent Domain: Contemporary Photography and the City [check scheduled dates]
Description: Join Stephen C. Pinson, Robert B. Menschel Curator of Photography, for a special gallery walk-through of the Library exhibition of which he is curator. Limited to 20 people; meet outside Gottesman Exhibition Hall on the first floor. Register in advance by e-mailing southcourt@nypl.org or by calling 212-930-9284.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Engineering Research with Compendex [check scheduled dates]
Description: Compendex® is the most comprehensive interdisciplinary engineering database in the world. Special features and search strategies will be highlighted. Compendex has over 9 million records and references over 5,000 engineering journals, conferences and technical reports. Subjects include chemical and process engineering, computers and data processing, applied physics, electronics and communications, civil, mechanical and materials engineering, as well as narrower subtopics. With the addition of the historical backfile, online coverage is from 1884 to the present. Approximately 250,000 new records are added to the database annually. Compendex is updated weekly.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Evaluating Web Resources [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class assists information seekers in using criteria such as authority and objectivity to judge the quality of information on the World Wide Web. This class includes hands-on instruction.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Attendees must be current Web users who are familiar with common Internet terminology and skilled in using a mouse and keyboard.
Factiva: A Global News & Business Powerhouse [check scheduled dates]
Description: Search 9,000 publications from 118 countries in 22 languages. Explore Factiva's worldwide content and special search features to locate global news coverage, industry analyses, company profiles, market research, investment reports, and television and radio transcripts.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: basic computer skills
Find Financial Data using Mergent, Bloomberg, and S & P NetAdvantage [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class will cover the special search features and content in Mergent Online, Standard & Poor's Net Advantage, and provide help in searching Bloomberg. Additional financial resources and databases are introduced in these two classes: Stocks & Mutual Funds: Investment Resources @ SIBL and Bond & Bond Mutual Funds: Investment Resources @ SIBL.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Finding Astronomical Maps and Images [check scheduled dates]
Description: Find spectacular images and maps of galaxies, stars and planets by searching library resources and the Internet. Class will tour major repositories of online astronomical imagery worldwide.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Finding Books, Journals, and more [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class covers the basics of searching the research libraries catalog, CATNYP and the circulating online catalog, LEO. Provides hands-on instruction.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Attendees should be comfortable using a keyboard and mouse.
Finding Company & Industry Information for Career Transition [check scheduled dates]
Description: Extensive business online resources for vocational and industry research are highlighted. Learn strategies for finding industry news and forecasts, and company information that will help prepare for a career transition.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Finding Quality Web Content in Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: This session will cover how to find quality Web content in topical subject databases (free or fee-based), advanced Web searching tips and specialty search engines, and how to get started searching databases online to locate full-text journal or newspaper articles.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Mouse and keyboard skills needed.
Finding Science Research using Web of Science Database [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class will introduce you to hands-on searching in Web of Science, the largest science database in the world. In addition to searching features and strategies, the class will cover cited reference searching, a unique search method for locating all the science articles that have cited a particular article or scientist’s research. Web of Science has three multi-disciplinary databases, which can be search simultaneously: Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Arts & Humanities Citation Index. Dates of coverage: Science Citation Index -1900-present, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI)--1956-present, Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI)--1975-present
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Finding the Statistics You Need [check scheduled dates]
Description: Introduces and highlights selected statistical sources, such as specialized subscription databases at SIBL, websites, and books. Strategies for finding statistical information, and various approaches, also covered
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Mouse and keyboard skills needed
Food Science: Finding Related Technologies Resources [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class gives an overview of print and electronic resources at SIBL for researching the technology used in the Food Science industry.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Foreign Consumers: Market Research, Lifestyle & Demographics using Euromonitor International [check scheduled dates]
Description: Euromonitor International combines Market Research Monitor and World Consumer Lifestyles databases. This interface integrates market research reports and consumer spending data into one database, and includes a 7 year archive of more than 850 consumer and retail reports plus 600 major market profiles. Create customized consumer world lifestyle reports on multiple countries and indicators. Global consumer market research, trends, market background, market forecasts & analysis, market size data, forecasts, and market shares are some areas covered. There is international coverage, plus over 300 reports for U.S. Markets. Download reports
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Foreign Market Information & Import/Export Statistics: USA Trade Online & StatUSA [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn how to access the market research and import/export statistics using two U.S. Dept. of Commerce databases: USA Trade Online and StatUSA.
USA Trade Online: Provides official exports and imports data on more than 17,000 commodities. Reveals what merchandise is being shipped, where it is being shipped, and how much it is worth. Quantity and value of exports and imports by Harmonized System codes, plus the total quantity and value of exports and imports for more than 250 countries and each customs district, are also included. Updated: Monthly.
STAT-USA: International trade and export information from the U.S. Department of Commerce including the National Trade Databank (NTDB), Foreign Traders index, and market research reports by product and country. Other national economic statistics, too. Click on Globus and NTDB to reach NTDB. Updated: Daily.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Free News & Journals from Home via 15+ EBSCO Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: Spotlight on...Free News & Journals From Home via 15+ EBSCOhost Databases: An introduction on searching more than 15 full-text news and journal databases, available from your Home or Office via the Internet with an NYPL Library Card. Class will explore special features and the array of subject areas and publications.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
From Chaos to Clarity: The Life Cycle of an Archival Collection [check scheduled dates]
Description: What happens to manuscript and archival materials after they are donated to a library? Delving into one NYPL collection, this class examines the process by which family letters, diaries, photographs, and other documentary materials are arranged, described, and prepared for research. The Schwimmer-Lloyd Collection—letters and photographs of a group of pacifist women who traveled to Europe with Henry Ford’s 1915 Peace Expedition—is used as an illustration.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Getting Started in Export Research [check scheduled dates]
Description: Highlighting electronic resources available at SIBL, this class introduces users to the wealth of export information resources and services available at SIBL. Intended for newcomers to exporting, this class will highlight steps in the research process using a case study and hands-on training.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Global Business News & More using Factiva [check scheduled dates]
Description: Search 9,000 publications from 118 countries in 22 languages. Explore Factiva's worldwide content and special search features to locate global news coverage, industry analyses, international company profiles, market research, investment reports, and television and radio transcripts.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Haggadah 2.0 [check scheduled dates]
Description: In April 2005, the Library exhibition "I am the Rose" celebrated a gift from the Rose family of a three-volume 20th-century illuminated haggadah (see page XX for the Library’s annual exhibition of a selection from the Rose Haggadah). For over half a century the Roses have commissioned major artists to add their interpretations of the Exodus theme to the haggadah for the extended family's seder. This extraordinary family haggadah serves as a starting point for an exploration of the ways in which successive generations have used the haggadah, and now emerging technologies, as a vehicle to express a particular experience within the context of an enduring universal narrative.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Handmade: Then and Now [check scheduled dates]
Description: Are you an enthusiast of objects made by hand—from knitted goods to book arts, from home sewing to handmade paper? In this class you will learn more about the histories and cultures of the handmade. Jessica Pigza (www.nypl.org/blogs/handmade) shows you how NYPL’s books, magazines, and digital collections can inform and inspire you in your own handmade work.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Heaven's Above: Exploration Through Astronomy Resources [check scheduled dates]
Description: Interested in exploring the cosmos, and learning more about the galaxies? Join us for an introduction to using the astronomy resources at SIBL, and on the Web.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
International Emerging Markets: News, Industry Analysis, Companies & Manufacturers [check scheduled dates]
Description: Locate information on more than 80 emerging market countries in Central and Eastern and Southeast Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and MiddleEast, Australia, Latin America. Data and reports include full-text news articles, market –specific information, financial statements, company information and directory, industry analyses and reports, macroeconomic statistics, stock market indices, and economic statistics. Select and country and search. Includes over 13,000 publications. Updated: Daily.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Intrepreting Financial Statements [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn more about how to intrepret the financial statements of companies, to understand their financial picture more clearly.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Introduction to Government Information [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class provides a brief overview of the various types of government information available at SIBL. Presents examples of information found from federal, state, city, and intergovernmental organizations. Also discusses government document formats.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: none
Introduction to Literature Research [check scheduled dates]
Description: The study of literature requires not only the close examination of the texts, but also a thorough consideration of the history of their reception. This class explores the most up-to-date tools for literary research. Topics covered include specialty resources in poetry and fiction, essential databases of literary criticism, and online literature archives.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Introduction to Patents [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class provides a general overview of patents and informs Library users about patent resources available at SIBL. It gives the basic steps in conducting a patent search at SIBL. This class provides hands-on instruction.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Introduction to Science Information [check scheduled dates]
Description: Designed for students and those beginning research in science, this class covers basic research techniques for exploring scientific information at SIBL. Note: Medical and consumer health-related information will not be covered.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Introduction to Trademarks [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class gives a basic overview of trademarks and provides a brief look at the trademark resources available at SIBL. It gives the basic steps for conducting a trademark search at SIBL, and covers the procedures for registering a trademark with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. This class provides hands-on instruction.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Investext: Current Broker & Analyst Reports on Companies [check scheduled dates]
Description: Search this database to find investment, company & industry reports from over 500 brokers in North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Search by company, industry, or keyword. Covers reports from 1997 to current month.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Investigating New York City Architecture [check scheduled dates]
Description: Researching the architecture of a building in New York City can be difficult and bewildering. This class will introduce print and online resources that can make this process less daunting and more productive. The collections of The New York Public Library will be emphasized, but important resources throughout the metropolitan area will also be introduced.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Investing In Stocks: The Basics [check scheduled dates]
Description: Introduction to basic investment terms and concepts such as risk and reward, IPO’s, p/e ratios, and relative p/e ratios. Other topics covered include ways to approach the investment decision and alternative stock investments such as mutual funds and ETF’s.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Keeping Current on Elections: Resources for Voters [check scheduled dates]
Description: Update on online resources for researching the election issues, candidates and voting records, campaign fundraising and spending, donors and contributions, representatives and voting districts.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Keeping Current with Emerging Technologies. [check scheduled dates]
Description: Class will highlight content, advance searching strategies, and will search across multiple newspapers, business journals and market research on new products and technologies, with a focus on academic science and technology journals. The class will feature the Inpsec database, as well as other science and technology databases. Inspec is the largest database on all aspects of computers, information technology, physics, electrical engineering, manufacturing and production engineering, robotics, and related disciplines. Database includes 8,000,000+ abstract records, indexes 4,000 journals and 2,000+ conference proceedings each year. Coverage since 1968.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Legislative Research Resources @ SIBL [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class gives the basic steps in searching for legislative information at SIBL. It highlights SIBL's print and electronic resources in this subject area.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Locating Science & Technology Companies for Business: RefUSA and D & B Online Directories [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn how to locate science and technology related companies, across all industries, using two online directories, Reference USA and D & B: The Million Dollar Directory. Type of company, as well as location, size, and sales, are a few of the ways you can create your customized list for mailing lists, company research, contacts, and job searching.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Managing the Built Environment: Building Maintenance Sources & Services [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn how to exploit SIBL’s information resources on topics such as preventive maintenance (PM), HVAC, electrical wiring, green buildings, alternative energy, plumbing, indoor air quality (IAQ), fire protection, security, and environmental compliance. Find product information, industry news, trade shows, discussion forums, professional and trade associations, job sites and training seminars that can help you implement overall cost reduction in buildings. Class will guide anyone concerned with building maintenance, from commercial and residential property owners to building engineers, managers, and superintendents to to specialized library and internet resources, such as the Building Code of the City of New York and the National Electrical Code.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Market Research Information Sources [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class gives an overview of numerous U.S. and international resources to help the business person gather market research data at SIBL. Attendees will be introduced to many valuable market research sources, with full reports download, including forecasting, consumer demographics, industry surveys and trends, company news, new products, and access to thousands of trade journals across all industries for full-text articles.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
New Tools in Map Research--reservations required [check scheduled dates]
Description:
This hands-on class will be taught in the newly renovated Map Division. Users will learn how to research antiquarian maps using traditional methods as well as new geographic information systems accessible only in the Map Division. You will learn about new tools to research the latest New York City property information, as well as how to make your own map using the latest G.I.S. software.
The class is limited to 6 people and will be held in the Map Division, Room 117. Please register before the class by e-mailing Training@nypl.org, or by calling (212) 930-9284.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Old Books, Rare Books [check scheduled dates]
Description: The Library has many resources to help you develop an appreciation for antiquarian books. This class will teach you about tools that will help you to determine if your books are rare, as well as techniques for finding out as much as you can about an old book before buying or selling it.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Online with Morningstar and Valueline [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class will guide potential investors in getting the most out of Morningstar and Valueline, two important financial information databases available at SIBL. How to locate basic stock and mutual fund information will be included, as well as demonstrating the advance search capabilites of each database. Join us for a demonstration on how to turn an investment concept into a short list of potential investments.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Preservation 101: Caring for Your Collections [check scheduled dates]
Description: In this class you will learn the best ways to care for books, photographs, papers, and other items in your personal collections. Learn what everyday objects are made of, how they age, why they break, and what you can do to keep them safe and in good repair. We will also debunk some of the common myths about preservation and make sure that you know what to look for in products and services.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Rare Books 101 [check scheduled dates]
Description: For bibliophiles and the intellectually curious, this class offers an inside look into the world of rare book libraries. How are collections formed? What kinds of materials do modern rare book libraries collect? How are these rare and sometimes priceless materials cared for? Using the collections of the Rare Book Division as a backdrop, you will explore topics of interest in the field of rare and antiquarian books. You will investigate some of the latest electronic information resources for conducting rare book–related research.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Research 101: The Basics [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn the ins and outs of effective research at The New York Public Library. You'll find out how to use and interpret CATNYP, the online catalog of NYPL's Research Libraries, as well as how to search a variety of electronic databases in order to locate relevant journal articles and other types of information. The class covers skills and strategies that will enable you to find the information you need.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Research 102: Getting the Most Out of Online Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn hidden CATNYP tricks, such as how to limit and export your searches. You’ll also be assisted in exploring several of the more than 300 databases to which the Library subscribes. You’ll learn how to search with greater precision, and you’ll discover the astonishing range of information available.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Researching a Nobel Prize Scientist [check scheduled dates]
Description: Are you a high-school junior researching the life and work of a scientist for The Laureates of Tomorrow – NOBEL ESSAY CONTEST™? At the Science, Industry and Business Library you can find biographical encyclopedias, electronic databases, scientific magazines and journals where you can carry out in-depth historical research on the life, science and enduring impact of a Nobel Laureate’s discoveries.
This class will introduce you to this world-class research library and its facilities. We will show you how to find and cite reference articles, how to locate biographical books on scientists, obituaries in newspapers, as well as gain direct access to the original scientific papers in many of the advanced journals we carry in our collection. With databases such as Web of Science you can investigate the impact of your Nobel Laureate’s research by tracking how often the work is cited by other scientists. We have full electronic text access to such prestigious science publications as Nature. We will also show you how to access academic databases you can research from home for free with a New York Public Library card.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: There are no pre-requisites for this class, but to make the most of your visit please obtain both a New York Public Library Card and an Access card for use at any of NYPL's research libraries. Apply for a Library Card.
Read our guide "Researching a Scientist" (PDF).
Researching an Artist [check scheduled dates]
Description: Utilizing books, periodical articles, and biographical material, this class will provide a systematic approach to researching a well-known or obscure artist. In addition, the class will cover auction indexes for artist listings as well as ephemeral material.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Researching Asian-Americans [check scheduled dates]
Description: Discover the wide range of resources available in The Humanities and Social Sciences Library on the Asian-American experience. You'll find out how to use and interpret CATNYP, the on-line catalog of NYPL's Reserach Libraries, as well as a variety of on-line databases to locate information about both individuals and historic events across various disciplinary perspectives.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Researching Biological Diversity @ SIBL [check scheduled dates]
Description: Hands-on exploration of electronic and print resources, including Web sites, on biodiversity topics and issues.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Researching Costume and Fashion History [check scheduled dates]
Description: The collection of fashion, costume, and dress materials at NYPL is one of the richest in the nation. The collection includes long runs of popular fashion magazines, as well as rare copies of prized eighteenth- and nineteenth-century publications. Important examples of plate and pattern books complement the extensive holdings of monographs and serials. This class will highlight the strengths of the collection and introduce research techniques ranging from use of the Research Libraries' online catalog and electronic server to image research.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Researching Energy Sources of the Future: Finding Articles in Science, Technology, and Business Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: Keep current with the latest energy research in an array of business, technology and science databases that index thousands of journals! & news sources
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Researching Engineering with Compendex [check scheduled dates]
Description: Search all aspects of engineering in Compendex, the main index of engineering literature with over 8 million citations to journals, reports, and proceedings. Class includes advance searching features, search strategies, and locating the full-text.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Basic Computer skills
Researching the Roots of Language: Finding Articles in Science and Technology Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: Keep current with the latest language research in an array of life science, medical, and technology databases that index thousands of journals and news sources. Researching using selected SIBL databases will be featured, including Wiley Interscience, Nature full-text, and Web of Science.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Science in the News: Genetically Modified Foods [check scheduled dates]
Description: This class will focus on researching a varity of topics of current interest using news and science databases, and the Web. The next topic is on Exploring Mars.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Science Journals & News from Home via NYPL Science Databases [check scheduled dates]
Description: Interested in current science and technology research – beyond the Internet and daily newspapers? Did you know you have access to thousands of articles published in over a thousand science and technology journals from your own Home computer with your NYPL library card? This class is an introduction to finding science and technology news and journals using NYPL databases that you connect to from your Home computer with your library card. Class will explore special features and the array of subject areas and publications. You can read current research on new energy sources, the environment, health, computer technologies, biology, medicine, astronomy, physics, psychology, engineering, and much more!
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Searching Bloomberg (limited to first 5) [check scheduled dates]
Description: (limited to first 5)
This hands-on class includes overview and searching techniques to find securities and mutual funds. The class will focus on finding companies and securities information, and national and international stock market and economic data.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills
(limited to first 5)
Searching the U.S. Census Bureau Website [check scheduled dates]
Description: Learn how to retrieve U.S. Census data on the nation's population and housing, or demographic and industry data, directly from the Internet.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Mouse and keyboard skills needed.
Shakespeare: From Stratford-upon-Avon to the New York Public Library [check scheduled dates]
Description: Discover the world of William Shakespeare at The New York Public Library. Ponder the textual problems of the quartos and folios. Explore various beautiful and unusual illustrated editions of Shakespeare’s plays and poems. Experience Shakespearean research for the 21st century through the Library’s databases. Requirements: 1. A conviction that the plays of Shakespeare were written by Shakespeare. 2. A belief that the works of Shakespeare constitute one of the cornerstones of world literature.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Spotlight on Business and Company Resource Center [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introduction to searching Business and Company Resource Center. This database provides information on a variety of topics including company profiles, executives, mergers & acquisitions, ticker symbols, news & magazine articles, company histories and chronologies, financials, balance sheets, financial ratios, rankings, products & brands, Industry overviews and associations.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills
Spotlight on General Science Collection from EBSCO [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introduction to searching the General Science Collection From Ebsco. This database provides full text coverage for over 60 of the most popular sciecne publications, providing information on all aspects of the scientific world.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills
Spotlight on STAT-USA: Markets, International Trade, and Economic Data [check scheduled dates]
Description: STAT-USA delivers vital economic, market, industry, country, and international trade information produced by the U.S. Government. Learn to search all or selected databases in STAT-USA, create search strategies, and exploit special features to locate information to grow your business, career, personal finances, and community.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Basic Computer skills.
Spotlight on...CQ's American Government Database [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introduction to searching this database to explore people and issues in American government.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Spotlight on...INSPEC & Compendex Plus [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introduction into searching INSPEC and Compendex Plus, the largest databases in these fields. Learn to search these vast abstract and citation databases to explore international research on all aspects of computers, information technology, major specialities within engineering, electronics, robotics, physics, and related disciplines. Databases include 6,000,000+ abstract records, indexes 4,000 journals and 2,000+ conference proceedings each year. Coverage since 1968.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Spotlight on...Statistical Universe [check scheduled dates]
Description: An introduction to searching this statistical database and discovering its features. Database includes statistical information from the government and private sources, and covers both the U.S. and international countries. Economic, market, and demographic statistics included, as well as many other topics.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Those who attend should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Stocks and Mutual Funds: Investment Resources at SIBL [check scheduled dates]
Description: Discover SIBL's extensive and unique collection of financial services information. This class will feature the best print and electronic tools for researching information on stocks and mutual funds.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Prerequisite: Experience with electronic databases
The Taking Back of Government Information [check scheduled dates]
Description: Hands-on research workshop on how to search science databases for full-text articles in science research publications. Class will cover the features of searching Wiley Interscience, Web of Science, as well as many of our life science and medical databases.
Location: Science, Industry and Business Library
Uncovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy Research [check scheduled dates]
Description: The Library boasts one of the country’s largest free public collections of genealogical tools. This introductory class will show you some of the key resources available. With the skills learned here, perhaps you’ll find the name of an ancestor on a passenger list from a ship that sailed into New York Harbor in the nineteenth century. Your search of historical census records may reveal the names of family members. You will acquire the knowledge to begin an engrossing lifelong project of research and exploration.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Virtual Newsstand: America's Newspapers Online [check scheduled dates]
Description: A wide range of historic newspapers and magazines—from the first, Publick Occurrences, published in Boston in 1690, to today's New York Times—is now available digitally and is fully searchable. Many illustrated periodicals from the 19th century are also available as well as contemporary popular magazines such as Vogue and Forbes. This hands-on survey class will provide researchers with the knowledge and basic skills to consult hundreds of titles to explore everything from Benjamin Franklin’s political commentary to 20th-century world events and last week’s restaurant reviews.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.
Wanted Dead or Alive: An Introduction to Biographical Research [check scheduled dates]
Description: This hands-on class will introduce you to the wide variety of biographical resources available to New York Public Library users. We will trace the lives of two individuals to contrast ways of researching historical figures and ways of researching contemporary writers and thinkers.
Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Library
Prerequisite: Participation in all classes assumes a basic level of computer skill and experience.