Houston Public Library On-line Databases:
Saving Time with PERSI, Part One

by Robert de Berardinis, OMPL, May 2000

Of the myriad electronic databases offered by Houston Public Library, several are of key importance to genealogists, offering accelerated finding aids to published material on individuals, families, local and regional history, original records, and genealogical problem solving. These databases are available on computer terminals at HPL Central and at many of the HPL branch libraries (including Clayton). Also, HPL PowerCard holders can access some of these databases directly from their home computers via the Internet.1 In this and the next several issues of The CLF Newsletter, information will be presented on those databases most efficacious to genealogical research. These include PERSI (the primary focus of the current article), Ancestry.com, AP Photo Archive, Archives USA, Biography and Genealogy Master Index (GaleNet), and MLA Bibliography. Also of importance are the various OCLC FirstSearch databases, including Article First, Contents First, Humanities Abstracts, OCLC Union List of Periodicals, and the OCLC Periodical Contents Index, which includes indexes to articles, article titles, and article abstracts. The techniques used to access these databases are similar; therefore, researchers mastering one or two will be able to learn quickly the others.

PERSI is an acronym for Periodical Source Index (not to be confused with OCLC FirstSearch’s Periodical Contents Index). Its data, compiled by the Allen County (Indiana) Public Library, comes from indices of surnames, localities, dates, subjects, and authors in hundreds of genealogical publications from the U.S., Canada, and several European countries. Because of the time lag between article publication and preparation of the associated indices, PERSI may be missing data on articles published within the previous 12 months. Also, although the scope of this database is truly mind-boggling, it is neither comprehensive (it does not span all genealogical publications) nor completely accurate. It should always be used in conjunction with the books Genealogical Periodical Annual Index (016.929 G326 USA) and Index to Genealogical Periodical Literature (973 S751), both available in the USA section at Clayton Library. Within the HPL system, Clayton is currently the only library having access to the PERSI database, which, as now configured, requires use of a component CD-ROM. 2

To begin, select the PERSI CD-ROM with the matching number (1 or 2) for the computer being used. Insert the CD-ROM and double left-click on the PERSI icon on the desktop. The Ancestry.com window should appear3 and three buttons will be displayed: SEARCHING, HELP, and ABOUT PERSI. The ABOUT PERSI button will give information regarding the periodicals covered, how PERSI is compiled, version number, etc. The HELP button is self-explanatory. Single left-clicking on the SEARCHING button will bring up a new window containing nine buttons. They are:

  1. GENERAL KEYWORD SEARCH (ALL PERSI)
  2. SEARCH FOR U.S. & CANADIAN ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND KEYWORD
  3. SEARCH ARTICLE TITLES BY KEYWORD
  4. SEARCH FOR FOREIGN ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND KEYWORD
  5. SEARCH SURNAME SECTION BY SURNAME
  6. SEARCH FOR “How To” ARTICLES BY RECORD TYPE AND KEYWORD
  7. SEARCH FOR ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND RECORD TYPE
  8. SEARCH FOR PERIODICALS BY TITLE, TOPIC, AND/OR PUBLISHER
  9. EXIT
Above these nine search buttons, there is a new tool bar just below the menu bar. The tools are REFRESH, OBJECT BORDER, TEMPLATE 9, PREVIOUS, HITS, NEXT, TAG, BACKTRACK, NOTE, HIGHLIGHTER, and BOOKMARK.

Use of the PERSI database is best illustrated through examples, eight of which (corresponding to the eight search routines) are presented in the following paragraphs.

Example 1: General Keyword Search (All PERSI). To initiate this type search, single left-click on the GENERAL KEYWORD SEARCH (ALL PERSI) button. A data entry screen appears. If the cursor is not flashing in the small, white “General Keyword” window, single left-click anywhere in the window. For this example, type in the name “voorhies” (omit punctuation and capitalization). Then single left-click the OK button. (It is important to note that, while in any of the various PERSI search functions, using the ENTER key as a substitute for single left-clicking on the OK button will not work.) Six results come up in alphabetical order (according to the first word in the title) in the following bibliographic format (which is the format for all result screens for all eight searches):

    Surname: Voorhies
    Article Title: Mckinley Voorhies-Eulah Halliburton, Arkansas
    Periodical: Record
    Volume: 35 . . . . . . Number: (1994)

If a search produces multiple results from different journals, or if the results pane is too small to read, the researcher should single left-click on the HITS tool on the tool bar. This will group all the results together for easier viewing and printing.

If the researcher now double left-clicks on the name of the periodical, a new window appears showing three things: 1) a list of the libraries that have the journal in their collections, 2) a complete bibliographic citation for the periodical, and 3) a link labeled “Click here to see all articles from this periodical.” These features are active in all the result screens of all eight search buttons. If the researcher wishes to print out the citations, the following procedure must be used (after grouping the results with the HITS tool):

  1. Single left-click on the TAG tool.
  2. Hold down the SHIFT key (keep it depressed through step 5).
  3. Single left-click to the left of the result anywhere between the first line and last line of the first result.
  4. Move down the results list to the last result.
  5. Single left-click to the left of the result anywhere between the first and last lines of the last result.
  6. Release the SHIFT key.
  7. Then single left-click on FILE from the menu bar, select PRINT, and single left-click on it.
  8. The printouts cost 10 cents per page and may be paid for at the front desk.
To obtain copies of articles found through PERSI, the author recommends consulting the HPL computer catalog to see if Clayton or one of the other HALAN libraries owns the periodical.4 If the periodical cannot be found locally, it may be possible to obtain a copy by contacting the periodical’s publisher. Also, many state libraries have collections of periodicals of state-wide interest and will provide copies if requested. If all else fails, copies can be obtained directly from the Allen County Public Library. Ordering copies from the Allen County Library can be expensive, however, as there is a service charge of $7.50 (added to the cost of the copies).

Example 2: Search for U.S. & Canadian Articles by Location and Keyword. To initiate this type search, single left-click on the SEARCH FOR U.S. & CANADIAN ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND KEYWORD button. A data entry screen appears that has two data entry windows: Location and Keyword. If a location is not specified, the search engine will default to both the U.S. and Canada. Place the cursor in the Keyword window, type the name “verret” and then single left-click the OK button. This produces one result as follows:

    Surname: Verret
    Article Title: Beret-Deschamps
    Location: Québec
    Publication: Entraide Généalogique
    Volume: 3 . . . . . . Number: 4

Notice that this is a Canadian publication. To obtain copies of French language Canadian titles, the author recommends writing La Féderation des familles-souches inc. at C.P. 6700, Sillery, Québec G1T 2W2, CANADA (e-mail: ffsq@mediom.qc.ca). Although it is best to write in French, La Féderation will respond to letters written in English. For English language Canadian titles, write or e-mail the provincial library of the province in which the journal is published. Provincial library addresses can be obtained from any Internet phone book or from the Canadian consulate here in Houston. Addresses are also available on the web page of the National Archives of Canada (http://www.archives.ca/index.html).

Example 3: Search Article Titles by Keyword. To start this type search, left-click on the SEARCH ARTICLE TITLES BY KEYWORD button. A new data entry screen appears. For this example, type “german coast” in the data entry screen under “Keyword.” Then single left-click the OK button. A single result appears (in the same format as shown in the previous example).

Example 4: Search for Foreign Articles by Location and Keyword. To start this type search, left-click on the SEARCH FOR FOREIGN ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND KEYWORD button. A new data entry screen appears. For this example, type “la rochelle” in the data entry screen under “Keyword” and “france” under “Location.” Then single left-click the OK button. Three results appear (again, in the same format as in the example above).

Example 5: Search Surname Section by Surname. This is perhaps the most used of all PERSI searches. To begin the search, left click on the SEARCH SURNAME SECTION BY SURNAME button. A new window will appear with a data entry screen. Type in a surname, for example, “voorhies.” Then single left-click the OK button. This produces the exact same results obtained on the GENERAL KEYWORD SEARCH (ALL PERSI) when the keyword “voorhies” was entered.

Example 6: Search for “How-To” Articles by Record Type and Keyword. This type search allows the researcher to locate useful articles on how to use certain types of records, e.g., census, tax lists, etc., or how to go about finding a needed piece of data, e.g., a woman’s maiden name. Begin by single left-clicking on the SEARCH FOR “How To” ARTICLES BY RECORD TYPE AND KEYWORD button. A new data entry screen appears. For this example, type “maiden name” in the “Keyword” data entry screen. Then single left-click the OK button. One result appears, “Twenty Ways to Find a Maiden Name” in Quest, vol. 9, no. 4. Expanding the search to include record types and different keywords will increase the number of “How To” articles that can be found on a given subject.

Example 7: Search for Articles by Location and Record Type. To begin this type search, left-click on the SEARCH ARTICLES BY LOCATION AND RECORD TYPE button. A new data entry screen appears. Under “Locality,” type “tennessee” and “davidson.” In the data entry screen under “Record Type,” type “probate.” Then single left-click the OK button. Two results appear in the same format as in previous examples.

Example 8: Search for Periodicals by Title, Topic, and/or Publisher. To perform this type search, left-click on the SEARCH FOR PERIODICALS BY TITLE, TOPIC, AND/OR PUBLISHER button and then enter the desired search words as in previous examples. This feature of PERSI is a general search engine for finding theme related periodicals, the name of a periodical published by a particular genealogical society, or articles for which the researcher needs the full bibliographic citation. Search results are displayed in the same format as previous examples.

As can be seen from the examples, all of the PERSI search mechanisms have similar user interfaces and the search results are displayed in the same format, so the system is easy to learn. Once the basic PERSI search methods are understood, researchers should practice using them to conduct more and more complex searches. This will open up a whole new world of resources for the serious genealogist. As with all Clayton Library finding aids, assistance in getting started with PERSI can be provided by the library staff.

The next article in this series will delve into the more complex aspects of PERSI and how to use the PERSI search features in combination with the Biography and Genealogy Master Index (GaleNet) and with Ancestry.com.

Notes

1. Instructions for installing the requisite software can be found through the HPL homepage at http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us. Follow the link “Databases Online at Houston Public Library” to the link “You need to follow these instructions to enable remote access.” There is also an overview of these instructions in Robert de Berardinis, ”Using WorldCat and HPL’s Interlibrary Loan Service for Genealogical Research,” The CLF Newsletter, vol. 14, no. 1, (February 2000), pp. 9-13. Researchers can also get assistance from any HPL branch library or from HPL’s telephone reference line, (713) 236-1313.

2. Clayton Library’s access to PERSI is provided through a subscription to Ancestry.com. The same type access can be obtained by individuals who wish to use PERSI on their home computers. At the time of this writing, the minimum subscription price was $59.95 per year.

3. If a dialogue box appears asking for the “.nfo” file, the system has failed to locate the file persi.nfo. To clear the problem, select the persi.nfo file from among those listed in the dialog box and hit ENTER. If the persi.nfo file does not appear in the dialog box, it will be necessary to search for it on another drive. Those unfamiliar with such procedures should contact a Clayton Library staff member for assistance.

4. For use of which, see Robert de Berardinis, “The WebPAC Electronic Catalog System: A new tool for library research,” The CLF Newsletter, vol. 13, no. 4 (November 1999), pp. 12-15. Local researchers may also wish to access the electronic catalogs of Fondren Library (Rice University) and M. D. Anderson Library (University of Houston) at http://www.rice.edu and http://www.uhouston.edu, respectively.

END


Originally published as:

Robert de Berardinis, "Houston Public Library On-Line Databases: Saving Time with PERSI, Part One,"
The CLF Newsletter XIV (May 2000): 6-10.

All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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