Thursday, February 27, 2020

New Database - American Underworld: The Flash Press

Link:
https://login.ezproxy.usd.edu/login?url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/readex/?p=HN-UNFP
About:
From crime and scandal to brothels and blackmail, the Flash Press covered the seamier aspects of urban life in the mid-19th century. Though stopping well short of pornography the editors played a delicate game with the authorities, often moralizing against the very topics they covered, which included prostitution, gambling, urban gangs, illicit sporting activities, and sensational crimes.  To many of their readers, the Flash Press also conveyed an implicit threat of blackmail, which often led to very ephemeral print runs.

Unlike the “low-life” characters that they covered, the Flash Press journalists were often members of the cities’ wealthy class, and many of them were accomplished writers. Both their articles and their literary efforts are noteworthy examples of 19th-century American satire and humor.
Where does the content come from?

The newspapers in this collection were collected by the American Antiquarian Society, whose curators assisted Readex with the selection of these titles.

What time period does it cover?

The publication dates of the papers run from 1826 to 1876.

What’s in it?

This database provides access to a unique, rare, short-lived and often bawdy form of journalism. It covers many topical categories including but not limited to:

  • Satirical and often humorous articles on the illicit, low-life aspects of life in the city
  • Urbane critiques of bordellos and their inhabitants
  • Original poems and songs devoted to off-color episodes and characters
  • Interviews with and articles about the most notorious “rakes” of the era
  • Extensive coverage of police activities and sensational crimes and trials
  • Detailed lists of ongoing criminal investigations, some of which are highly satirical
  • Reviews of the bawdiest theatrical performances
  • Reports on both legal and illegal sporting events such as cock-fighting, bare-knuckle boxing, and horse racing
  • Reporting on gambling and noteworthy gamblers
  • Rare and detailed coverage of the underground economy of urban America in the 19th century

How can I use this content in my research project?

The collection provides researchers with many points of departure covering a wide array of areas of research such as:

  • 19th Century History
  • 19th Century Literature
  • Gender Studies
  • LGBT Studies
  • Women’s Studies
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Economics of underground and criminal activity
  • History of law enforcement
  • History of Journalism
  • 19th Century Urban Life
  • Media Studies

More info: 

Monday, February 24, 2020

2020 Census is Coming Soon


When Does the Census Start?
April 1, 2020 is officially Census Day. Notices and forms will start arriving in the mail in March 2020. For households that don’t respond to the census, nonresponse follow-up begins in April 2020 and wraps up at the end of July 2020. The 2020 Census will be the first time you can take the survey online.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people, both citizens and noncitizens living in the United States. The data collected through the Census helps determine legislative representation, conduct research, craft public policy, and allocate government funds.

How are College Students Counted?

The Census Bureau conducts counts of people where they live and sleep most of the year. Parents should leave students off of their forms, even if they will return to live at home after they leave college. Otherwise, they may be counted twice.

If you live in off-campus housing that is not owned, leased, or managed by your college or university, such as a private house that you share with other students or a privately owned apartment, you can respond online, by phone, or by mail beginning in mid-March 2020. You should count yourself at your off-campus address, even if you spend time somewhere else during school breaks.

If you live in on-campus student housing such as residence halls, off-campus residence halls, or other student housing facilities that are owned, leased, or managed by your college or university, U.S. Census Bureau employees will work with representatives from your building to ensure that you are counted. You may be asked to complete an individual census form.
If you are an international student, the same rules apply.

Where Can I Find a Sample of the Census Questionnaire?
A sample questionnaire can be found on the Census Bureau website.
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/technical-documentation/questionnaires/2020.html

Where can I get more information?
You can visit the Census Information Libguide at:
 http://libguides.usd.edu/census

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

New Database- Academic Video Online - AVON

AVON

Academic Video Online (AVON) is the most comprehensive video subscription available to libraries. It delivers almost 68,000 titles spanning the widest range of subject areas including anthropology, business, counseling, film, health, history, music, and more.

Link to database:
https://login.ezproxy.usd.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/channel/academic-video-online

Research Guide (searching tips, embedding course content and more): https://proquest.libguides.com/academicvideoonline




Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Web of Science scheduled maintenance

Web of Science will undergo scheduled maintenance on Thursday, February 13th, 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST. 

Access to all WoS databases may be intermittent during this maintenance window.  A banner containing this notification appears in the following URL: https://apps.webofknowledge.com/

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.