Naomi Sato-Dame
Professor Booth
HUM 142
13 June 2011
New York Public Library
My search service evaluation that I was assigned is “New York Public Library (NYPL)”. It is a library that is of the greatest scale in the world. There are three main libraries, eighty branches and four research purpose libraries. Also, the library possesses a collation of valuable historical books like “Gutenberg Bible” or “Capote’s manuscript”. While the name includes “Public” a corporation actually operates the library not the city. Upon entering the website, a large pop-up window appears asking for donations. The simple interface has adjusting text size which I like for my aged eye. The site design with in good taste and all information directing straight forward. The library is free for residents of New York, while non-residents and non members can still utilize some of its search and digital galleries. A new technology for the copyright runs out with the portrait digital library it calls “Digital Gallery”. “Ask NYPL” section has useful link that helps web visitor/researcher. On this site, I cannot find the sponsored links.
I clicked on "Find books, DVDs & More" title then “What Do You Want to find?” it came up with detailed sub-sections. One colligation search area, Articles & Databases, Digital Gallery, E-Books & Audio books, Manuscripts & Archives, Special collections, Braille & Talking Books, Other collections, Recommendations, and Featured resources such as downloadable songs. I never thought the library could do so many things but it makes sense. Everything in the world can found there by starting with a question and clicking research. For centuries people have learned and have been schooled through books from a library. I am sure everyone has experienced a library’s unique atmosphere, like the high ceilings, the quietness and the scent. Even after finishing a formal education the library is a resource for life. The step by step research process is based on all published information and not based on edited information like Wikipedia. I tried their search engine and if you know what you are looking for, it’s much easier to utilize the detailed search engine (As their search box says) and bingo! My results came up.
I entered “Internet Communication” in the colligation search area which returned 1,661 results. It took a bit of time but amazingly short considering the task. It contained a summation with photography on the cover. It clearly showed a variety of literature. Next I entered “Internet Humanity” there were only 14 results. Both searches also showed the path and information of the resources where the data was found. i.e. Search found in (title/subject/author), Format (microform/book/web resource/VHS/map), Collection (circulation/non-circulation/adult/young adult/children’s/more), Location, Language and Publish Data. I was curious how it compared with the Alden Library database so I clicked “web resource” and copied ISSN: 1933-5954. It showed up on the Alden Library database as well. I also entered ISSN: 1933-5954 into Google books advanced search and as a result it did not match any documents.
The New York Public Library which I cannot fully use as I am a non-member still allows me to search and I can view valuable collections from the digital gallery or book references that apply with my local library. Next time I visit New York, I will definitely stop by. I believe that when looking for trusted information, consider checking this or your libraries search engine and compare with internet search engines like Google or Yahoo. We are surrounded by many channels of information; with open eyes and minds we can then see through to the right information.
Work Cited
New York Public Library. <http://www.nypl.org> Web. 7 June 2011