Access - Chapter 6

Hi Team, 

Another subject draws to a close.  Was it just me or did the time just fly by for this subject?!?  Before you know it we will be seeing Christmas decorations in the stores.

Chapter six

This week we go through the final chapter in our handbooks.  This chapter is solely dedicated to using State Records “Archives Search”.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to practice using this system give it a go now.  Just make sure that you don’t place any orders for the records!

There are some things that you have to consider when using Archives Search. 

• The search function of Archives one is NOT the same as Google or other common search engines;
• You must click the search button to activate the search, hitting ‘enter’ will result only in a new line;
• Spelling is crucial, this is not an intuitive system like Google that has a guess at what you might mean.  In Archives One, a misspelled word will result in a zero or minimal result;
• When typing the word ‘and’ as part of a search criteria you must capitalise the word ‘AND’ so that they system recognises that your search is for something + something else.  Failure to do this will result in your list including every document with the word ‘and’ in it.  Example of a correct search is “library AND schedules”. 

Don't forget to check out each of the search options listed under the “access catalogue” link on the left hand side of the webpage.

Keyword search:  This is not the KWAAA or GDS/RDS Keyword, but is designed for the general public to use, often people enter names, suburbs, topics or other unique identifying words.

Series search: This requires knowledge of the GDS, RDS or MRS (Municipal Record Series) numbers;

Direct search: This requires knowledge of the series or agency ID number;

Name search: Searches on names that have been indexed into the collection;

Passenger lists: Searches for  any passenger lists in the collection between 1845-1886; and

WWI photos: Searches any of  the indexed digitised images in the collection – these can also be viewed on the SRSA Flickr account.

If in doubt, click on the hyperlink on the website and an explanation pop-up will appear.

You may also want to test yourself by completing the individual activities that are in your handbooks on pages 87, 89 & 90.  There were some interesting searches that you will be able to conduct.  I am continually amazed at the amount & topics of records that are in our collection. 

Next week

Is a free week for all students to catch up with any outstanding assignments.  We will begin Information Management in the coming week so course material will be sent out sometime next week.  This will be our last subject for the course.

Have a great week folks :)

Ciao,

Melisa