Current issue of Consumer Reports now available through SFPL databases

You can now see the most current edition of Consumer Reports online by using the Library's InfoTrac OneFile and EBSCOHost Magazines databases. Previously, one could not use these databases to view the most current issues within a 90 day time frame.

Both of the databases provide scanned pdf files so that all of the illustrations and graphs are included - everything you would see if you picked up a paper copy.

If you would like to view this magazine but are not sure how to access it, please come by the Magazines and Newspapers Center information desk or email us at magazinesnewspapers@sfpl.org, and we will be happy to guide you.

Finding Magazines Through Google Book Search

One of Google's longstanding missions has been "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." In a blog post from the Official Google Blog, Google has expanded its Google Book Search to incorporate magazine articles into this specialized online collection. Some titles include Ebony, New York Magazine, Popular Science, Vegetarian Times, and more.

To search specifically for articles from magazines, access the Advanced Book Search page and limit your search to magazines:

Once you find a title, you can explore the individual issues withing a specific set of years, click on any given cover, browse through the contents just as you would if you had the magazine in your hands, and peruse the magazine page by page, search through a specific issue, and more. While this collection is not complete, Google plans to add more digitized images to this archive as time goes on.

Remember that if you cannot find a specific magazine or issue, you can still rely on the Magazines & Newspapers Center, and we'll be happy to help you.

A Radical Struggle for Education

Photo courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

The 1960s marked a time of radical change, and many student-led movements in academic institutions for a culturally relevant curriculum gave birth to what we know today as Ethnic Studies. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Third World Student Strike (Note: This link leads to a video) at San Francisco State University (formerly known as San Francisco State College). In 1969, the College of Ethnic Studies was born from that historical struggle.

Amerasia Journal, Aztlan: A Journal of Chicano Studies, Journal of African American Studies, and Latin American Perspectives represent some of the scholarly publications from various ethnic minority groups in our collection here at the Magazines & Newspapers Center:

Amerasia Journal - A leading (and oldest published) academic disciplinary journal in the Asian American Studies field, this academic journal includes articles discussing culture and literature of displacement, mixed-race identities, and examination of memories of war.

Aztlan: A Journal of Chicano Studies - An interdisciplinary journal dedicated to scholarly research relevant to or informed by the Chicano experience. Includes submissions from the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Renowned as a "vanguard for over 35 years," this journal brings Chicano Studies into "critical dialogue with Latino, ethnic, American, and global studies."

Journal of African American Studies - A peer-reviewed quarterly journal that publishes theoretical, empirical, and sociological research on people of African descent, serving as a multidisciplinary forum for social scientists engaged in the analysis of the struggles and triumphs of Black males.

Latin American Perspectives - A scholarly journal that offers "extensive, well-researched, and annotated articles that discuss a single topic of pressing importance in Latin America." Features critical issues relating to capitalism, imperialism, and socialism as they affect individuals, societies, and nations.

The late 1960s certainly marked a time of radical change for higher education as evidenced by the scholarly research that continues to prevail in the aforementioned journals.

Furthermore, to commemorate the struggles and efforts in the spirit of the Civil Rights movement, be sure to check out the San Francisco Black Panther Party exhibition featuring "photos, newspapers and memorabilia that explore the personal and historical significance . . . in 1968 in the Fillmore district." This exhibition runs till March 12, 2009 in the Main Library, third floor, African American Center.

Lincoln Lore

He is immortalized on copper pennies and five-dollar bills. He sits at the west end of the National Mall in Washington D.C. We honor him every year on the third Monday in February. This former president of the United States is none other than Abraham Lincoln--the 16th president of the United States who led American soldiers of the Union through the Civil War.

This month, in honor of the bicentennial of Lincoln's birthday, the Magazines & Newspapers Center highlights Lincoln Lore, a bulletin published by the The Lincoln Museum. The editors of this quarterly publication seek to "interpret and preserve the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through research, conservation, exhibitry, and education."

Each issue features researched and reflective articles on different aspects of Lincoln's life during his presidency, interviews with historians and writers, vintage photographs, special exhibitions, conferences, and more.

Furthermore, be sure to check out the national traveling exhibition--"Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times"--at the Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library which runs from February 5 to March 5. This exhibition is organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The Library will also be presenting related lectures, documentaries, and book readings. Stay tuned for upcoming events throughout the month of February and March.

Photo courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

ABCs of Digital Scanning

Digital scanning is an increasingly popular means of capturing images and text. The San Francisco Public Library offers a range of scanning options. Let the Herb Caen Magazines & Newspapers Center staff introduce you to high resolution microform and flatbed scanning.

In this one-hour session for beginners, you will learn:

How to read, scan and capture images from our microfilm, microfiche and periodicals collection.

How to edit, save, e-mail, and print digital images in the format of your choice.

- Address: 100 Larkin St. (at Grove)
- Location: Main Library, Fifth Floor,
Magazines & Newspapers Center, Microfilm Room
- Event Date and Time: Monday, February 23, 2009 (Noon - 1 p.m.)

Reminder: Blog Survey Ends February 16

Just a reminder to ask you to please take our blog survey when you have a spare minute or two. Again, your responses will help us determine the focus and viability of this blog.

http://tinyurl.com/c9gd6x

Thanks!