Library has 411—July 18, 2008
Information abounds at the Hastings Public Library! Whether one is trying to identify the stamps and coins found at grandma’s house, trying to repair your 1994 Ford Mustang, adding a pond in the backyard or planning a trip the answers can be found in a book or in one of the many electronic resources available through the library.
“Reference USA,” an online database that can be accessed by Hastings Public Library users with a valid library card, provides a wealth of information. The business section can be searched by city, state, metropolitan area, type and size of business, name of executives in the business or any combination thereof. Details about the company are also available in addition to a direct link to the company’s website.
The residential section of the database contains name, address and phone number for people in the United States. If you are looking for a long lost friend, classmate or relative this database may help you find them.
Details of world news from 1940 to today can be found quickly at Facts.com. Going on a trip to a foreign country? Check out what’s been happening there recently. Who won the academy awards in 1958? Is Fay Wray, the actress who was in the 1933 version of King Kong, still alive? Answers to these questions and many others can be found in Facts.com.
Looking for a good investment (if that is even possible now)? Check out the stock profiles in “Value Line.” It is available in the print version at the library or online that can be accessed from the library or your home computer. For mutual fund information check the biweekly updates in the print version of “Morningstar” at the library.
Stuck for what to read next? Check out “Fiction Connection” online or Ebsco’s “NoveList” for suggestions.
“ALLDATA,” an automotive database, provides trouble codes, technical service bulletins, and specifications for model years 1982–current. This database can be accessed only at the library. The library also has Chilton’s, Motor’s and Haynes car repair manuals for some older model vehicles.
For genealogy research “Heritage Quest” and “Ancestry.com” databases are excellent places to start. “Heritage Quest” can be accessed from your home, but “Ancestry.com” is available only at the library. The world of genealogy continues to grow; new data is being added daily online. Check out some of the genealogy links on the library’s website.
Of course, when you’re not sure where or how to start looking for the information you need, ask the library staff. Often, they’re faster than “Google” and they will be able to lead you right to what you’re looking for, saving you hours of fruitless searching.
