Roy,
You raise some interesting points. However, I myself consider such
archaeological mailing lists as this as one source for information. As I
have an ever-growing list of archaeological websites, many with search
engines, I have also consulted them, along with various library databases.
However, my own thoughts would be to start with historical records as
opposed to archaeological and them work to see how such records could be
proved archaeologically.
For example, much as regards railway studies can be found not so much in
railway publications, but also public records office records, and
engineering publications. For example, I found a most interesting
engineering book containing some interesting information regarding the
building of the Canadian Pacific Railway and including the difference
between the system used as opposed to the system in use in Britain at the
time, which enabled it to be built in record time.
I have no doubt that the student in question has other means at their
disposal (as they are based at Bristol Uni). It was my suggestion that the
enquiry be posted to archaeological mailing lists. Unfortunately, although
I did delete the IND-ARCH off my multi-post, I neglected to remove the
RAILWAY-STUDIES list, for which my apologies for any confusion caused.
Brian Longstaff
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 July 2001 19:55
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Enquiry
In a message dated 27/7/01 11:28:55, [log in to unmask] writes:
>"I was considering doing my dissertation on vegetarianism in the
>archaeological record and wondered if you could give me guidance on books
>and journal articles on this subject and where to find them."
I'm very surprised that this has been posted to Railway Studies but may I
repeat something I have said before. As a librarian brought up in the bad
old
days, I know that there is no substitute for hard work searching through
indexes and abstracts. I know that many people gave up along the way. They
wanted a "quick fix". With the advent of computers the whole process has
been
considerably simplified. Librarians are there to help, are paid to do so and
they should be used.
Where exactly has this student looked? Indexes, abstracts, internet,
specialist library? Which instituion is s/he connected with? Has s/he
consulted a librarian? This information should be presented before
assistance
is requested.
I'm not against people giving advice, but the student learns nothing about
searching for themselves and becoming an independent learner. People who are
not able to do this simply open themselves to manipulation by others in
society. It's interesting to read in the latest issues of "rail" and "Modern
Railways" how people are now interpreting the Government's railway policies
over the past four years, with the ECML franchise the latest in the
"blunders". I wonder how many people believe Stephen Byers or, after a few
years, would know where to find the information to disprove what he said.
Roy Killey, MLS ALA Cert Ed
28 Howe Lane
Nafferton
DRIFFIELD
YO25 4JU
01377 254718
(Formerly Academic Liaison Librarian, Design and Communication Systems,
Anglia Polytechnic University; now MPhil student researching into psychology
of transport)
"Information IS power, but for many who wield that power, THINGS have come
to
matter more than people"
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