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  • How to use PERSI (Periodical Source Index) for genealogy research
    • Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee
    PERSI Periodical Source Index
    PERSI Periodical Source Index.

    The Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is a valuable tool for genealogists, providing access to a vast collection of articles, journals, and newsletters related to genealogy and local history. PERSI can help you uncover unique records, stories, and information about your ancestors that might not be available in other sources. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use PERSI effectively in your genealogical research.

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    What is PERSI?

    PERSI (https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/) is an index of periodicals that includes:

    • Local and regional historical society publications
    • Genealogical society newsletters and journals
    • Family histories
    • Articles on specific surnames, locations, and topics

    PERSI does not provide full-text articles but rather citations and abstracts that guide you to the original source.

    Accessing PERSI

    PERSI is available through various platforms, including the originator of PERSI - Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. This library may offer in-person access or help you with interlibrary loan requests.

    Searching PERSI

    When using PERSI, consider the following search strategies:

    • Keyword Searches: Start with broad keywords, such as a surname or a location. You can narrow down by adding additional terms (e.g., "Putman family New York").
    • Browse by Subject: If you’re looking for information on a particular topic (e.g., military records, church records), you can browse PERSI by subject.
    • Search by Place: Enter a specific location to find articles related to that area, which can be particularly useful for local history and context.
    • Search by Surname: Use surnames to find family histories or articles focused on particular families.

    PERSI components

    The search results in PERSI will include:

    • Title of the Article
    • Name of the Publication
    • Volume and Issue Number
    • Publication Date
    • Abstract or Summary

    Make note of the citations as you will need these details to locate the full article.

    Accessing complete articles

    To access the full text of the articles you’ve found in PERSI:

    • Order via ACPL: Access the PERSI Article Order Form (https://www.genealogycenter.info/pdf/Article-ORDER-FORM.pdf), complete and mail to ACPL with payment or email Genealogy@ACPL.Info.
    • Interlibrary Loan: Use the citation to request a copy through your local library’s interlibrary loan service. WorldCat (https://search.worldcat.org/) can help you locate the nearest library.
    • Visit the Library: If possible, visit the Allen County Public Library or another library that holds the periodical.
    • Contact the Publisher: Reach out to the historical or genealogical society that published the periodical for a copy.

    Using Information from PERSI articles

    Once you have the articles:

    • Extract information: Note down relevant dates, names, and events.
    • Cross-Reference: Compare the information with other sources you’ve gathered to verify accuracy.
    • Document sources: Keep detailed citations of all the articles you use for future reference.

    See also

    Explore more about PERSI

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