WKU Libraries is happy to announce the acquisition of a new online database: The American Civil War: Letters and Diaries. This resource contains material from over two thousand authors with 100,000 pages of letters, memoirs, and diaries. Many of the sources have not been published anywhere else.
The American Civil War: Letters and Diaries knits together more than 1,000 sources of diaries, letters, and memoirs to provide fast access to thousands of views on almost every aspect of the war, including what was happening at home. The writings of politicians, generals, slaves, landowners, farmers, seaman, wives, and even spies are included. The letters and diaries are by the famous and the unknown, giving not only both the Northern and Southern perspectives, but those of foreign observers also. The materials originate from all regions of the country and are from people who played a variety of roles.
Using a thesaurus of Civil War terms we’ve built specifically for the task, researchers can quickly find references to individuals, battles, theaters of war, and activities. A chronology of key events allows the user to see multiple perspectives surrounding a particular event. This level of indexing is unprecedented. Questions such as “Give me all accounts of letters written about hospital conditions by Union soldiers in the Western Theater” can be answered in seconds.
The collection includes approximately 100,000 pages of published memoirs, letters and diaries from individuals plus 4,000 pages of previously unpublished materials. Drawn from more than 1,000 sources, the collection provides in-depth coverage of all aspects of the war. More than 1,000 biographies will enhance the use of the database.
The collection includes one of the most comprehensive bibliographies of Civil War letters and diaries yet published. It lists over 1,000 published and unpublished items from a variety of sources, including online resources and microform. Subscribers to the collection are encouraged to participate in the maintenance of this bibliography by calling our attention to omissions, suggesting additions, and notifying us of newly discovered materials.
To access the resource from on campus, click here. From off campus, you can log into our proxy server and access the resource on our database page.
Another successful Noon concert season at Java City in Helm comes to an end this Wednesday with a performance by Nashville rock and roll trio Stickman. Lead singer/songwriter Stickman’s diverse and heartfelt sound combines with a grounded, honest sound that allows him to connect easily with listeners. Take a little time out before the end of the semester to catch this last concert. As always, thanks to Independence Bank for their sponsorship. More info about the group and their music can be found 
Come to see gorgeous photos of South China displayed in Room 100, Helm Library. Turn right as you come in from the Java City.
Well, I’m a little behind because of all the fun we had at The Writer’s Conference and Book Fest. What a great concert on Wednesday by Screen Door Porch. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the lively mix of modern and traditional folk. And yes, another beautiful day so they were on the patio outside of Java City in Helm library.
Under beautiful skies in Bowling Green on Wednesday, New York folk band Benyaro entertained a large crowd at Java City with their hard driving sound. What a Spring we’ve had, great music and beautiful days. All good things must come to an end though, the Spring 2010 concert series is no exception. Join us next week for the final concert of the semester featuring Nashville rock & rollers Stickman. More about their music can be found at 
