Online slide presentation: In addition to the tips in this help file, a powerpoint presentation on searching the database is available for online viewing.

Downloadable slide presentation: This presentation has a few more slides and is geared towards presentations by library staff.

Gettting Started: Selecting a Region

Search a single region

Searching and browsing the database begins with selecting a region to search. The map on the main page outlines the nine regions and lists the counties in each region. Click on the map to select a region.

 

Search the whole state

You can also search the whole state from the Search All New York link just below the map.

 

Search multiple regions

You can search several regions of the state at the same time from the More Seach Options page. To get to that page select any region from the map on the main page. The next screen is the basic search screen and there is a link to the More Search Options just below the main search boxes.

Basic Search Screen

• You can search the database by either Program Category, Keyword or a combination of both.
• Program Categories can be selected from the drop down menu box.
• Keywords can be entered in the keyword search box. The keyword search searches the Performer Name, Stage Name, Program Name and Description fields of the database.
• Enter one or more keywords. The search function will look for all of your keywords (i.e.: Boolean "and") in the indexed fields.
• To search for singular or plural forms of a word, enter the base of the word. (e.g.: clown will find any word beginning with clown - clown, clowns, clowning....)

Search Tips

• Limited Searching
  • Can't use quotes " " to limit to a phrase.
  • Can't use OR to expand search.

• Find All Programs in a Region
  • Select the region from the main page.
  • Leave the Search By box set to All Categories.
  • Leave the Keyword box empty.
  • Click on Search.
  • All programs in that region will be displayed.

• Find All Programs in a Major Category
  • Select the region from the main page.
  • Find the section of the page where the sample programs for that major category are displayed.
  • Click on the [ MORE ] link at the bottom of that section.
  • All the matching programs from that category are displayed.

• Find All Programs in a Sub Category
  • Select the region from the main page.
  • Select the Sub Category from the Search By drop down box.
  • Leave the Keyword box empty.
  • Click on Search.
  • All the matching programs from that sub category are displayed.

More Search Options

Each regional page has a link to More Search Options. This search page allows keyword searching of Program Name, Performer/Stage Name, and Program Description. Drop down menus provide limits by Program Category, Audience Level, Program Fees and Date Added/Updated. Check boxes let you select which Regions you want to search. The only requirement is to select a Region. You can use all the other search elements in any combination.

 

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The New York State Performers and Programs database (http://www.performersandprograms.com) , serving public libraries in New York State is supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to The New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.