The National Archives is producing a series of “primary source’’ document packages intended to give high school, college, and adult readers the information and analytical tools they need to examine texts from difficult passages in American history. The first three titles in the series were released this summer. They explore “Watergate,’' “Women in Industry in World War II,’' and “Internment of Japanese Americans.’'
Each of the 45- to 48-page booklets contains a preface, the historical context for the documents included, an introduction to document analysis, a list of primary documents related to the subject, 9 to 14 document reproductions, suggestions for further reading, instructions on using the National Archives, and a separate note to instructors outlining questions and activities for further study.
The series was developed by archives staff members with assistance from other archivists and from the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, and the Community College Humanities Association.
For further information or a brochure on ordering units at a cost of $5.95 per booklet, contact Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2460 Kerper Blvd., P.O. Box 539, Dubuque, Iowa 52004; (800) 338-5578.
“Votes for Women: The Fight for Suffrage’’ is another historical-document portfolio now available to precollegiate students.
Comprising five broadsheet essays and 14 primary-source documents, the kit traces the people and events of the woman’s-suffrage movement. It includes, in addition to articles and speeches of the time, fund-raising posters, handbills, and other resources. Intended for use by teachers and students at the middle school and high school levels, the package also features a teacher’s guide with additional information on the material, a suggested reading list, and lesson plans.
Created in conjunction with the Museum of American Political Life, “Votes for Women’’ can be ordered for $27.95, plus $3.75 shipping, from Golden Owl Publishing, P.O. Box 503, Amawalk, N.Y. 10501.
To photocopy or not to photocopy? A new guide tailored to schools, public libraries, and colleges aims to help clarify for librarians the intricacies of federal copyright law as it relates to duplicating and other uses in the public domain.
Written by a lawyer and library specialist, The Library Copyright Guide provides a detailed explanation of the library-photocopying section of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976, as well as definitions of fair-use copying and performance rights as they apply to library video showings, storytelling, recitals, and more.
The guide is published by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, a Washington-based organization of educators and media specialists, which is also offering, in a second new book, a model copyright manual that could be customized to meet the needs of any school district or college.
Adoptable Copyright Policy includes a model policy statement for boards of small and large institutions, as well as explanatory manuals for students and faculty. The book is available on I.B.M. disk.
The Library Copyright Guide costs $29.95 for members of the association and $39.95 for others. Adoptable Copyright Policy is $27.95 for members, $34.95 for others. Both have a $3 shipping and handling charge. For information, contact the A.E.C.T., 1025 Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 820, Washington, D.C. 20005; (202) 347-7834.
African-Americans are not taking part in the computer revolution, according to a self-taught computer whiz who is young, black, and has written a book designed to reverse that trend.
Eno Essien, a recent graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, got the idea for The Black Computer Survival Guide from surveys he took during two independent-studies classes. He says that though African-Americans are the biggest consumers of noncomputer electronic items, computer manufacturers have not pitched their wares to the black audience. He also says the lack of a “computer atmosphere’’ within the black community--the subject is seldom discussed--makes it difficult for young people to pick up the information and self-confidence that might ease their way into better-paying jobs.
In the 84-page manual, Mr. Essien offers hints for learning word processing, data bases, and spreadsheets; tips on buying computers, software, and accessories; and information on computer maintenance and repair. An appendix lists local minority computer-users’ groups, recommended magazines, and a glossary of computer terms.
The Black Computer Survival Guide retails for $8.75. For further information, contact Blackk Inkk Research Group, 255 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 109, Oakland, Calif. 94610.
More than $150,000 worth of hardware, software, and networking services will be awarded to schools and school districts in the “New Knowledge Networking Awards,’' sponsored by Educational IRM Quarterly and Novell, a software company. Dennis Bybee, the editor of the quarterly, says that K-12 educators who come up with the best designs for “high-quality and innovative networking systems’’ for their schools or districts will be outfitted with the tools to make their plans a reality.
Entries should be postmarked by Dec. 1, 1992, and sent to New Knowledge Awards, 1787 Agate St., Eugene, Ore. 97403-1923. For further information, call (503) 346-2403.--S.R. & S.K.G.
