stereotypical single woman

If you’re a resident of Michigan you need to go to MeL.org (Michigan E-Library.) Right now. Seriously, go check it out and come back, I’ll wait.

If you’re not a Michigan resident, sorry, you can’t access this, and you’re really missing out. But at least you can take consolation in the fact that you’re living in a state or country that’s not in a huge economic recession. If you’re not interested in something you can’t access I understand, you can leave, it won’t hurt my feelings. I’ll miss you, but tomorrow I’ll have baby pictures to show you to make up for tonight.

As for you Michigan residents - you’re back???? Why so soon? - it’s so cool, surely you couldn’t have seen everything. Oh, wait, you don’t know where to go, do you? And of course you’re not going to ask directions. (Don’t lie, I know you all too well.) First click on “see databases from home.” Can you believe the amazing selection? Overwhelmed yet? Now figure out what you want to look for, select the relevant database, enter either your library card number or driver’s liscence number, click search and you’re good to go. And if you can’t choose just one database pick “search multiple databases” at the top and it’ll do a cross search for you. You will find shit you didn’t even know existed. And if you’re a geek like me you’ll practically orgasm at all this new information, so you might want to make sure you do this at home the first few times until you learn how to control yourself.

Okay, if you’re a student or faculty at a major research university the list pales in comparison. And sure, I use the school databases for research, but the stuff at mel.org is practically extracurricular research. (yes, I know, I’m a big geek) Genealogy? It’s there - check HeritageQuest Online. Academic journals? Sure, there’s lots of them, take your pick. A database that recommends fiction based on what you search for? check NoveList. Searchable full text books? Get on NetLibrary. But my very favorite database is CAMIO - Catalog of Art Museum Images Online. It is just loaded with high res images from all the major art museums in this country. There’s watercolors, prints, photographs, sculptures etc… Personally I’ve been looking up the paintings and textiles I studied while at UNC, (because costume research also requires a basic study of art history/history, sociology, textiles, and chemistry) and every time I find something I spent hours analyzing it’s like finding old friends I haven’t seen in a long time. And every time I see something new it just makes my inner costume geek giggle with glee. C’mon, look at this tabbard circa 1704.

Whether you look at it and think “what kind of dork lost a bet and had to wear this” or are just stunned when you realize that absolutely everything on it was hand done - including dyeing and weaving the fabric - there’s not doubt that it’s just amazing. And the fact that I can sit here wearing my pajamas, with a cat snoring on my lap, and drinking a glass of wine while viewing it is even more amazing.

Seriously, every resident of Michigan needs to use this resource. Our tax dollars pay for it, it’s a well put together site, and if we don’t use it there’s always a chance that we could lose it.