Visiting The Library

One of the things that I like the most about using the Internet is the ability to look for resources.  Why spend time creating something from scratch when it may already be available online and given away for free?  I am also a bit of a history buff, so I love to look for historical books or articles online.

The Internet Archive is a non-profit online digital library that is dedicated to the permanent preservation of information online.  Their stated mission is to provide “universal access to all knowledge.”  This service, similar to a modern day Library of Alexandria, preserves audio, video, television shows, software and books for everyone to access easily.  It consists primarily of digitized books from major libraries and user submitted content.

Spend some time playing around with the search engine.  There is literally a wealth of information buried in the online catalogs.  If you produce your own podcasts or videos consider submitting your own content to add to the library.  There is someone somewhere who would benefit from your knowledge.

Here are a few searches related to Methodism:

• American Methodism collection: http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=collection:(americanmethodism)
• John Wesley: http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=john%20wesley
• Historical Journals of The North Carolina Annual Conference: http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=north%20carolina%20methodist%20conference
• Sermon podcasts on Stewardship: http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=methodist%20sermon%20stewardship
• Historical Journals of General Conference: http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=general%20conference%20united%20methodist%20church

Here are a few of my favorite searches (not necessarily related to Methodism):

• September 11th, 2001 TV archive: http://www.archive.org/details/sept_11_tv_archive
• Top 40 Free Legal Movies You Can Download: http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2010/08/11/top-40-best-free-legal-movies-you-can-download-right-now/
• Old Time Radio (OTR) Shows: http://blog.archive.org/2009/03/09/kick-back-with-old-time-radio-shows/