Africana Conference Paper Index at Northwestern University

The Northwestern University Library would like to announce that the Africana Conference Paper Index (AFRC) is now available to remote users. Below is a brief description of the index and the Herskovits Library followed by technical specifications required for the connection.

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The Africana Conference Paper Index (AFRC)

AFRC, the online Africana Conference Paper Index, is an index to the individual papers of Africana conference proceedings held by Northwestern University Library in Western European languages. The creation of this index has been made possible by a Department of Education Title IIC grant. As of September 1, 1995, AFRC provides access to about 56,000 individual conference papers, 1982 to the present. All conference proceedings added to the Herskovits Library's collection are being indexed in AFRC. Plans are underway to make conference papers prior to 1982 in Northwestern's collection accessible in AFRC. AFRC provides access to individual conference papers by author, paper title, conference name, keyword, and the Dewey call number of the conference proceeding. Most materials listed in AFRC circulate. Circulation information is available by searching for the conference proceeding record in NCAT, the main Northwestern online catalog. Remote users should request conference proceedings through their local institution's interlibrary loan service.

The Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies at Northwestern University

Established in 1954, the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies at Northwestern University is the largest separate Africana collection in the world. The library's collections include over 245,000 volumes, 2,500 current serials, 300 current African newspapers as well as comprehensive collections of sheet maps and atlases and many research materials in microform. The collection includes about 10,500 books in African languages and an extensive and fully indexed vertical file collection, major collections of rare books, archival and manuscript collections, video tapes, and various forms of electronic information. The library has a specialized staff who serve not only the University community, but regional, national, and international scholars as well. They assist researchers and visitors, answer telephone inquires, and reply to correspondence from all over the world. The Herskovits Library staff are available to help users Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and by special appointment at other times.

For further information about the Herskovits Library please contact:

David L. Easterbrook, Curator Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies 1935 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208-2300 Telephone: (708) 491-7684 FAX: (708) 491-8301 Email: africana@nwu.edu

Accessing the Africana Conference Paper Index (AFRC)

Dial-up access to AFRC is available. The number is 708-491-3070. Configuration for the modem software is "7 data bits," "1 stop bit," and "even parity." Access to AFRC is also available using TELNET. The INTERNET address is LIBRARY.UCC.NWU.EDU (IP address is 129.105.54.2). You must use 3270 terminal emulation to connect. Once connected to the introductory screen, select AFRC.