Free Research Classes
The State Library offers regularly scheduled and on-demand classes in the use of Library research sources and methods. All classes are held at the Maine State Library. Directions
To register for any of these classes, complete the online form in the right sidebar or call 287-5600 and ask to sign up for a research class. Pre-registration is required for these classes due to limited space in the computer lab.
Check this page often for up-to-date class listings. We look forward to seeing you!
Further Assistance:
The Maine State Library provides equal access in its programs and services. If you need accommodations, please contact Reference at 287-5600.
Scheduling classes for groups:
If you would like to schedule one of these classes for a group (your friends, co-workers, classmates, club members, etc.) and none of the times shown here meets your needs, we may be able to arrange a time just for you. A minimum of 5 participants is required.
Please contact Reference at 287-5600 or at Reference.Desk @maine.gov to arrange for a group class.
Class Descriptions
- Word Processing on the Run: Google Docs (1½ hours)
- The goal of this class is to become familiar with Google Docs - an Internet-based word processing package. Google Docs is similar to Microsoft Office but resides on the Internet and is FREE. In this class you will learn how to register with Google Docs, use templates, write and proofread a letter, and save and retrieve your work. This course will be of special interest to people who use the Maine State Library as their primary computer access point since Google Docs is compatible with all the Internet computers at the Library.
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- Google a Resume (1½ hours with optional second 1 hour review session)
- The goal of this class is to create a sophisticated resume using Google Docs software. Google Docs is similar to Microsoft Office but resides on the Internet and is FREE. Once you have created an account, you can access documents created in Google Docs from any computer connected to the Internet. During this class, students will register with Google Docs and learn how to select and use a template to create a resume. An optional second class will provide students with the opportunity to revise and edit their resume.
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- Google a Resume follow-up (1½ hours)
- This session is open to individuals who have completed the Google a Resume class. Resumes created in that class will be reviewed.
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- In the Beginning, Part 1, Starting Genealogy, (1 ½ - 2 hours)
- Explore the basics of genealogical research. Discover the resources that the Maine State Library has to offer, including free access to Ancestry and HeritageQuest, plus family histories, vital records, Maine Old Cemetery Association records and much, much more. Research using the computerized catalog will be included. Start your family research with confidence!
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- In the Beginning, Part 2, Finding Your Roots, (1 ½ - 2 hours)
- In this class we’ll continue the basics we started with and spend more time using the card catalog, URSUS, through exercises and practice. Then we’ll have a tour of the main floor of the library, emphasizing the areas and sources that would be most useful to a genealogist. The last part will be a “scavenger hunt”, with participants drawing assignments from a hat; hopefully, all will return triumphantly with treasures!
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- In the Beginning Part 3: Branching Out on the Web, (1 1/2 - 2 hours)
Some of the best genealogical resources on the Internet will be covered in this last part of our introductory genealogy classes. Some of the sites and databases covered will include Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index, CyndisList.com, HeritageQuest and the Maine State Archives’ marriage and death listings. Let’s find those elusive relatives!
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- Web Searching, (2 hours)
- This course is designed to present an overview of the Internet. Following individual student’s areas of interest the class will cover:
- Finding and evaluating web sites
- Establishing a personal web presence via email and social networking
- Keeping up-to-date on topics of interest with news feeds
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- MARVEL! 1: Drawing on Hidden Resources: using MARVEL!, (1 ½ hours)
- There are parts of the Web that search engines never find, yet these sites may have valuable resources for everyone. In this class we'll explore MARVEL!. This valuable collection of resources is available free to all Maine residents, and includes newspapers, online encyclopedias, magazines and journals (and full-text articles), e-books, and images. This class will show you how to find resources that will benefit professionals in every field, students, and all information-seekers.
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- MARVEL! 2: Digging Deeper into MARVEL!, (1 ½ hours)
- With over 60 individual databases MARVEL contains a wealth of information on a variety of subjects. This advanced search class will concentrate on a single subject area such as business, education, healthcare or literature. Courses will be scheduled as needed. If you have a group in interested in an in-depth course please contact us to schedule it.
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- URSUS and Other Online Catalogs, (1 hour)
- URSUS is the online library catalog used by the Maine State Library. In this class you will learn how to find books on thousands of topics. You'll be able to look for them by title, author or subject. You'll also learn how to request books from other libraries if the Maine State Library doesn't own them. And you'll discover that you can do all this at the library or from home. Additional OPACs including MaineCat, WorldCat and Google books will also be introduced.
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- Wanted Fiction Readers MARVEL! Ursus and Beyond, (1 hour)
- Do you love to read novels? Are you looking for a good book to escape with for a while? Would you like to read a novel with a particular character? Have you read everything by your favorite author and don't know what to read next? This class is for you. Come learn how to use NoveList, NextReads, the Gutenberg Project, Google books and other online resources for fiction readers. You will learn to find lists of award-winning novels, and books grouped by category (mysteries, romances, adventure, etc.). You will also learn how to find books in series, E-books, and full text online books.
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Computer software:
The library is no longer offering classes in specific software applications. Alternative sources for this material include local Adult Education Departments, Community Colleges, and other educational institutions.
Online tutorials are also available for a variety of common software applications. Examples include:
- Microsoft Office Products: Official Site offering tutorials in both 2003 and 2007 versions of the software.
- Baycon Group: Baycon Group provides tutorials on a growing list of computer-related topics. All tutorials are in depth, comprehensive, online, and -- best of all -- absolutely free.
- Education Online for Computers: Free and member online software training.
If you are interested in classes on using the Internet, but are unable to attend our workshops in person, there are web sites that may help you. A listing of some of these can be found on our Internet Tutorials page.
