Answers to Frequently-Asked Reference Questions

"gry" Riddle

There are three words in the English language that end in "gry." One of the words is hungry, the other is angry. What is the third word? STUMPERS-L is a Listserv (an online email discussion group) in which librarians from all over the world help each other answer reference questions. STUMPERS-L maintains a searchable STUMPERS-L Archive of all the questions and answers which have been submitted to the discussion group and also a Stumpers Frequently Asked Questions Page. Librarians and researchers are the primary participants in this discussion group, but anyone may search the archives. It is here that you will find answers to such questions as the perennial favorite: Click here to get to the STUMPERS-L Frequently Asked Questions page, and you will learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about this question.

Inflation Rate

Where can I find the inflation rate for any given year? How is the inflation rate calculated? This question is more complicated than most people think. There are many different calculations of inflation rates for various aspects of the economy in the United States. However, the most common inflation rate is based on the Consumer Price Index. NASA's Inflation Calculators website will allow you to calculate the inflation rate for years between 1913 and 1998. It also includes other Inflation Calculators.

Census Records for Individuals

I am working on my family history. Can I find census records for individuals on the Internet? Many people are finding the Internet very useful in conducting genealogy and family history searches. Unfortunately, official individual census records are not available for free on the Internet. The Census Bureau website provides much information (and it is well worth visiting for valuable statistical information) but does not include this much sought after resource. The National Archives used to interloan microfilm for a nominal fee but no longer does so. Your best bet for looking for census records is to visit either the historical society, central public library, state library or government document depository library in the community where the person you are looking for resided. There are many other resources available on the Internet for conducting genealogy searches. Visit Mid-York's Sites by Subject page for some great genealogy links.

This page was developed and is maintained by Beverly Choltco-Devlin, MYLS Reference Consultant. Last updated on 20 January 2000.

Mid-York Library System, 1600 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, NY, U.S.A. 13502; http://www.midyork.org; e-mail comments to: suggest@midyork.lib.ny.us