• By SUBJECT HEADING: Each reference in the database has been placed under a subject heading. The simplest way to search for a reference is to browse the drop-down list of SUBJECT HEADINGS to find the one most relevant to your search. Subject headings are grouped in four sections -Community Life, Personal Life, Domestic &Family Life, and Working Life.
  
  or
  
• By SHIC (Social History & Industrial Classification) CODE NUMBER: If you know the numerical SHIC code for the subject you are interested in, type this in the relevant box. This will take you to the firstBASE subject heading which covers your area of interest. FirstBASE subject headings are broader than individual SHIC codes, so you will find references to allied subjects as well as the one you are researching.
  
  or
  
• By using the FREE TEXT search facility: Enter the main word or words describing the subject you are interested in. FirstBASE will list the subject headings where this word appears. Then choose the subject heading most relevant to your search.

Once you have found the subject heading most relevant to your search, firstBASE will show you the bibliographic references for that subject. From this you can move to listings of other relevant types of material by following the links menu displayed on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

References to all types of material are grouped in batches and the total number of entries is given, as in a conventional search engine. By clicking on the "print results" button, you have the option to print each group of references. More detailed information for many of the references may be displayed by clicking on the "More..." prompt.

On each page there is the option to move back to the search facility and begin a new search, or move to another subject heading.

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Creating firstBASE
The mammoth task of compiling this resource will call upon the knowledge and skills of many members of SHCG and museum professionals elsewhere. In this way the project will embrace the whole community of museum professionals, collectors and academics.

A small editorial committee headed by Steph Mastoris of Leicestershire Museums, now head of the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, was established in 2000 to create the extension to the SHCG website and plan and oversee the compilation of the database. Currently the team includes Catherine Nisbet (Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery), Briony Hudson (Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum), Sherri Steel (York Castle Museum), Jill Holmen (Epping Forest Museum) and Zelda Baveystock (National Museums Liverpool).

Most basic subjects have been covered since 2002 and updates are now made as the need arises.

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Contributing to firstBASE
Have you recently researched an exhibition, article or book and have useful references to share with others? Does your museum have significant collections relating to one or more topics that you would like to make more widely known?

There are several ways to make a contribution in electronic form. Visit the Contribute page to find out more.

Alternatively, you can send your contributions in word processed or printed form. These will then be entered into firstBASE.

Once peer-reviewed, all contributions will be added to the main database.

Compilers of all contributions will be credited. The copyright for this information will rest with the Social History Curators Group.

To find out how to contribute now please visit the Contribute page.

Email us at Steph.Mastoris@museumwales.ac.uk for more information.

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