The premise of this pathfinder is to introduce those intrigued by the Celtic history of Europe, and in particular the seventh kingdom of the Celts, Galicia, situatedin the northwestern corner of Spain, to access and be informed by its content and associated sources.
In essence, this guide is at hand for the provision of the general reader to better understand the notion of Celtic culture from the fifth century BC to the present day in this extremely beautiful and verdant region in northern Spain.
Pathfinder
Sections comprise of the following:
- Search recommendations via library catalogues
- Historical information relative to Galicia
- Specified resources detailing Celtic influence in Galicia
- Digitised documentation
- Comprehensive details on population, locations, and events
- Advanced Research: Celtic Spain
Subject Guide
Search recommendations via library catalogues
Apply essential phrases that are found by accessing (for example) the State Library of New South Wales Subject/Theme Headings content box and by implementing your personal understanding to initiate the search. Developing a list of terms is achieved by seeking relevant phrases within the allocated library' OPAC catalogue listings under "Subject" and to find keyword terms may be sourced from within the contents and index pages of the relevant book/reference resource.
Search Phrases
Celts, Galician History, Keltoi, Gauls, Galicia and Spain, Celtic Spain, Celto-Iberians, Suebes and Visigoths, Modern Celts, Ethnic groups in Europe, Atlantic Spain, North-Western Spain, Celtic Europe
Also, there are numerous State Library of New South Wales "Subject" fields that will assist in furthering the location of relevant resources, particularly by employing the NLAs free search service TROVE, a vast repository of interlinked information resources across various formats.
SLNSW Subject - Keywords
Celts - Europe - History
Civilization, Celtic - History
Europe - Antiquities, Celtic
Europe - Ethnic Relations
Excavations (Archaeology) - Europe
Galicia - (Spain:Region) - Description and travel
Galicia - (Spain:Region) - Civilization - Periodicals
Spain- Antiquities | Portugal - Antiquities | Spain - History - To 711
Spain - History - Gothic period - 414-711
Historical information relative to Galicia
These collective resources have been sourced to ensure concise and relevant information on Galicia and its Celtic history, from the fifth century BC to the present day influence of the culture within this north-western Spanish region.
- Gemie, S. (2006). Galicia: A Concise History. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.
- The Celts in Spain.(2009) In Spain Then and Now. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from Spain Then and Now website: http://www.spainthenandnow.com/spanish-history/the-celts-in-spain/default_35.aspx
- Beswick, J.E. (2007). Regional Nationalism in Spain: Language Use and Ethnic Identity in Spain. Bristol: Multilingual Matters Ltd.
- Caballeira, H.E. (2013). Galicia: A Sentimental Nation. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.
- Miller, F.P., Vandome, A., McBrewster, J. (Eds.). Galicia. Berlin: VDF Publishing House.
- http://www.museodopobo.es/
Specified resources detailing Celtic influence in Galicia
These specified resources on the Celts and in particular of their movement within northern Spain, allows the reader to better comprehend the chronology of tribal movement within Galicia and its surrounds, focussing on lifestyle, crafts, and architecture.
- Woolf, A. (2013). A Short History of The Celts. London: I.B. Tauris & Co Ltd.
- Young, S. (2009). Celtic Revolution: In Search of 2000 Forgotten Years That Changed The World. London: Gibson Square Press.
- Saunders, T. (2011). Celtic influences in the north of Spain and the roots of heresy. Llanon, UK: The Electric Book Company. (Kindle Edition)
- James, S. (2005). The World of The Celts. London: Thames & Hudson
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulvgVixij_I
This video gives a fascinating insight into the Galician Celtic identity - via cultural influences through music, architecture, literature as detailed by custodians of the musical culture, accordionist Phil Cunningham and famed Galician musician, Carlos Nunez; an interesting and visual documented feast on Galician Celtic heritage.
Digitised documentation
Library catalogues provide the relevant information resources/materials which may include reference volumes, books, anthologies/compendiums, audio-visual materials (Microfilms, microfiches, DVDs, CDs, and other forms of digital reproductions); though the catalogue will not direct you to specific journal articles/reviews, and associated printed forms. To access such information employ the aforementioned techniques as prescribed above, that is search by using phrases and/or keywords, and collate a similar list as seen earlier in this blog.
Whilst varying forms of literature may present the reader/researcher with extensive and profound documentation on the related subjects about Celtic Galicia for the most part, a broader and more diversified range of focal subjects and resources pertaining to Celtic culture in Galicia may be accessed via different digitised information portals/databases through the Internet. Nevertheless, such materials maybe not be as comprehensive as what may be contained in written volumes, and therefore it would be advisable to use an amalgam of the two techniques - books and journals - to enhance any research options.
Digital History Sources
Comprehensive details on population, location, and events
Digitised documentation
Library catalogues provide the relevant information resources/materials which may include reference volumes, books, anthologies/compendiums, audio-visual materials (Microfilms, microfiches, DVDs, CDs, and other forms of digital reproductions); though the catalogue will not direct you to specific journal articles/reviews, and associated printed forms. To access such information employ the aforementioned techniques as prescribed above, that is search by using phrases and/or keywords, and collate a similar list as seen earlier in this blog.
Whilst varying forms of literature may present the reader/researcher with extensive and profound documentation on the related subjects about Celtic Galicia for the most part, a broader and more diversified range of focal subjects and resources pertaining to Celtic culture in Galicia may be accessed via different digitised information portals/databases through the Internet. Nevertheless, such materials maybe not be as comprehensive as what may be contained in written volumes, and therefore it would be advisable to use an amalgam of the two techniques - books and journals - to enhance any research options.
Digital History Sources
- Hyper History : (http://www.hyperhistory.com)
- Ebsco: (http://www.ebscohost.com/public/world-history-collection)
- JSTOR: (http://www.jstor.org)
- Celtic Digital Initiative: (http://www.ucc.ie/academic/smg/CDI/index.html)
- Brepolis: (http://apps.brepolis.net/BrepolisPortal/default.aspx)
Comprehensive details on population, location, and events
Numerous reference resources are available on the various Celtic tribes that inhabited the north-western corner of Spain, including their dispersion and events that proved crucial in their emergence and demise, as well as digital and audio resources that further enhance and perpetuate the mystique and realism within this period of history, providing an essential reference point.
- Lorrio, A. J., & Ruiz-Zapatero, G. (2005). The Celts in Iberia: an overview. e-Keltoi: Journal of Interdisciplinary Celtic Studies, 6, 1-88.
This analytical interpretation of the Celts in the Iberian Peninsula is provided with linguistic, archaeological, and written references combining academic principles into the history of the "Celtic" derivation. Iberian Celtic tribal groups (Celtiberian, Vetton, Vaccean, the Castro Culture of the northwest, Asturian-Cantabrian and Celtic of the southwest) are then analysed to contrast the modern interpretation of "Celtic Identity" in Europe.
- Alberro, M. (2008). Celtic Legacy in Galicia. E-Keltoi, 6, 1005-1034.
Galicia's Celtic claim is revised and studied in the often academically scrutinised assumption of Celtic nationhood. As in the previous paper chronological studies encompassing historical, ethnographic, linguistic, and archaeological studies, assess and debunk the notion of Galicia's non-affiliation within the Celtic league of nations.
- Novoa, J.M. (Director). (2011). The Celtic Legacy [Documentary]. Spain: Explora Films, TVE, Canal de Historia.
What was happening in Galicia while Stonehenge was being built? What is the meaning of those megalithic dolmens? Who did they defend themselves from in their walled forts? Was there really a Celtic culture to speak of? Through this exhilarating tale with dramatised recreations and 3D reconstructions, viewers travel back in time to the primaeval Gallaeci forests to discover the history of the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula, from the Megalithic period to Roman influence on Castro culture. Burial mounds, petroglyphs, fortified cities, stone sculptures and exquisite gold jewellery define an era lost in time that is crucial to understanding our own history. (Source: http://www.irun.org/oiasso/home.aspx?tabid=1043)
Advanced Research: Celtic Spain
Being an extremely interesting, historically fascinating and important region in the proliferation of the Celts civilisation, these sources will endeavour to further inform the reader into the significance of Galicia as one of the great Celtic nations.
- Richardson, D. (Director). (1986). The Celts [Documentary]. UK: BBC.
A fantastic and in-depth journey into the origins, growth, and influence of the Celts and their culture within Great Britain and across mainland Europe, presented by Frank Delaney.
Advanced Research: Celtic Spain
Being an extremely interesting, historically fascinating and important region in the proliferation of the Celts civilisation, these sources will endeavour to further inform the reader into the significance of Galicia as one of the great Celtic nations.
- Cuncliffe, B; & Koch.T.J. (2010). Celtic from The West: Alternative perspectives from Archaeology, Genetics, Language and Literature. Oxford: Oxbow Books.
An interesting volume assuming the idea of Celtic languages having derived from the Atlantic region during the Bronze Age with - as the title of the book alludes to - assessing perspectives relative to archaeology, genetics, language and literature, thus giving the reader a divergent theory of the relationship between long held assumptions of Celtic origins from the Rhine Valley to newly established Western European beginnings.
- Robb, G. (2013). The Ancient Paths: Discovering the lost Map of Celtic Europe. London. Picador (Pan Macmillan).
Reinterpretation of pre-Roman Europe through the discovery of ancient paths that were deft and precise maps oriented to the solar movements as ascribed to the Celtic sun-god. Fascinating insight into Celtic culture within mainland Europe and northern Spain as revealed through the discovery of these 2000 year old maps.
Pathfinder Process : Approaches Used
In the construct of this pathfinder it was created and intended to be used by librarians, students, researchers, et al. With pathfinder structure, one will ultimately employ the one best suited as they do differ from library to library. This process listed encompasses five comprehensive steps essential in creating a functional and resourceful pathfinder.
1. Concise Title, Introduction & Scope
Introduce the topic as this enables the prospective reader to better understand the premise and context of its theme; this will subsequently allow the reader to ascertain its relevancy for research.
Remember that the pathfinder is a research tool and thus needs some knowledgeable application on its usage, particularly for those patrons not versed with the layout.
2. Resources
An essential part of the pathfinder process involves the provision of electronic and printed resources. These may include the following:
It is advisable to incorporate published and digital formats, especially if the library frequented has a vast online catalogue of relevant resources as such availability of information will encourage interested patrons to remotely interact with these sourced materials, particularly if free online resources are readily accessible within the contents of the pathfinder.
Take consideration when assessing the patronage targets whilst in the process of creating intricate research tools, particularly if the pathfinder is directed at undergraduate and post-graduate university students - make them viable and easily accessible. Such intricate and beneficial research tools within the pathfinder will require guidance as to their use.
3. Searching Guideline
Steer library patrons in the direction of the in-house library catalogues or digital reference points, OPACs and the like; it is a clear and succinct pathfinder that will best guide you in the direction of the relevant information resources required.
Some useful points to consider:
Simplest way to initiate a search is access the library catalogues or OPACs particularly if accessing publications and digital/audio resources (DVDs, CDs, and eBooks) as it is quite a basic and straight-forward information retrieval process in accessing library materials/resources.
For instance, if creating a pathfinder on African-American crime writers in Crime Fiction, search parameters such as the following might be useful:
a) Type “Himes, Chester” rather than “Chester Himes” when searching by author
b) “American Noir”, “Hard-Boiled Fiction”, “Harlem Cycle”, etc. may be useful phrases whilst applying a "keyword" search.
c) Literature by African-American crime writers within certain catalogues would include the following titles “The Crazy Kill”, “If He Hollers Let him Go", and “Rage in Harlem,”.
d) “Subject” search would be begin like this: Himes, Chester, 1909-1984; Himes, Chester, 1909-1984 - Crime - Fiction.
e) Guidelines on accessing digital/interactive catalogues are most advisable when searching various databases; these may be interlinked with the library being used and provide supplementary catalogue access to vast information repositories such as Libero, Libraries Australia, Trove, etc.
f) Lack of digital and online catalogue access to relevant resources may require further instruction on searching and accessing such printed materials within the library; this may be complimented by educating clientele on the safe guidelines into accessing dependable digital resources.
4. Well Structured Pathfinder
Make certain that the pathfinder is well-structured to better convey a level of practicality and functionality particularly when addressing a patrons respective user level. Provide a general summary of resources, then make a gradual advance to the more detailed aspects of the subject matter.
This may be exemplified by a pathfinder centred on a particular style of music initiated within a generic guidebook article, this then diverts into varying facets of that musical style, such as origins, etymology, cultural influences, etc. These "diversions" are further specified into subsections; origins > ethnicity, which then branches into more specified sections entailing influence, countries, etc.
It pays to include a plethora of accessible resources all through the pathfinder (as in the assessment above); including digital/audio materials, literature, journal excerpts, reviews etc.
5. Relevant Information; Easily Accessible
Make sure the structure and the scope of the pathfinder is well-defined and to the point.
Ensure the content of the pathfinder, that is the subject matter, is sufficiently specific without the need for excess information resources to further access the designated subject.
Adequate information resources should allow the patron to competently seek and access their designated subject, as well as those resources provided in the pathfinder and how to utilise the resources.
Pathfinder Process : Approaches Used
In the construct of this pathfinder it was created and intended to be used by librarians, students, researchers, et al. With pathfinder structure, one will ultimately employ the one best suited as they do differ from library to library. This process listed encompasses five comprehensive steps essential in creating a functional and resourceful pathfinder.
1. Concise Title, Introduction & Scope
Introduce the topic as this enables the prospective reader to better understand the premise and context of its theme; this will subsequently allow the reader to ascertain its relevancy for research.
Remember that the pathfinder is a research tool and thus needs some knowledgeable application on its usage, particularly for those patrons not versed with the layout.
2. Resources
An essential part of the pathfinder process involves the provision of electronic and printed resources. These may include the following:
- Reference Literature (Handbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, compendiums, bibliographies)
- Books (Chronological information and detailed documentation on the pathfinder)
- Articles/Reviews (Accessed digitally online from various publications including: journals, gazettes, magazines, and associated periodicals,)
- Online resources (These can include weblogs, educational institute web pages and associated curricula , web portals, organisational websites, and an infinite number of various resources)
- Multimedia/Interactive Resources (Digital audio/visual recordings, etc)
- Indexes and Abstracts
It is advisable to incorporate published and digital formats, especially if the library frequented has a vast online catalogue of relevant resources as such availability of information will encourage interested patrons to remotely interact with these sourced materials, particularly if free online resources are readily accessible within the contents of the pathfinder.
Take consideration when assessing the patronage targets whilst in the process of creating intricate research tools, particularly if the pathfinder is directed at undergraduate and post-graduate university students - make them viable and easily accessible. Such intricate and beneficial research tools within the pathfinder will require guidance as to their use.
3. Searching Guideline
Steer library patrons in the direction of the in-house library catalogues or digital reference points, OPACs and the like; it is a clear and succinct pathfinder that will best guide you in the direction of the relevant information resources required.
Some useful points to consider:
Simplest way to initiate a search is access the library catalogues or OPACs particularly if accessing publications and digital/audio resources (DVDs, CDs, and eBooks) as it is quite a basic and straight-forward information retrieval process in accessing library materials/resources.
For instance, if creating a pathfinder on African-American crime writers in Crime Fiction, search parameters such as the following might be useful:
a) Type “Himes, Chester” rather than “Chester Himes” when searching by author
b) “American Noir”, “Hard-Boiled Fiction”, “Harlem Cycle”, etc. may be useful phrases whilst applying a "keyword" search.
c) Literature by African-American crime writers within certain catalogues would include the following titles “The Crazy Kill”, “If He Hollers Let him Go", and “Rage in Harlem,”.
d) “Subject” search would be begin like this: Himes, Chester, 1909-1984; Himes, Chester, 1909-1984 - Crime - Fiction.
e) Guidelines on accessing digital/interactive catalogues are most advisable when searching various databases; these may be interlinked with the library being used and provide supplementary catalogue access to vast information repositories such as Libero, Libraries Australia, Trove, etc.
f) Lack of digital and online catalogue access to relevant resources may require further instruction on searching and accessing such printed materials within the library; this may be complimented by educating clientele on the safe guidelines into accessing dependable digital resources.
4. Well Structured Pathfinder
Make certain that the pathfinder is well-structured to better convey a level of practicality and functionality particularly when addressing a patrons respective user level. Provide a general summary of resources, then make a gradual advance to the more detailed aspects of the subject matter.
This may be exemplified by a pathfinder centred on a particular style of music initiated within a generic guidebook article, this then diverts into varying facets of that musical style, such as origins, etymology, cultural influences, etc. These "diversions" are further specified into subsections; origins > ethnicity, which then branches into more specified sections entailing influence, countries, etc.
It pays to include a plethora of accessible resources all through the pathfinder (as in the assessment above); including digital/audio materials, literature, journal excerpts, reviews etc.
5. Relevant Information; Easily Accessible
Make sure the structure and the scope of the pathfinder is well-defined and to the point.
Ensure the content of the pathfinder, that is the subject matter, is sufficiently specific without the need for excess information resources to further access the designated subject.
Adequate information resources should allow the patron to competently seek and access their designated subject, as well as those resources provided in the pathfinder and how to utilise the resources.
