Library Research & At the Library www.ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2082.asp Steps 4 & 5 What preparations should you make before leaving your home, and what should you.
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Library Research & At the Library www.ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2082.asp Steps 4 & 5 What preparations should you make before leaving your home, and what should you look for once you arrive at the library. 1. You could make a list of all research centers and libraries near you 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Public libraries Family history library Local historical societies Genealogical societies College libraries 2. Decide which one you want to visit, check for the days they are open and the times – Is there an orientation tour? • • – Are there special requirements? • – – Picture ID – may require you be a member or resident Do you need to sign up in advance for • – – Do you have to schedule it ahead of time? You could meet a good contact person? Microfilm readers, fiche readers or computers What kind of parking is available and is there a cost Are there restaurants nearby? You should take a break and clear your mind. Are laptops allowed in the library? What is their policy. – Remember the better you explain your research to the librarian the better they can direct you. – Remember good organization of your material helps you to know where you are going and where you want to go from there. – Having your material with you for your research will help you to evaluate your research session – Most importantly, write down your research objectives! • What do you want to find? Remember the Who, What, Where, When and Why questions. 3. Organize your tools and what you need to take with you. • • • • • • • • • • Pencils – libraries do not like ink, maybe even a sharpener Reading glasses – can make a difficult item to read easier Magnifying glass Yellow cellophane – this is can help take the glare of the film readers and make it easier to read Blank research forms – logs, family group, census, etc. Tissues – some books become very dusty Change – to make your copies. The FHL now has CD machines that you can save your documents to, instead of photo copying. Stapler Ruler Any other supplies that you feel you need to use Some Librarians could get annoyed with you, if you do not go to the library prepared with necessary tools, Be Prepared!! At the Library • Remember that most of the librarians are volunteers • They are there to assist you and not do your research for you • Make sure you have your material organized and easily understandable • Make sure you take your Pedigree chart • Take advantage of a Library orientation tour, if one is provided • Learn what materials are available and where they are located • Learn how to use the special equipment such as copy machines, readers, and copiers • Learn about any special holdings • Always allow plenty of time for your research. There is nothing more frustrating than having to leave just as you find something your were looking for • Take breaks during your research sessions Become familiar with • • • • • • • Local histories Reference and Self-help materials Genealogy magazines Published family histories General Indexes Newspapers Maps and gazetteers You could Begin by Searching 1. Published family histories 2. Local histories 3. Utilize the collections of local newspapers Remember!!!! 1. Always document all information you find!! Using correct bibliography techniques 2. Don’t get sidetracked, follow your research plan 3. Be patient and persevere 4. Have realistic expectations 5. Above all have fun, that is what Genealogy is all about Kinds of Libraries • • • • • • • • • • • Local Public Libraries Local Historical Society Libraries Local Genealogical Society Libraries County Public Libraries County Historical Society Libraries State Libraries State Historical Societies Regional Research Libraries Ethnic Genealogical Society Libraries National Libraries General Reference Sections of any Library Local Public Libraries • • • • Maps Records containing to the local area Histories of the area Whitmore and Sandy libraries have quite a collection • Harold B. Lee library at BYU has a great map section among other great items Local Historical Society Libraries • Excellent information relating to the community • Pictures • Artifacts • Maps • Clothing Local Genealogical Society Libraries If you ancestor lived in one area for a long period of time, these libraries can have: • Early settler information and histories • Only copies of information done by local historians County Public Libraries • Can have information relating to their town boundaries • Most information can be contained under one roof • Good example is the Allen County Public Library. It has evolved from a county library to a world class genealogical research center County Historical Society Libraries • Similar to Local libraries, except they can contain: – Information on the entire county – Have displays or dioramas that make the history come alive State Historical Libraries These can contain information for both the historians and genealogists. Usually located at the local historic building Regional Research Libraries • There are several of these – New England Historic Genealogical Society – Godfrey library This is a great place to visit or join if you have New England ancestors Ethnic Genealogical Society Libraries • Virtually every ethnic group in the United States have and maintain a research facility – American-Canadian Genealogical Society – Manchester, New Hampshire. Has information on Franco-American, Acadian and French-Canadians National Libraries • These are very large libraries and hold a lot of information – National Archives in Washington DC • Large collection of genealogical information, Federal records, census, military and public land records – Family History Library – Salt Lake City • World’s largest collection of primary and secondary sources Not all libraries use the same numbering system. You have to learn each library General Resources • At the general resource sections of the libraries you will find: – How to books that can point you in the right directions for your research – “A beginner’s guide to Family Research” – “Directory of Family Associations” – Ancestry’s Redbook – State, town & county resources – The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy Using the how to books can help to direct you in the paths you should go in your research. Other sources to consult are: Historical maps Published family histories – you could find a book dedicated to your family – these are at the family history library and are being digitized. Society News Letters & Publications Ancestry Magazine, Family Tree Magazine Various library news letters Some publications have places to submit queries for your research • Federal Materials – Indexes to various census – Some libraries (larger ones) have the actual census films • Computers – Collection of CD’s for research (Ancestry.com) – Connected to the internet – At libraries the computer use time could be limited Above all remember to keep your research log up to date! And it is ok to let out a little yelp when you find something on one of those missing ancestors. Other Resources Available • Military – Lists of various wars – Pensioners lists – Regimental histories – Journals and indexes for patriotic societies – DAR Library Web Sites • www.cyndislist.com in the search box type “libraries” and then look for libraries and historical societies in your area of research • www.NewEnglandAncestors.org If you have family from the New England states, this is a great resource – pay site • In your favorite search engine type “your state, and libraries” or type “genealogy libraries” search your links • http://www.archives.gov/research_room/alic/refer ence_desk/library_links.html National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Also check out the main site at http://www.archives.gov/research_room/genealo gy/index.html • www.oaklandfhc.org Oakland California FHC • http://www.genhomepage.com/libraries.ht ml Library list at Genealogy.com’s home page • http://www.daddezio.com/society/hill/ A Directory of Historical Societies in the United States, Canada and Australia. • http://web.syr.edu/~jryan/infopro/hs.html U.S. State Historical Societies & State Archives Directory • www.godfrey.org $35.00 a year membership. Newspapers, census, Persi, and many books online. • http://history.utah.gov/utah_history_resear ch_center/index.html Utah History Information Center. They have a catalog online to search, and many old photos • http://www.lib.utah.edu/circ/index.html Marriott Library at the University of Utah Newspaper Web Sites • http://www.paperofrecord.com/ pay site • www.ancestry.com pay site (membership) • http://www.ourfutureourpast.ca/newspapr/np_home.asp Alberta Newspaper collection Free access • http://news.halinet.on.ca/ Southern Ontario newspaper and indexes Free access • http://www.proquest.com/ New York Times and Wall Street Journal – pay site or get at the libraries and universities • http://thestar.pagesofthepast.ca/ Toronto Star – pay site • http://www.theoldentimes.com/ 18th,19th and 20th century newspapers • http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/news/ncp.html Library of Congress Newspaper Reading Room • http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/ Newspaper Abstracts • www.cyndislist.com Type newspapers or “newspaper archives” in the search box • http://www.usgenweb.com Finding Ancestors in the Library • • • • • • • • • • • • http://catalog.loc.gov http://www.nypl.org http://www.harvard.edu/libraries http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/amicus/index-e.html www.bl.uk www.natlib.govt.nz www.nla.gov.au http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb www.abebooks.com www.bookfinder.com www.godfrey.org they have books with family information Do a google.com search for books of your family