Episode 34: Genealogy Research at Public Libraries

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Did you know that there is a gem of a genealogical resource right in your own backyard?  Well, at least in your own neighborhood. And also in just about every neighborhood where your ancestors lived.  The Public library is one of the most under-estimated sources of genealogical information around, but in today’s episode we’re going to change all that!

I have invited Patricia Van Skaik, Manager of the History and Genealogy Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to join us here on the podcast.  In this episode she’s going to give us the inside scoop on the unique genealogical resources that are tucked away in public libraries just waiting to be discovered…

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Transcript

Unique Benefits of a public library:

  • City Directories
  • Maps
  • Obituary Indexes
  • Partnerships with local societies and clubs, and organizations (access to databases)
  • Unique library expertise
  • Genealogy education programs offered
  • Better Hours than most government run agencies.
  • Free

TIP:  Check with the public library in each location where your ancestors lived

TIP:   Genealogy is what local constituents want.

TIP:   Get involved and make requests at your local library if you want more genealogy

What you can do before leave home:

  • Do as much advance preparation as possible
  • Search the online catalog and identify the books and resources you want

ONLINE SEARCH TIPS:

Look for the geographic area, not the person’s surname (town, county, geographical area)

Use the Advanced search – “you don’t have to be an advanced researcher to use the advanced search!”

Don’t use the word “genealogy” in your search.  It’s pretty useless.

Determine your questions ahead of time and gather the appropriate ancestor information to take with you.

WEBSITE TIP: 
There are lots of things on the library website that are not in the catalogue (special exhibits, digitized images, and databases)  Don’t just jump straight to the catalogue

See if they have a genealogy area on the website. 

LISA & PAT’S TIP: Email in advance – ask some questions ahead of time: 

  • Is the website up to date?
  • Reconfirm hours of operation
  • Parking?
  • What’s the best time to come for more service?
  • Is wi-fi available?
  • Do you need change for copy machines?
  • Are there any special collections you should know about?
  • Do they offer orientations?

GROUP VISITS:
Some libraries will make special accommodations for a group visit.

Ask if they will provide a tour geared to genealogy.  And they may have a meeting room where you can have lunch or meet.

It’s a small investment in time and money to make sure that you’re going to get the most of the time you’re going to spend there.

REMEMBER:
Librarian don’t just know the collection, but they also know research strategy, collection contents, all the questions that have come before, and local area resources.

TIP:  Consider how you phrase your questions:
Pose questions in terms of a querey.  For example:  “I’m trying to find a death record in this time frame for this person.  What materials do you have that may help?”