Lisa Louise Cooke
Patricia Van Skaik
Episode 35: Genealogy Research at Public Libraries Part 2
In Episode 34 I talked with Patricia Van Skaik, Manager of the History and Genealogy Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County about the unique genealogical resources that are tucked away in public libraries just waiting to be discovered, and she gave us some great ideas on how to prepare for your visit to get the most out of your time at the library.
In the first segment of today’s episode Pat explores the library catalog and provides tips on how to find what you’re looking for. She then emphasizes the advantages of advanced search methods.
Then in our second segment Pat takes us inside the unique collections of public libraries, and helps us ask for what we want!
Pat even exposes the obstacles librarians face when it comes to cataloguing large and unique collections that may interest genealogists. So dust off your library card and grab your book bag and let’s head back to the public library
Related Links:
Transcript
Patricia manages one of the largest genealogy collections in the country, housed at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. She’s also an Author, web developer, conservator, curriculum leader for distant learning classes, and Trustee of the Ohio Genealogical Society, and she also lectures widely on the topics of urban immigration and census research, as well as genealogical librarianship. Patricia holds masters degrees in history and library science and is a graduate of the National Institute on Genealogical Research.
Pat encourages us all to interact with library staff, and ask for what we want. Some items are not readily accessible, and asking for help may lead to accessing just the records you want.
Examples:
- Special Pull Out Collection
- Closed Stacks – not in the public area of the library
- Maps – not always listed in the card catalogue)
PAT’S TIP: Request what you want
(It may cause the item to move up the priority list for digitization.)
QUOTE: "Think more like a librarian"
PAT’S TIPS: Don’t make the following assumptions…
...That a small library doesn’t have much advanced technology
...That a library resources only cover their immediate area
...That if you can’t see it it is not there – ask about closed stacks
PAT'S MOTTO: Expect the Unexpected!
