Finding Your Ancestors In The Library - article by Good English Article Sites

Finding Your Ancestors In The Library

Genealogical materials can be found in books, genealogical magazines, local histories, genealogical and historical society publications, and in publications by non-genealogical organizations, clubs, and even schools. But where do you go to get these information?

Start with your local library and the library in the area where your family lived. Even the smallest libraries should have copies of town newspapers and local histories. Many libraries and library systems have their catalogs available on-line and you can search their holdings from your computer. Be aware that the catalog may be limited and not yet list its entire holdings on-line. Ideally, the state in which your search begins has a state library system and a state historical library. Smaller libraries within each state, too, have genealogical collections that may be indexed on the state library system.

Most libraries use the "Interlibrary Loan System." University, public, and private libraries belong to this consortium of institutions, and through it you can borrow books from libraries across the country. To make things even easier, the waiting period to receive books through the Interlibrary Loan System is usually only a week or two. If your local library is not a member of the Interlibrary Loan System, visit other libraries with genealogical collections.

Ideally, you can visit each library to view books on the county and local area as well as histories on local churches, schools, and organizations. If that is not possible, try contacting librarians by mail, phone, or e-mail. Take note however, that letters that begin with "Would you please send me everything you have on the following individual and family" will probably go unanswered. However, requesting information on any books about the family in question may prove far more fruitful. Include a request to pass on your questions to the local historical or genealogical society if the library staff is unable to perform the research for you. If your request is not acknowledged, write directly to the local genealogical and historical society.

The Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is the largest genealogical library in the world. It also makes its collection available through 3,200 Family History Centers across the U.S. and around the world. For more than one hundred years, the church has sent missionaries to gather genealogical records throughout the world and spends millions every year microfilming records on site.

With its extensive genealogical studies, there is a very good chance that the records of your relatives, whether or not they follow the Mormon faith, are contained within this massive library. A vast part of The Family History Library's collection is on microfilm that may be lent to patrons for a small fee.

Library of Congress: Although you have to actually go to the Library of Congress to use its collection, the effort is worthwhile for serious genealogists. It has one of the world's best

collections of genealogy information (both national and international) and an extensive local history collection.

In addition, dozens of libraries are famous for their genealogical collections. These include the New York Public Library, the Los Angeles Public Library, and the National Library of Canada. Smaller libraries, too, often concentrate on genealogical topics. These libraries contained within museums or belonging to local historical and genealogical societies.

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