Public Libraries and Genealogy
A Key to Discovering Genealogical Information On-and-Offline
Apr 20, 2009
For any research project, the library is a staple resource. Genealogy research is no exception. Once beyond the living relatives whom you can pester and nudge for family memories, it is easy to feel quite lost, standing on a seemingly empty field with no idea as to which way to go to find the next clue. In that case—but also even for seasoned genealogists—public libraries can be a perfect resource for that next step in genealogy research.
Unlike school or research libraries, public libraries are open to the general public. They are usually funded by the government, whether local or national. Thus, a public library is available for use by anyone, making this a superb resource for all genealogists.
Genealogical Information at Public Libraries
Sure, a public library can be used by anyone, you say. But what can it offer for my family history project? The answer is plenty.
Public libraries are especially helpful for finding public records. Although they can often be found online, it is quite possible that a time will come where you find yourself in need of more than what is offered online. After all, those records available online only represent the subset of public records that have been transferred to electronic form. Public libraries offer a variety of public records, as well as other records, such as passenger lists, naturalization records, church records, funeral home records, and even wills. These are often in microfilm format and require you to visit the library yourself. More local public libraries may have records that are unavailable at a more general level; thus, it can be worth the trip to visit a local public library in a place of interest for your search of public records.
The genealogical information at public libraries is not limited to public records, however. They also have books, journals, newspapers, maps, and other resources that chronicle the local and regional history. Knowing the historical context of your ancestor, especially as it relates to where he or she lived, is a practice of good genealogists, since it provides clues to make intelligent guesses about the ancestor or how to find information about that ancestor.
Public libraries may also have genealogy librarians, who are experts on genealogy resources in the library. They can help you search for clues about your ancestor, pointing you to the right places to look or giving advice about how best to track down your ancestor. Genealogy librarians are the guides on your arduous journey through history, helping you navigate the various and many resources available.
Family History Resources Online
Public libraries, especially those on a larger scale, may have websites that can also provide you with an abundance of resources. Like the Kenton County public library’s website, a public library website may have a section on genealogy, providing links to other online resources that might be of interest for family history research. Such websites include online ancestry databases, genealogical or historical societies’ pages, and genealogy research guides.
Both online and offline, public libraries are a one-stop resource for a huge amount of diverse genealogical information. Whether you are a beginning researcher feeling lost about where to go or a seasoned researcher stuck on an obscure ancestor, public libraries are another effective tool in your genealogy toolbox.
