Prepare for Genealogy Library Research Trip
Plan Ahead to Save Time, Find Ancestors at Libraries and Archives
Aug 29, 2009
So many documents are available online now that new genealogists often think they can research their whole family tree on the internet. But when the necessary sources are not online, it's time to plan a research trip to a genealogy library or historical archive.
Rather than show up and spend a few hours figuring out what's there and where to find it (and wishing you had brought more ancestral information than you did), thinking genealogists will do some legwork ahead of time.
Determine the Purpose of the Genealogy Library Trip
First, clarify why a trip to this particularly library necessary? What genealogy question do you hope to answer? Focus on particular problems, such as a grandfather's college life, or a great-grandmother's marriage record.
Then check the library catalog online. What documents and books are available that pertain to the chosen genealogy question(s)?
As you browse the library's collection, keep the rest of your family tree in mind. If you find resources at the library that will help with other lines, jot it down. Then evaluate the need and expand the library trip focus to include that genealogy research, if appropriate.
Look especially for library holdings that are not available online. Save online research for home, and use the library time for research that can only be done in person, such as books, photos, local histories, church & court records, business & school records, etc.
Prepare Early for a Genealogy Library Research Trip
Using the library or archive webpage, look for the following information:
- Are the desired books and documents easily accessible on shelves, or will they need to be requested from a special collection room? How much time is required before the requested books are available? How long can they be reserved?
- Write down call numbers for likely books and documents, and check a layout of the library, noting which books will be in which area.
- Check the computer availability. Are outside laptops allowed? Are there computers with which a genealogist's USB drive may be used?
- Check what items are required and/or not allowed in certain areas: White gloves? Pens/pencils? Bookbags? Laptop cases? Cameras?
- Check locker availability for the forbidden items, as well as for coats and lunches. (An alert mind requires that the body be fed – don't skip lunch!)
- Check the reference services available. What is offered, on what time frame, and at what cost? It's always good to know whether there are knowledgeable genealogists on staff.
- Call ahead to verify opening hours! These may change unexpectedly for special events. While on the phone, double-check driving directions and ask about parking.
What to Bring on a Genealogy Research Trip
Nothing is worse than arriving at the library and finding that the needed information is left at home. Focus your research plan to be prepared. Here are items to have on a to-bring list:
- All information about the family being questioned, even if it seems more than necessary. Genealogists who use family file folders can just grab the folder, knowing that all related pedigree charts, family group sheets, census copies, maps, etc., are there.
- Laptop computer, or at least a USB drive with genealogy data in a Gedcom format.
- Pens, pencils, notepad, sticky notes. Bring pencils to use when accessing special collections – pens often aren't allowed. Use sticky notes only on your own papers, not library items.
- Empty file folders to hold the photocopies you'll make.
- Camera to take photos of things that physically can't be copied, plus taking locality shots if appropriate for your family history.
- Change for parking and photocopy machine.
- Magnifying glass for hard-to-read manuscripts and copies.
- Yellow transparency sheet. When put over faint microfilm images, they often become more readable.
With appropriate planning ahead of time, a research trip to a genealogy library will be productive and enjoyable, rather than frustrating.
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