Basics of Genealogy Reference: A Librarian's Guide - Softcover

Simpson, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591585147 ISBN 13: 9781591585145

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2008

Synopsis

This book offers novice and experienced reference librarians an introduction to tried-and-true genealogy techniques and resources. With the help of four case studies, Simpson outlines a basic starting strategy for conducting genealogy research. Later chapters deal specifically with genealogical librarianship: how to conduct a reference interview, continuing and professional development, and basic resources every collection should have. Charts, screen shots, and examples of public documents are also included; while a series of appendices present the case studies in their entirety.

Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, and is heavily researched in public libraries and historical repositories. Increasingly, major genealogy resources are available online at libraries through subscription databases or free on the internet. As a result, librarians face the overwhelming task of helping a large audience of genealogists cope with an ever growing flood of new resources.

This book offers novice and experienced reference librarians an introduction to tried-and-true genealogy techniques and resources. With the help of four case studies, Simpson outlines a basic starting strategy for conducting genealogy research. Later chapters deal specifically with genealogical librarianship: how to conduct a reference interview, continuing and professional development, and basic resources every collection should have. Charts, screen shots, and examples of public documents are also included; while a series of appendices present the case studies in their entirety.

About this title

About the Author

JACK SIMPSON is Curator of Local and Family History at The Newberry Library, Chicago IL.

Reviews

Simpson, curator of local and family history at the Newberry Library and cocreator (with Ginger Frere) of ChicagoAncestors.org, has drawn upon his experiences to create a useful manual for anyone helping researchers locate and comprehend genealogical data. Using four case studies, he describes the basic techniques and resources that have worked to point novices and experienced users in appropriate directions. These are helpful for librarians who have never done this kind of work and for those who could benefit from a refresher course. Chapter 13, “The Professional Toolkit,”  is especially useful for persons who want to keep current in the field and learn more through online sources, professional conferences, and genealogical journals. The list entitled “More than Twenty Great Reference Books” suggests affordable sources that any library serving genealogists and historians will want to have. This handy manual works well for librarians for group training and self-directed study, and motivated library patrons can also learn from it. --Sally Jane

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1591585147
• ISBN 13: 9781591585145
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192