Basics of Genealogy Reference: A Librarian's Guide

(Paperback)

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Description

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.

Reviews

Basics of Genealogy Reference: A Librarian's Guide is aimed at those who control the most effective of a genealogist's resources: the library. [It's] a must for the modern librarian. * The Midwest Book Review *
This book contains excellent information to assist librarians in serving patrons seeking help with their genealogical or family history research. It includes many good illustrated samplings of genealogical and family history records and research techniquesThis work is recommended for all reference collections, with circulating copies for library patrons. Libraries should provide free personal copies for each reference librarian to mark up for themselves for use during consultations with genealogical or family history patrons. * ARBA *
Jack Simpson's new book succeeds in meeting the needs of two distinct audiences: those seeking a very basic starting strategy for genealogical research and those seeking to understand the basics of genealogical librarianship. Experienced researchers and veteran librarians will also find nuggets of information to refresh their knowledge of this area of professional practice. . . . All in all this is a well-written book by a very knowledgeable genealogy librarian. The pace of the book keeps the reader moving. The information is relevant and up-to-dateparticularly the discussions of online resources. It, minus a discussion of DNA, is a very solid introduction to the basics of genealogy research and genealogy librarianship. In addition, it is an easy read. A couple of times my wife, who is neither a librarian nor a serious genealogist, picked up the book and read several pages before I was able to wrestle it back. * College & Research Libraries *
the information needed by the reference librarian, particularly one inexperienced in serving the needs of genealogists or the amateur family historian is available in this book, is presented in a familiar style with helpful examples. . . . As a basic handbook, it deserves a place on the desk of the reference librarian, and perhaps the amateur family historian or the novice genealogist. * Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly *

Author Bio

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