Genealogy research is a popular and rewarding hobby for many people who want to learn more about their family history and heritage. As a library staff member, you can provide valuable assistance to patrons who are interested in tracing their ancestors. Here are some of the most effective ways to help them achieve their goals.
The first step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to familiarize yourself with the resources that your library offers. These may include books, magazines, databases, microfilms, maps, directories, and other materials that contain historical and biographical information. You should also know how to access and use online platforms such as Ancestry, FamilySearch, HeritageQuest, and others that provide genealogical records and tools. Additionally, you should be aware of any local or regional organizations, archives, or repositories that specialize in genealogy and can offer further assistance or referrals.
It is critical to be knowledgeable about offline resources. Not everything is online. The manuscripts and other materials in special collections are invaluable to telling the stories of ancestors. Your own collections are most important, but also be aware of other collections that are pertinent to your area.
D'après mon expérience professionnelle, dans le domaine de la formation, l'écoute est fondamentale. L'encouragement auprès de mes stagiaires également. Former à distance demande un suivi particulièrement humain et proche puisque il n'y a pas de face à face pédagogique.
Ne pas oublier en France les services des Archives Départementales. Tous ne numérisent pas les mêmes documents (à part l'état civil) mais ils sont gratuits contrairement aux plateformes en ligne qui peuvent être payantes.
The second step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to understand their specific needs and expectations. You should ask them open-ended questions to determine their level of experience, their research goals, their challenges, and their preferences. For example, you could ask them what they already know about their family history, what they want to find out, what sources they have used or consulted, what problems they have encountered, and what format or method they prefer to organize and document their findings. By listening carefully and empathizing with their needs, you can provide more relevant and personalized guidance.
Veulent-ils faire faire par un professionnel ? Veulent-ils faire eux-mêmes ? Ont-ils pour cela toutes les compétences ou ont-ils besoin de se former ? S'ils ont besoin de se former, en quoi : généalogie ?Paléographie ? Dans le cadre d'un dipl?me ou pas ?
The third step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to suggest strategies and tips that can help them overcome obstacles and achieve success. You should offer suggestions that are appropriate for their skill level, their research topic, and their available time and resources. For example, you could recommend them to start with what they know and work backwards, to use a variety of sources and cross-check them for accuracy, to record and cite their sources properly, to use online tools and apps to create and share family trees, to join online communities and forums to exchange information and advice, and to seek professional help if needed.
The fourth step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to teach them skills and techniques that can enhance their research abilities and outcomes. You should demonstrate how to use the library's resources effectively and efficiently, how to search and browse online platforms and databases, how to evaluate and analyze sources critically, how to handle gaps and conflicts in the data, how to interpret and present the data visually and narratively, and how to preserve and protect their data. You should also provide them with handouts, tutorials, guides, or other learning materials that they can refer to later.
En France, si vous voulez former, ne pas oublier qu'en premier il vous faut un numéro de déclaration obtenu auprès de la DREETS. Même si vous ne formez qu'une personne par an.
The fifth step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to promote programs and events that your library or other organizations offer to support and enrich their research experience. These may include workshops, webinars, classes, lectures, tours, exhibits, or other activities that cover various aspects of genealogy such as history, culture, DNA, technology, ethics, and more. You should inform them about the dates, times, locations, costs, and registration procedures of these programs and events, and encourage them to attend and participate. You should also invite them to share their feedback and suggestions for future programs and events.
Dans le cadre de la formation, vous pouvez fournir : - des cours écrits ; - des vidéos toutes prêtes qu'ils visionnent quand ils veulent. - des visioconférences en direct ; - des schémas très visuels. Tout le monde n'a pas la même manière d'apprendre.
The sixth and final step to assist patrons with genealogy research is to follow up and celebrate their progress and achievements. You should check in with them regularly to see how they are doing, to answer any questions or concerns, to provide additional resources or referrals, and to acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments. You should also celebrate their success by featuring their stories, photos, or artifacts in the library's newsletter, website, social media, or bulletin board, or by hosting a showcase or a reception where they can present and share their findings with other patrons and staff.
Vous pouvez par exemple créer un groupe Facebook ou WhatsApp réservé qu'à vos anciens étudiants, un blog pour qu'ils puissent raconter leurs aventures, pour qu'ils puissent montrer leurs avancées et se conna?tre, échanger entre eux.