Genealogy research is a popular and rewarding hobby that can help people discover their family history, heritage, and identity. However, it can also be challenging, time-consuming, and overwhelming, especially for beginners. As a library staff member, you can assist patrons with their genealogy research projects by providing them with the following services and resources.
One of the most valuable services you can offer to genealogy researchers is access to online and offline databases and collections that contain vital records, census data, immigration records, military records, newspapers, and other sources of information about their ancestors. You can help patrons find, navigate, and use these databases and collections, either by providing them with guides, tutorials, or handouts, or by demonstrating them in person or through online platforms. You can also inform patrons about any fees, subscriptions, or licenses that may be required to access certain databases or collections.
It is important to gain familiarity with local and regional archives, including states near you or your patron's target. It is also imperative to build a network of community historical society contacts and with other genealogists. Historical societies are welcome sources for older documents, including copies of those that may have been, "lost to fire or theft". These local societies can be great opportunities for future archivists, researchers, library students and others to learn about archiving and to gain an appreciation for our oft hidden resources. It can be very rewarding!
On ne lésine pas sur une communication ouverte et régulière avec les chercheurs. Il est essentiel de les impliquer dans les objectifs du projet, les encourager et les tenir informer des progrès réalisés. Cela renforce l'engagement et l'enthousiasme pour le projet. - Ouverture d'esprit, soutien à la retrocation des chercheurs. Encouragements, partager les défis, les idées et les besoins de l'équipe pour mener à bien ce projet. Avoir accès à des archives, aux bibliothèques spécialisées ou d'autres outils de recherche permet aux chercheurs de mener à bien leurs missions.
Une véritable base de données nécessite continuellement une mise à jour, par l'exploitation générale voire spécifique de toutes les informations nécessaires à la gestion statistique des résultats obtenus, en passant par leurs organisations : Classement par ordre d'utilité et de fiabilité des idées, des documents et des informations obtenus.... Retenir les réponses efficaces aux questions posées, écarter celles et ceux jugés inutiles...
To assist a patron with a genealogy project, first, understand their goals. Direct them to library resources like databases, local history collections, and reference materials. Teach research techniques, including effective search strategies and use of records like census data. If available, guide them through genealogy websites like Ancestry.com. Recommend local archives, historical societies, and government offices for specific records. Encourage oral history interviews with family members. Provide assistance with genealogy software and suggest collaborative platforms for networking. Promote genealogy workshops and events. Follow up to offer ongoing support and enhance their research experience.
Librarian
My personal experience is as a Public Librarian in Reference in three locations in Alabama. I found that there were three categories of people that came to me: 1. Complete newbies to Genealogy research who didn't know enough to even ask real questions. 2. People who were familiar with their subject but not experts, those who could formulate a real question that led to a useful reference interview. 3. Experts who knew more about Alabama graveyards or extinct Scottish clans than you would ever know. I found I could really help case 2. Case 1, I would show resources, help them with parsing queries etc. but basically just holding the door open for them. Case 3, I'd do my best, but usually had to connect them by email to experts.
Another way you can assist patrons with their genealogy research projects is by providing them with reference and referral services. You can answer their questions, suggest relevant books, journals, websites, or other materials, and direct them to other libraries, archives, societies, or organizations that may have more specialized or comprehensive collections or expertise on their topics of interest. You can also refer patrons to professional genealogists, DNA testing services, or other resources that may help them advance their research or overcome obstacles.
Knowledge about the biology, anthropology, and geography behind DNA genealogy can certainly benefit customers doing research. Even if you have never had your DNA tested, familiarity with the services and their methodology is a good start.
I am very lucky that our library of located on the same building as a branch of a state library with fabulous resources to do genealogical research (I have used their resources to research my own family) so I am familiar with their resources. As a folklorist in my off hours I have that skill set too. As a university archivist much of my reference is related to family members of alumni asking about resources. Unable to share protected information about former students and staff, many of my referrals are to public documents and government resources. As a folklorist I have learned to appreciate census records, city directories and the old school methods for tracking the movements of families and businesses. Libraries still “rock” in this area.
Genealogia envolve muitas vertentes, haja vista a sua liga??o com a história, com os espa?os, com quest?es de migra??o e imigra??o. Dessa forma, estudos de origens s?o fundamentais para entender a evolu??o e dispers?o das famílias e suas liga??es com a sociedade a que pertencem. Nesse sentido, publica??es de toda natureza, principalmente os documentos primários s?o fundamentais como referência para um bom trabalho investiga??o.
Reading list of dates, places and names can become bland. Loved ones and family are important. Maybe add a photograph and sentence of not more than 7 words. For example She baked cakes or was a good dancer
A third service you can offer to genealogy researchers is instruction and guidance on how to conduct effective and ethical research, how to organize and document their findings, how to use various tools and software, and how to interpret and analyze their results. You can provide patrons with instruction and guidance through workshops, classes, webinars, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, or other formats that suit your library's capabilities and your patrons' needs and preferences. You can also create and share research guides, checklists, templates, forms, charts, or other aids that can help patrons plan, execute, and present their research projects.
A fourth service you can provide to genealogy researchers is collaboration and community. You can facilitate and encourage patrons to collaborate and communicate with other researchers, either within your library or through external networks, groups, or forums. You can also create and foster a sense of community among patrons who share a common interest in genealogy research, by hosting events, activities, or programs that allow them to showcase their work, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and celebrate their achievements.
A fifth service you can deliver to genealogy researchers is support and encouragement. You can acknowledge and appreciate their efforts, motivate and inspire them to continue their research, empathize and sympathize with their frustrations and challenges, and congratulate and celebrate their successes and discoveries. You can also provide them with feedback, suggestions, or tips on how to improve their research skills, overcome difficulties, or explore new avenues of inquiry.
A sixth service you can perform for genealogy researchers is awareness and promotion. You can increase the visibility and accessibility of your library's genealogy resources and services, by creating and distributing flyers, posters, brochures, newsletters, or other promotional materials, or by using social media, websites, blogs, or other online platforms. You can also raise awareness and interest in genealogy research among your library's patrons and community, by highlighting its benefits, values, and opportunities, or by featuring stories, testimonials, or examples of successful research projects.
I believe one of the best ways you can support a patron in their genealogical research is through awareness and promotion. Developing your editing/design skills to create promotional materials for your library's genealogical facilities is an excellent start. If patrons do not know about your resources, how can they be expected to utilize them? It is also important to be aware of where your genealogical resources end and where else you can send patrons for further research. My library's genealogy section is rather small and heavily focused in one geographical area. However, we have other digital genealogical resources to provide them with as well as other facilities who have larger collections that might have what they are searching for.
Offrir un accès privilégié à des ressources généalogiques et à des experts pour aider le mécène à démarrer son projet de recherche.Mettre en place des séances de formation ou des ateliers pour aider le mécène à apprendre à utiliser les outils de recherche généalogique et à interpréter les informations trouvées.Assigner un généalogiste expérimenté pour aider le mécène à définir ses objectifs de recherche et élaborer une stratégie de recherche efficace.Mettre à disposition des services de numérisation et de traitement des documents pour faciliter l'accès aux ressources historiques et familiales. Créer un réseau de soutien pour que le mécène puisse partager ses découvertes, poser des questions et bénéficier de l'expérience d'autres chercheurs.