3 Chapter 3 Libraries and Archives

Your university library is an excellent place to start your research. As you dig deeper into your topic, you may want to branch out to other libraries beyond your campus. Public libraries, historical societies, and archives often have collections related to local history. These institutions are great places to do genealogical research too. Often these collections will have a wide range of materials beyond books. For example, a historical society dedicated to a town known for fishing may have objects such as fishing rods, hooks, and clothing that fishermen wore. Seeing living history in everyday objects can you a new perspective on your research.  Check to see if the institution you’d like to visit has an appointment request form or send an email to the archivist. Some tips to remember for your visit: be prepared to use pencils instead of pens, you may be asked to wash your hands before handling delicate objects, and bring a warm sweater or jacket!

 One way to narrow down what kinds of works you would like to view is to use Worldcat.  Worldcat “is a resource for locating unique, trustworthy materials that you often can’t find anywhere except in a library. By connecting thousands of libraries’ collections in one place, WorldCat.org makes it easy for you to browse the world’s libraries from one search box.” Maybe you have come across a book that would give you some historical background information realted to your family history. If your university library doesn’t have it, you can check WorldCat! Simply type the title into the search box and the results will show which libraries that are closest to you have it. And if you’d like to save time travelling, ask a librarian at your university or public library to request the book through Inter-Library Loan.