Beginning Your Genealogical Research at the Library

We're part of the Internet generation, so we all tend to do it. Whenever we
are seeking any type of information, we just jump on the computer and
type a phrase into a search engine. But in years past, before nearly everyone
had a personal computer at home, most people doing genealogical research
did most of their work at the local library. And in spite of the fact that
getting on your computer in the comfort of your own home is convenient,
there are important reasons why you might want to consider visiting your
local library, or the library in the town of your family's origin early on when
you begin to research you family tree.

Local libraries contain a great deal of information dealing with family history.
Often, they have entire sections, or even rooms, dedicated solely to the
function of genealogical research. These libraries will usually be staffed
with people who can assist you in beginning your research. If you are
fortunate enough to live in a town where your family has lived for
generations, it is quite possible that the local library may even have books
specifically dealing with your family and aspects of its history. In any case,
they will contain newspapers and indexes that are an ideal place to
begin searching. In addition, nearly all local libraries have computers and
Internet access, which means that all the resources of print and Internet
media are accessible in one location.

In addition, librarians are professionals who can offer assistance in your
research. Although not all of them are family history research experts,
they are thoroughly trained in helping patrons to find information of all
kinds. They can assist you with basic library resources and how to use
them. They will often be able to direct you to specific sources that you
need and advise you of other sources that will contain further information
on the topics you are researching. Many times, librarian will have had
experience in helping others with family research and can offer valuable
suggestions that have proved useful to others.

As many people have found over the years, libraries are an ideal place
to work, providing a quiet atmosphere, computer access, and professional
assistance when needed, without the normal distractions found at home.
So before you confine your initial family research to your computer,
visit your local library and take advantage of the resources available to
you