How to Best Research in Libraries -- Don't let anxiety get in the way!

Image by Mariana Zanatta, https://www.flickr.com/photos/marisaysfuckoff/6059864539  

Used per Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical 2.0 Generic license

It can be hard to visit a library, archive, courthouse, or other repository that we are not familiar with.

In fact, sometimes it creates such anxiety, that we may talk ourselves out of making the visit.  Who knows what we’ve missed out on by choosing not to make a visit.

This post by Linda Barnickel on Ancestry.com, Don’t Suffer From Library Anxiety: How to Best Research in Libraries is a great read. 

Symptoms: anxiety, uncertainty, sudden shyness, fear, worry that one might seem woefully ignorant, embarrassment, bewilderment, lack of confidence, and perhaps even shame that one should “know better” or already know the answers before the questions are even posed. If not treated, additional more-severe symptoms may develop, including: frustration, despair, a spirit of defeat, giving up, bitterness, and a vow to never do this again (whatever “this” is).

Remember, you are not alone!  Every one of us has been to a “new” library in the course of our research and I definitely always am a bit anxious as I prepare to visit and then arrive on the scheduled day.

Since I am writing this blog post, I have obviously, emerged unscathed from these experiences.  I’ve learned that preparing in advance helps a lot.  It removes much of the uncertainty to have researched the answers to our myriad questions.  For example you may have questions about pencils or pens, real-time copies or not, what tech toys are allowed, request materials in advance or not, signing in and getting set up, costs, etc.

Anne Gillepsie Mitchell helps us prepare with her post, Genealogy Roadtrip: 10 Tips for Researching at a Library or Archive as does Michael John Neill with his advice in Before Your Trip -- Doing Your Homework: A Checklist for Your Genealogy Vacation.

Finally, don’t forget to start with your local library!  You may find that some of what you seek access to might be available locally (via subscription databases, journal archives, print books, etc) or through interlibrary loan (ILL) and for FREE.

For example, I have ancestors who lived in Essex County MA.  A search in my local Raleigh NC library card catalog tells me that there are several books available that I can consult.  

And, your local library can be a good place to ease your anxiety about visiting any library. The stakes aren’t as high when walking into a local library as when one has traveled possibly a great distance to visit a repository.

If you are planning a visit to a library, archives or other type of repository and feel a bit anxious, consider the advice offered above.

Editor’s Note: Related posts ...

+ Do We Still Need Libraries? (2013)

+ Planning a Visit to an Archive? Here's some Invaluable Guidance (2012)

+ Guide To Using Archives (2011)

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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American Southwest Archive Facing Potential Closure & Franklin Parish, Louisiana, Library Opens New Center for Genealogy

This is a good news and maybe not so good news kind of post!

Thanks to the Genealogists.com Facebook page for bringing this news about the Spanish Colonial Research Center and its possible closure to our attention and for verifying the details ....

Note: We posted this earlier in the week, but wanted to verify that it was indeed the case so we pulled it. We called the Spanish Colonial Research Center (505-346-2890} and they confirmed that this is a distinct possibility. They are asking the public to please weigh in on this matter. Should the archive be closed, should the hours be reduced, etc.

... This closure would impact those who are searching for their Spanish colonial roots in the Southwest. The National Park Service has given the Spanish Colonial Research Center at University of New Mexico just until the end of the month (October 1) to determine whether their doors need to be closed.

If you, like us, would like to keep this and other archives open, please contact:

• Jon Jarvis, Director of NPS: (202) 208-3818 or feedback@ios.doi.gov

• California Senators Barbara Boxer (https://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm) & Diane Feinstein (https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me ).

Note: The center at Santa Barbara, CA may also be forced to close.

• Senator Tim Kaine who is the Hon. Chairman of the US Spain Council (http://www.kaine.senate.gov/contact)

• Rep. Lois Capps (https://capps.house.gov/contact-me/email-me)
This also affects the National Trails organization, which covers Arizona and Colorado.

Unfortunately, reduced hours and closures for facilities which are invaluable to our research are becoming more and more commonplace. Just this month we have posted Sadly, Another Genealogy Room Has Closed ... and More Gloomy News -- A Genealogy Society Could Fold -- Maybe it's the weather (it's raining as I write this!).

Though, I am happy to report that Dick Eastman (Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter) shared some good news a few weeks ago, Franklin Parish, Louisiana, Library Opens New Center for Genealogy.  Read the details here.

Franklin Parish Library welcomed patrons to the library's new Genealogy/Local History Room on Thursday, Aug. 21, when ribbon cutting ceremonies and an open house event were held.

The library, which operates under the Franklin Parish Police Jury, recently acquired what is known as the Landis building on Prairie Street. The site for the new center is located adjacent to the library’s main building and was purchased from Betty M. McLemore, whose grandfather H.B. Landis ran a mercantile store from the site and served as mayor of the Town of Winnsboro.

This was a refreshing bit of news on the heels of all the news about at-risk societies and facilities. 

I got to thinking, if there was one new genealogy facility opening, might there be more!  Yes, I found this notice, The George Washington Carver Museum and Theatre Genealogy Center Opening (Austin, TX)

So, though we are saddened when resources and facilities disappear, we can take heart that there are new resources and facilities coming to life ...

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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I'm letting you in on a secret -- ResearchBuzz -- a great gem of a blog for family historians

Let me be honest - I seriously debated whether to “let you in on this secret” ... or not!

Obviously, I decided to share!

ResearchBuzz

Simple name, simple concept and yet, I’m really enjoying this blog!  It doesn’t have a genealogy focus and yet it touches upon so much that is relevant to our family history research!

Let’s be honest in a different way – so much of the present and future of researching ancestors is connected to search engines, databases, social media and a lot of other “stuff” as found on the internet (the big world wide web (www)).  So, we need to “try” and keep up!

That can be a daunting experience and I like ResearchBuzz because the entries are typically short and sweet, always include a hyperlink, and often include a bit of irreverence.  Humor does make all the news that much easier to take!

And, each day’s post ends with “Good morning, Internet…”

I have come to look forward to these posts, as much for the news as the energy and fun they imbue!

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

A Genealogist's Dream -- NGS-Sponsored SLC Trip!

Have you been considering a research trip to Salt Lake City (SLC)?  If so, the planned NGS Research Trip to SLC scheduled 6-13 January 2013 might be just the opportunity you’ve been hoping for!  What a great New Years Eve present for a loved one!

Though, you need to hurry!  Spots are filing up fast (no more than 30 may go on any given trip) and in less than 1 week (15 October), the EARLY BIRD deadline will become history!

The Family History Library in SLC is the largest genealogical library in the world. You will have access to more than two million rolls of microfilm (more than 142,000 square feet on five floors), hundreds of thousands of microfiche, and a huge collection of genealogical books. The library opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. every day except Monday when it closes at 5:00 p.m.  It is closed on Sundays and certain holidays.

The ability to easily access microfilm and have so many books at your fingertips is such a delight!  I think every genealogist would enjoy spending such a week.  The planned NGS Research Trip is such an opportunity.

If you take this trip, besides access to the largest genealogical library in the world, you will also have the benefit of two experienced trip directors to help you navigate both the records and the layout of what is a large facility.  When visiting such a large facility, access to experienced trip directors can really help facilitate the speed and ease with which you are able to do your research.

Full details are available on the NGS website.  What a great way to kick your family history research into high gear after the 2012 winter holidays!

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

Mass Grave in London Reveals How Volcano Caused Global Catastrophe

Image from original article

You might be wondering what the title has to do with genealogy and family history research?

Besides being a fascinating read, the above titled article from HeritageDaily.com reminds us how important documentary evidence is to learning about events that occurred long ago!  Though the exact location of the volcano has not been determined, the use of radio carbon dating and geological data, when combined with “contemporary accounts” (we are talking the 13^th century) helped scientists figure out what caused the scale of deaths found in a mass burial pit.

As genealogists, we are always looking for “contemporary accounts” to answer questions, provide additional details, etc.  We are not alone in that quest.  Though, hopefully not too many of our finds are as “explosive” as a volcano, and just good info!

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

Lizzie Borden Murder Case Gets New Look With Discovery of Her Lawyer's Journals

Photo Accompanying Article --  Lizzie Borden Murder Case Gets New Look With Discovery of her Lawyer's Journals (ABC News)

Though I was born well after this case, many of us are familiar with the ditty "Lizzie Borden took an Ax, And gave her mother forty whacks, When she had seen what she had done, She gave her father forty-one."

“The notorious 19th-century trial of Lizzie Borden, a wealthy New England woman accused of killing her parents with an ax, is back in the spotlight with the discovery of her attorney's handwritten journals, providing fresh insight into the relationship with her father.

Borden was acquitted in 1892, and much of the evidence in the case ended up with Andrew Jackson Jennings, Borden's attorney. The two journals, which Jennings stored in a Victorian bathtub along with other evidence from the case, including the infamous "handless hatchet," were left to the Fall River Historical Society by Jennings' grandson, who died last year...”

Read the full article.

What fascinated me the most, as a genealogist, with this article is that relevant journals et al were held by a private individual and only just recently donated to a repository!  This gives me renewed hope that there are more “still hidden” collections of valuable documents to be revealed which might provide puzzle pieces to current or future researchers.

It also doesn't hurt that I have a great grandmother who is buried in Fall River and this reminded me of the Historical Society as a resource!

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

Give Yourself a Gift For Christmas -- Space Still Available for January 2012 NGS Trip! Registration Closes 1 January!!

Actual Attendee on a Previous Research Trip

Discover new information about your ancestors and perhaps even new branches to the tree. Join other genealogists this January for a trip to Salt Lake City with NGS trip leaders Shirley Langdon Wilcox, CG and Marie Varrelman Melchiori, CG, CGL.

The research trip will be held January 22-29, 2012. The trip includes a Sunday night orientation, a Wednesday pizza party and a Saturday farewell dinner with a return home on Sunday.

Accommodations are at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel and single or shared rooms are available. There is also a pricing option for research only, if you want to stay elsewhere. Member prices are $670 for a shared room, $1050 for a single room or $335 for research only. Non-member prices are shown on the NGS website.

You are sure to make new friends during your stay and the trip leaders will guide you in your adventurers. The group is kept small, never more than 30 people, so you can get all the help you need. This will be the last NGS winter research trip to Salt Lake City.

Registration closes on 1 January, so don’t delay. For further information and to sign up visit the website at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/research_trips.

See previous Upfront with NGS blog post about the benefits of taking this trip!

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
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Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com.

Today is Ask an Archivist Day on Twitter!

Click on the title and it will take you to a web site dedicated to this event.  Check out the various videos which tell you how you can participate in #AskArchivists Day!

Do check out the list of participating archives – included in the US are the Smithsonian, NARA, several state archives and much more.  And, this event is not limited to US and Canadian institutions. The full list of participating archives also includes those in Africa, Australia, Europe and the Middle-East!

We’d love to hear from anyone who participates in this event!



Editor’s Note: Thanks to Genealogy Insider for bringing this to our attention.

Editor's Note: On NARAtions, there is a response for those who don't Tweet "This is an event hosted on Twitter, but if you don’t want to sign up for an account, you can post your questions on our Research at the National Archives Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/researchatusnationalarchives) or on our NARAtions post. We’ll then tweet those questions using the hashtag. You can also just follow along with the conversation on June 9th by going to Twitter and searching for #AskArchivists."

 

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com.