NORTHWEST FLORIDA
RESEARCH & RESOURCESLibraries :
Before
you ever step foot outside your front door, a virtual visit to your
local library system is recommended. Here you will find
information about the library's holdings, contact information,
a list of electronic resources, the hours that the library is open, special events, and much more. Best of all, you should be able to access the library's online catalog. This is advantageous if this is your first visit to the library and allows you to discover whether books on Indiana or any other location, are available, . Check the library's calendar and make sure the library isn't in the process of renovating or closed for repairs. Most libraries use the Dewey Decimal System, but some, usually university libraries, may follow a different course. Always plan your research trips according to the available resources. Be ready to hit the pavement with that plan and although browsing is always an perfectly valid way to get the lay of the land, you must maximize your search if your time is tight.
What to watch for if the library is your local library or if you will have access to it on a regular basis:
a list of electronic resources, the hours that the library is open, special events, and much more. Best of all, you should be able to access the library's online catalog. This is advantageous if this is your first visit to the library and allows you to discover whether books on Indiana or any other location, are available, . Check the library's calendar and make sure the library isn't in the process of renovating or closed for repairs. Most libraries use the Dewey Decimal System, but some, usually university libraries, may follow a different course. Always plan your research trips according to the available resources. Be ready to hit the pavement with that plan and although browsing is always an perfectly valid way to get the lay of the land, you must maximize your search if your time is tight.
What to watch for if the library is your local library or if you will have access to it on a regular basis:
Special events, discussions, presentations, classes, etc.
The acquisition of new titles. (Sometimes, genealogical societies will include these in their newsletters).
Access to electronic resources such as Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest. These and other databases may be available on the Internet at the Library or even at home once you have a bar code identification number.
Don't forget to check City Directories, Maps, and other collections.
Many libraries have microfilmed records available, usually of past issues of newspaper collections.
County histories are especially helpful resources. Check for those and other historical materials.
Check other libraries in the area. There are different types of libraries: Private, public, those associated with institutions of learning, and in my own locale, there are libraries affiliated with the local military bases.
Remember that even though a library may specialize in one particular subject, it doesn't mean they don't have donated family histories or other records of interest to the family historian.
Check for book or other types of collections of published materials in unusual places like museums, state parks, historical sites, and antique shops.
The acquisition of new titles. (Sometimes, genealogical societies will include these in their newsletters).
Access to electronic resources such as Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest. These and other databases may be available on the Internet at the Library or even at home once you have a bar code identification number.
Don't forget to check City Directories, Maps, and other collections.
Many libraries have microfilmed records available, usually of past issues of newspaper collections.
County histories are especially helpful resources. Check for those and other historical materials.
Check other libraries in the area. There are different types of libraries: Private, public, those associated with institutions of learning, and in my own locale, there are libraries affiliated with the local military bases.
Remember that even though a library may specialize in one particular subject, it doesn't mean they don't have donated family histories or other records of interest to the family historian.
Check for book or other types of collections of published materials in unusual places like museums, state parks, historical sites, and antique shops.