Saturday, February 6, 2010

52 Weeks to Better Genealogy - Week 6

Already, it is week number 6 and time for another tip. This one is a great one -
Week 6: Online databases at your public library. Search your library’s web site and see if your card grants you access to online databases. Libraries (even small ones) often have wonderful online tools including genealogy databases, historical newspapers and more! Take some time and play with these little perks that come with a library card. You just may get some help in your own genealogy research and gain some free research tools to boot. If you don’t know how to access online library databases or you’re not sure if your branch has them, ask a librarian for guidance. If you have a blog, discuss which databases (if any) to which your library subscribes.

These databases are wonderful resources at your fingertips, and some can be accessed without leaving home. Any Kansas resident has free access through the Kansas State Library System to the Heritage Quest databases, where you can view census images, search PERSI (the major periodical index for genealogists), and more. With a library card from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, you can access the Kansas Sanborn maps, America's Historical Newspapers, America's Obituaries, and many others from home. At the library,there is free access to Ancestry.com. The Topeka Genealogical Society Library offers free access to the New England Historical & Genealogical Society databases, as well as Footnote.com. Take some time to explore some of the databases that you are less familiar with - you never know what you might find!

1 comment:

  1. Hi! Thank you for playing along with the "52 Weeks to Better Genealogy" challenge. I am thrilled that you are sharing it with readers. As a courtesy to the author (me), would you please link back to the challenge web page? Thank you. I look forward to reading your readers' responses.

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