The Frugal Genealogist - Don't Buy That Book!

Here's another hint for those who are trying to make progress with their genealogical research but still stay within their budgets ---- before you hop onto the internet to purchase a copy of the book that you need to consult, check your local libraries and repositories. You might be surprised what they do have. And, if no one in your locality has a copy of the book you need, perhaps your local library can obtain it for you through Inter-Library Loan.

Genealogists in the Topeka, Kansas area are very fortunate, as they are surrounded by some terrific libraries and repositories. In Topeka, we have the Topeka Genealogical Society Library (with nearly 10,000 genealogical books and 700+ periodical titles on the shelves), the genealogical and local history collection at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and a terrific collection of resources at the Kansas Historical Society. In addition, within a short drive we have access to the amazing Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri. Get to know your libraries - they can save you lots of money!

The Frugal Genealogist - Use your local Family History Center

Here's another tip for keeping your genealogy research moving forward without breaking the budget - use your local Family History Center to order microfilm from the LDS Family History Library at Salt Lake!

Anything that has been microfilmed by the Family History Library can be borrowed out to your local Family History Center for a very affordable fee of about $5.00 per microfilm roll. To find the location and business hours of the Family History Center nearest you, consult the FamilySearch website (click on "Family History Centers" in the drop-down box under the Library tab at the top of the page).

The catalog of microfilm holdings can also be searched at the FamilySearch website. This is a great way to gain access to courthouse records when time and budget won't allow for travel to the location of interest.

The Frugal Genealogist

Are difficult economic times putting a crimp in your genealogy research? Follow along with this new series of posts for tips on how to keep your research moving forward without breaking the bank.


Tip #1: Recorded lectures from major Genealogy Conferences

Summertime is the season for the major genealogy conferences in the U.S. But, by the time travel, hotel accommodations, and meals are added to the conference registration fees, the costs to attend a national conference can total to several hundred dollars or more (not to mention what one is tempted to spend in the exhibit hall!).

But, there are ways to get the educational value from conference sessions at far lower costs! Many of the lectures presented at the major conferences are recorded and offered for sale through JAMB Tapes, Inc. At a cost of about $12 per lecture, it is possible to hear the presentations that you would have attended if there in person, at a significantly lower cost than if you had attended in person. For even greater savings, get together with a group of your genealogist buddies, and agree to pool funds and share the recordings among your group. In addition to cost savings, the recordings offer the additional advantage of allowing you to listen to the session over and over, until you absorb all the important details. Check out the recorded sessions available at JAMB today!