DGS Newsletter, Volume 16, Number 9, November 1992 Page: 106
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106 Volume 16, Number 9, November-December, 1992 DOS Newsletter
Beginners Corner
The Genealogical Library
by Sammie Townsend Lee
Many large cities in the United States have public
library systems that maintain good genealogical
collections, while smaller cities and towns generally
have a small local history and genealogy section.
Locate the nearest public library with a large
genealogical collection and identify what records
they own that will help you in your family search.
You will want to make the most of your time there,
so prepare for the visit. Usually a phone call will
give you quick answers to questions such as:
E Where is the library located (including directions
from your location, and parking facilities
available)?
E What are the operating hours and, in the event
of a holiday, what will be the library's schedule?
E Ascertain if staff assistance will be available or
will you be on your own?
When you arrive at the library, seek out a staff
member and inquire about any special finding aids
or guides to their collection. Ask for a brief
orientation:
E Is it "open" or "closed" stacks? If both, for
which materials will you be required to "call?"
E Is there a card catalog and what is the filing
system?
E Is there a database computer and how is it
operated?
E What are the rules and regulations for using
microfilm/fiche. Ask for instructions on how to
use the microfilm/fiche readers/printers.
E Is there a limit to the number of rolls of
microfilm that may be taken to a microfilm
reader? Will you need assistance to make
copies?
E Is there a photocopier and what is the charge;
does it use a copy card or coins or both?
E Is there a limit to the number of books to be
used at any one time?
E Ask where any specific record collections are
kept that you plan to use, such as census, census
indexes, military records, passenger lists, etc.
E Inquire if there is anything "special" you should
know about their collection or about how to use
the collection.Finally, consider a list of do's and don't's:
Q Do make a research outline of what you want to
know and for what you plan to research before
you leave for the library.
Q Do bring pens/pencils and paper/notebook with
you.
E Don't bring small children.
E Don't stack open books on top of other open
books. This will break spines and damage the
books.
Q Do replace books where requested when
finished. Don't reshelve books unless requested
to do so.
E Do be considerate of other researchers working
around you.
A little planning will make your first research trip to
the library a successful event. Remember: Effective
research doesn't just happen-it is planned!
The Genealogy Collection of the
Dallas Public Library
Location: 8th Fboor of the
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
1515 Young Street at Ervay and Wood Streets
Dallas, TX 75201
214/670-1433
(Parking garage entered from Wood Street.)
Moars: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 9 a~n. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Card Cataiog: Best finding aid for the section.
(1) The Locality Card Section-United States;
specific States (alphabetical, Alabama to
Wyoming) containing alphabetical tabs for each
county within that state; Foreign Countries.
(2) Genealogies Card Section-Compiled
genealogies alphabetical by surname.
Coniputer: Master Bibliographic Data Base
contains genealogy materials in book form hut
does not catalog microforms other than some
census records. Material found by entering
subject, author, title, or call number.
Stacks: Beth open and cdosed stacks.mm
106
Volume 16, Number 9, November-December, 1992
DGS Newsletter
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Dallas Genealogical Society. DGS Newsletter, Volume 16, Number 9, November 1992, periodical, December 1992; Dallas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1261475/m1/6/: accessed May 8, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Dallas Genealogical Society.