GLMC
Library Profiles
Use these library profiles to
learn how to get books listed in the Genealogical Library Master Catalog™.
Local
Libraries
Use local libraries before contacting
distant libraries. Residents of the city, county or state that funds a library usually are
given priority over nonresidents. Keep in mind that, while university library staff will
usually help visitors if they can, they must first attend to the needs of their students
and faculty. Determine if a book, manuscript or microfilm is available at a library in
your community by searching your local public and university libraries' online catalogs or
by visiting the libraries. Also, check your local genealogical society library.
Interlibrary
Loan
If the title is not available at local
libraries, your public library may be able to borrow it from another library. Print out a
copy of the bibliographic reference and take it to your local public library.You may need
to fill out a special form. Instead of lending the original item, sometimes a library will
send a photocopy of the whole work or selected pages. Ask if there's a fee.
The bibliographic reference may indicate
that the title does not circulate, that is, that it may not be checked out of the library.
Click on the name of the holding library in the bibliographic reference to go to the
library profile. The Interlibrary Loan section describes the library's policy. See if the
GLMC™ indicates that other libraries hold the same title. Even if the holding library
listed in the GLMC™ will not lend the item, another library might. Note that all
titles held by the New England Historic Genealogical Society
Circulating Library may be lent to members of the society for a small fee. Also, while
its holdings are not listed in Volume 1 of the GLMC™, the National Genealogical Society has a large
collection of genealogies and local histories that members can borrow inexpensively.
Click on Library to check
the society's online catalog for specific titles.
Library
Reference Services
As a last resort, contact the reference
staff at the distant library. Most libraries will answer brief reference questions by mail
or phone and some can accept inquiries by fax or e-mail. Some can also do limited research
or make photocopies for a fee. If you require more extensive research, some libraries can
provide a list of professional researchers. Click on the name of the holding library named
in any bibliographic reference in the GLMC™ to go to a profile describing the
library's policies. Use the links in each profile to go to the library's Web site for the
latest information or contact the library directly.
Make your reference request brief and be
sure to include a name, a place and a date or general time period. When writing to a
library, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you expect a written reply.
Carefully note whether a library charges a fee for research or photocopies and whether
payment must be received in advance. Library staff will often check a book's index for a
specific name. If you find a promising reference to a book, microform or manuscript in the
GLMC™, print out a copy of the reference to send along with your question. Better
yet, use the link in each library profile to go to the library's online catalog. Search
for the book, microform or manuscript and print out a copy of the bibliographic reference.
The library's online catalog may give details not included in the GLMC™ and the
library may find it easier to work with the record format used in their own online
catalog.
The
Holding Library
If you get the chance, visit the library yourself. Once you
find the references you noted from the Genealogical Library Master Catalog™, you
should browse the nearby shelves for other books that might prove useful in your research.
Books shelved closely together usually deal with related subjects. Be sure to use great
care when using library materials. Do not write on them or tear out pages. Follow the
library's special guidelines for use of rare books or manuscripts. And always treat
library staff courteously and thank them for their help.
New and Used Book Dealers
A number of large used book dealers have Web sites where
you can search for a certain title. Among them are Advanced
Book Exchange, Alibris, Bibliocity, BiblioFind.and
Blairs' Book Service. Go to BookFinder.com to search the combined holdings of
several large book dealers at once. Several publishers, like Heritage Books, Inc. and Higginson Book Company, specialize in reprints
of genealogical titles. See the Books
and Microfilm & Microfiche pages of
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet for links to Web sites of genealogical
book and microform publishers, as well as book dealers and book search services.
Professional Genealogists
Professional genealogists can often retrieve the
information you seek efficiently and inexpensively. They are usually very familiar with
the most important resources available for their area of expertise and may even know about
obscure but important records or have private collections of valuable materials. Some
libraries and genealogical and historical societies will provide a list of professional
researchers. Check services advertised in genealogical or local history periodicials
dealing with your particular research interest.
The Board for
Certification of Genealogists publishes a list of Certified Genealogists. The Family
History Library™ of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides three
helpful publications at no charge: a list of Accredited Genealogists: International,
revised quarterly, item #32750; Accredited Genealogists: U.S./Canada, revised quarterly,
item #32749; and Hiring a Professional Genealogist, item #34548. These publications are
available at the Family History Library and at Family History Centers. You may also send
your order to Salt Lake Distribution Center, 1999 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City, UT
84104-4233 USA, or fax it to 1-801-240-3685. The Association
of Professional Genealogists (APG) publishes the APG Directory of Professional
Genealogists. Finally, see the page on Professional
Researchers, Volunteers & Other Research Services on Cyndi's List of Genealogy
Sites on the Internet.
