Key characteristics

From SLNSW

Many public libraries collect and make accessible Family History resources. Family History is often viewed as being a challenging area of public librarianship.

As librarians, we seldom know the true motivation behind any reference question. Family History research, unlike many areas of reference work, is unusual in that it is so personal. It deals with people in families and their humanity. It also deals with society over time, and how society shaped the lives of ordinary people. It also shows how ordinary people shaped society. Underpinning much Family History research is the notion of social history. Family History and Local Studies Collections within public libraries are closely interrelated.

It is often said that people and life can be be messy. Family history research reflects the real lives of ordinary people. In reflecting real life events, characters and their motivations, Family history can be alternately uplifting; sad; happy; infuriating; funny; perplexing; complex; confronting; and a thousand other things to a researcher. Think of your own family background. Your family probably has secrets. Your family possibly has a 'black sheep' uncle or aunt who strayed away into obscurity. You may have criminal ancestors. When did your family arrive in Australia? Where did they come from? Were they rich or poor? What occupations did they follow? Why didn't mum tell you these things?

Empathy and sensitivity to a clients personal needs are something that librarians should constantly have in the forefront of their minds when dealing with family historians. Lateral thinking abilities, and the ability to efficiently refer clients to other collecting institutions, archives and societies are critical skills sets required for librarians working with family historians.

There are great differences in the ways that public library systems approach service to Family Historians. How they are served and the resources available to serve them are dependent upon variables such as staff numbers; staff attitudes; physical resources; collection policies; budgetary constraints; and many other factors.

Exercise

Have you answered any family history enquiries at your Library? If so, how were you first approached and how was the topic broached? If not, speak to a member of staff who has.