Module 9

From SLNSW

Purpose of module

To provide an overview of Family History enquiries and how to deal with them in public libraries, identifying key resources for family history research. Key motivations of clients, issues and challenges of providing Family History service in public libraries are explored.

Introduction

The provision of Family History resources in public libraries provides clients with the means to begin researching family histories in Australia and overseas. Motivations for undertaking such research are personal in nature, sometimes for a hobby or pastime, but often for reasons including personal health issues; the need to 'belong' as a member of a family in society; to link up with distant family members; and for many other pressing and sometimes highly emotional reasons.

Family History Collections in public libraries may consist of a small collection of microfiche and a reader in the corner of a branch library, right through to entire rooms of specialist resources, with Internet, microfilm, microfiche and published resources on hand. The availability of many indexes and resources online is making family history service provision increasingly easy.

Staff support for Family History services in public libraries may range from dedicated specialist librarians offering expertise and referrals enthusiastically, to indifferent librarians offering little support, encouragement or interest. Knowledge of key available resources, in your own library and in other collecting institutions, is fundamental to the provision of user-friendly, efficient and time and cost effective services. Often, librarians feel that family history services are synonymous with difficult clients and lost time.

Competency in a few basic family history tools, and use of effective reference interview skills can usually eliminate these difficulties.