Who are your clients?

From SLNSW

Family history clients come from a range of cultural and social backgrounds. They may be children, teenagers or adults and they will have a range of numeracy and literacy skills. If clients are unfamiliar with libraries they may need assistance with some basic searching, retrieval and referencing skills. This involves them having some understanding of indexing methods, using catalogues and some computing skills. It is important that you pass on your knowledge about the benefits of careful researching and recording methods.

Empowering clients with this knowledge can lead them to further enjoyment of their research and the discovery that libraries and information centres are staffed by people who are willing to help them learn new skills. Whilst you may find that initially you need more time to explain to a client how to use a catalogue for example, the benefits will be that next time the clients do some research they will be more confident.

Note: Whilst the level of computer skills amongst the public is on the increase, there can still be clients who have little or no idea of how to use a computer. Demographically speaking Family History clients generally tend to be amongst our more senior clients and are often inclined to be "technologically-challenged".Assisting people with online research can be quite time consuming and usually demands a one-to-one level of assistance. It may be useful to tactfully direct them to basic computing guides, books, magazines or websites and advise them how to independently gain some computing skills that will ultimately help them with research. Contact your local TAFE Colleges & Adult Education Centres to see if there are any free courses on offer. Alternatively online tutorials may assist.

Exercise

Who offers family history courses in your area?

Is there a Family History Society nearby?

What are their hours and conditions of access?

What resources do they hold?

Note: you may want to arrange a group visit to other local resources.