Genealogical research and resources : a guide for library use /

Aimed at reference librarians whose institutions have limited genealogical and historical materials, this guide should aid in directing readers to the proper sources to answer specific inquiries. It provides concise coverage of genealogical reference service, genealogical research and its organization, primary sources, and secondary sources, and gives an overview of foreign research, with a selected bibliography for each chapter. The text is weak on local public records, gives inadequate coverage to private manuscript materials, and classifies newspapers as secondary rather than primary sources. The newspaper section fails to note the United States Newspaper Project (supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities), which is compiling bibliographic data on US newspapers; access to that data is now available in many academic libraries. Although Gilmer's book is not comprehensive, it is brief and readable, and provides an excellent introduction to genealogical research. For small- and medium-sized academic libraries; of less use in research libraries. -F. R. Levstik, Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives

Tracing the family roots has become a growing pastime, as amateur genealogists increase the search for information about their ancestors. For those persons, and for librarians who may be unfamiliar with the special needs of the genealogist or hampered by an inadequate collection, Gilmer offers an introduction to primary and secondary resources. The author covers organization and methodology, identifies basic reference tools, and provides extensive lists of organizations, libraries, and archives that may be able to assist the researcher. Gilmer's work is authoritative, carefully organized, and clearly presented. Sources; to be indexed. JKL. 026'.9293 Libraries-Special collections-Genealogy / Genealogy-Bibliography-Methodology / Genealogy-Bibliography / Reference books-Genealogy-Bibliography [OCLC] 87-32534

Because of the upsurge in interest in genealogy, librarians who serve the public must be familiar with research methodology and sources in this field. Gilmer provides in five concise chapters basic information that she hopes will help the librarian to narrow the topic, guide the patron to locally available sources, and refer patrons to other libraries, archives, and organizations. This book is for those guiding the novice researcher; it could be useful in library school or refresher courses. Since it is in the form of a bibliographic essay, it also makes a handy tool for collection development. Highly recommended. Filby's Directory is a disappointment. The entries, arranged alphabetically by state and city, consist of answers to a questionnaire. These deal with such issues as size and scope of collection, lending policies, personnel, guides and indexes, whether on OCLC/RLIN, and major genealogical reference works and serials owned. A check of the entries for New York State showed many important omissions: Cornell University, Brooklyn Historical Society, and SPLIA, among others. Further, the introduction states that 4000 questionnaires were sent out. Yet only 1500 libraries are actually listedcf. 30,000 listings in American Library Directory with many responding ``too late for inclusion.'' The Mormon family history centers are excluded. Not recommended.Priscilla E. Pratt, East Setauket, N.Y. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.