[Genealib] census records - film vs databases?

Tue Jul 1 10:03:29 EDT 2008

This is my personal opinion only.

If the films in question are the 'regular' U.S. Census records only (as
opposed to more specialized films such as individual State Census), you
may be better off spending the funds on a subscription to an online
database such as Ancestry Library Edition or HeritageQuest Online.

HeritageQuest has the benefit of offering your Library user's remote
access, whereas AncestryLE is limited to use inside your Library.  We
are lucky enough to offer both.

If I had to choose only one, it would be AncestryLE.  Their coverage is
more in depth, offering more of what most patrons are looking for.

If the films are inexpensive enough and if you have a film
reader/printer, purchasing the films would probably be a good investment
'if' you cannot purchase one of the database subscriptions.

Keep in mind also that the films are not indexed, whereas the databases
are indexed and searchable.

Thank you,

Tom Mueller MLS

Lakes Region Library

1511 Druid Rd.

Inverness, FL 34452

ph: 352 726-2357

fax: 352 726-2814

________________________________

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Cheri
Nienke
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 9:43 AM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] re: census records

I need the collective wisdom out in the land of all-knowing
genealogists.  I may have the opportunity to purchase census records,
thanks to a generous donor.  Who do I contact about this, is it
available in fiche/film/CD, and approximately what is the cost?  Our new
library will open in September with a genealogy room.  For the past
year, I have been accumulating information shared by all of you, and it
has helped me purchase new equipment, books, and given me a lot of
guidance in the "how to" start up.  Thanks to all of you, Cheri

Cheri Nienke

Assistant Director

Andover Public Library

937 N. Andover Rd.

Andover, KS 67002

316-733-4599

cnienke at andoverlibrary.org

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.acomp.usf.edu/pipermail/genealib/attachments/20080701/0861a144/attachment.html