[Genealib] Should it be "Genealogy" or "Family History" ?

[Kristen Smith]

Paul,

 

With regards to the use of the phrase "Genealogy and Local History" on
your web site - think about who the audience for the content would be?
My guess is that it's probably geared primarily for genealogists who are
comfortable doing research and are probably looking for the word
"genealogy" on your web site.  Think about what search terms you use in
Google when you're looking for resources about an area.  I know that I
usually search on the word "genealogy" and the name of the area I'm
researching.  Another reason to use "Genealogy and Local History" is
that these are both search terms that are consistent with Library of
Congress Subject Headings.  We use the term Genealogy and Local History
on our web site.

 

However, if you are doing a program designed to appeal to the general
public, then I agree with Pam that using phrases such as "family
history" or "discovering your heritage" would probably be more enticing
to the person with a casual interest in genealogy.

 

My two cents...

 

Kristen Newton Smith, M.L.S.

Reference Librarian

Algonquin Area Public Library

 

________________________________

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Pam Cooper
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 11:39 AM
To: Librarians Serving Genealogists
Subject: RE: [Genealib] Should it be "Genealogy" or "Family History" ?

 

Paul:

You bring up a discussion that I have had often with my boss and members
of the local society. 

 

Over the years, we noticed that when we publicize an event with the
words "family history" in the title, we get a much better response.  

 

We will use the word genealogy in the article, but the word is just not
as "appealing" to the public. <g> We try to avoid using it in any title
or subject heading.

 

However, we are still called the Archive Center and Genealogy
Department. Sometimes, I wish I could change it.

 

Pam

 

Pamela J. Cooper, Supervisor 

Archive Center & Genealogy Department

Indian River County Main Library

1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960

 

772-770-5060 x4148 - Fax 772-770-5446

Email: pcooper at irclibrary.org <mailto:pcooper at irclibrary.org>   

 

Need a guide to our collection? 

See our pathfinders at:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~flindian/ircl/pathfinderalpha.htm
<http://www.rootsweb.com/~flindian/ircl/pathfinderalpha.htm> 

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Paul Immel
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 9:14 AM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] Should it be "Genealogy" or "Family History" ?

 

Greetings,

 

If you had to decide between using "Family and Local History" or
"Genealogy and Local History" for the link on your library's homepage
for access to your webpage about your collection, which one would you
use?

 

I bring this up because the librarians in two of my recent workshops
differed on the effective use of "Family History" and "Genealogy."  In
one workshop, they all argued that "Family History" speaks directly to
the beginning researcher who is searching for his/her "family."  In the
second gathering, "Genealogy" was preferred because it was more
comprehensive of a collection including much more than just family books
and files.

 

What is your experience (or thought) ?

 

Thanking all contributors in advance,

 



Paul Immel

Research Services Librarian

State Library of Ohio

274 E. 1st Ave.

Columbus, OH  43201

(614) 387-1186

blog: http://statelibraryohiogen.blogspot.com
<http://statelibraryohiogen.blogspot.com> 

email: pimmel at sloma.state.oh.us <mailto:pimmel at sloma.state.oh.us> 

 

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