[Genealib] genealogy ready reference books

[Mara Munroe]

The Handy book for Genealogists still says Winnebago County marriages
records begin in 1870, despite the fact that they have been told
multiple times over the years that marriage records start in 1848.  The
also say there are no 1860 0r 1870 mortality schedules for Wisconsin,
when there are.  I buy it, but I don't trust it.  Vital records fees and
addresses can change quickly; use the Internet. 

 

The most important ready reference book is the one you (or your
genealogical society) make yourself on how to do research in your county
or region.  This should have lists of local history source books,
cemeteries, defunct post offices, merged churches, discontinued
newspapers, which office holds which kind of record, etc.  

 

The second most important book is the one on how to do research in your
state.  

Mara B. Munroe
Local and Family History Librarian
Oshkosh Public Library
Oshkosh WI 54901-4985

"History is where the evidence leads us; heritage is what we choose to
remember and celebrate."  Edward T. Linenthal, May 2005

________________________________

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Shawna
Woodard
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:35 AM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] genealogy ready reference books

 

I am re-assessing what we hold at the genealogy reference desk as "ready
reference".  

 

I know that some librarians swear by "The Source" and "RedBook/ Red
Book".

 

There are three books that I would LIKE to have as ready reference, but
we hold older editions, so I might be giving patrons wrong information.
For now, I will not put these as ready reference because they are not
current.

 

Does anyone have other similar titles to recommend as ready reference
until new editions of these come out?

1.  Genealogist's Address Book.  Our library owns the 4th edition, 1998.
The 5th edition is listed as out of print, so it looks like we will have
to wait for the 6th edition to get a new copy.

2.  International Vital Records Handbook.  We have the 4th edition,
2000.

3.  County Courthouse Book.  We have 1995 edition.

 

If I use these, I would generally try to find a website that confirms
what is listed since the newest of these is 8 years old.

 

Another idea is to forget about books as ready reference all together
and just look at Cyndislist whenever I need websites, addresses, phone
numbers, forms, etc.

 

Any ideas?  Suggestions?

 

Shawna Woodard

Genealogy Librarian

Dayton Metro Library

215 E. Third St.

Dayton, OH  45402

937-496-8653

Donations of compiled family histories, Montgomery County yearbooks, or
money to purchase genealogical materials gladly accepted.


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