[Genealib] Re: Advice for Library School Students

[Jack Simpson]

Hello, everyone:
This is a timely topic for me, because as Bill kindly noted, my book 
just came out:
Basics of Genealogy Reference: A Librarian's Guide
http://www.amazon.com/Basics-Genealogy-Reference-Librarians-Guide/dp/1591585147

When I first started working as a student reference assistant in a 
history library,  I noticed that about half the users were genealogists. 
So I asked a reference librarian what I should read to learn a bit about 
genealogy, and she pointed me to The Source. The Source is the best 
reference book for American genealogy, in my opinion, but it was a bit 
overwhelming as a beginner, and I didn't read it at that point.

So after working as a reference librarian in genealogy for a number of 
years, I decided to write a short, beginner-friendly book aimed at 
librarians and library students who aren't planning on specializing in 
genealogy, but would like to know some of the basics tools and 
techniques for assisting family history researchers. I particularly 
focus on resources that will be available at many public libraries, 
including free internet sources and the major commercial databases. 
Throughout the book, I use several case studies to illustrate research 
methods. I also mention GENEALIB as a great resource, by the way.

I teach a similar online class on genealogy reference through the ALA, 
called Genealogy 101:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/genealogy101/index.cfm
I'll be offering it again the spring.

Thanks for giving me a chance to mention these- I swear I didn't solicit 
this question so I could promote my book!

-- 
Jack Simpson 
Curator of Local and Family History 
The Newberry Library
312.255.3671
simpsonj at newberry.org