Library Catalogs Online

 

By David A. Ault, Ph.D.

14 April 2007

 

Talk Overview

n    Why search library catalogs from home?

n    Types of searches

n    Library catalogs to search

–   Libraries local to you

–   National libraries

–   Libraries where your ancestors lived

n    Requesting materials you found

n    Preparing to visit the library

n    Acknowledgements

 

Why Search library Catalogs from Home?

n   Determine if the title is local or remote

n   Save time in the library

n   Prioritize your searches in the library

n   Organize your searching in the library

n   Plan your search steps

 

Types of Searches

n   Author search

n   Title search

n   Numeric search

n   Keyword search

n   Subject search

n   Place search

n   Surname search

n   Boolean search

 

 

Libraries Local To You

n    Seattle area libraries’ online catalogs

–   Seattle Genealogical Society Library

§   www.rootsweb.com/~waseags

–   Seattle Public Library   

§   www.spl.org

–   King County Library System     

§   www.kcls.org

–   University of Washington Libraries       

§   www.lib.washington.edu

–   Fiske Genealogical Foundation Library                

§   www.fiskelibrary.org

–   Sno-Isle Library System

§   www.sno-isle.org

–   Sno-Isle Genealogical Society Library

§   www.rootsweb.com/~wasigs

–   US National Archives    www.archives.gov

§    www.rootsweb.com/~watpcgs/narafilm.htm

 

National Libraries

n    Family History Library Catalog

–   www.familysearch.org

n    Library of Congress Library Catalog

–   www.loc.gov

n    Daughters of the American Revolution Library

–   www.dar.org

n    National Genealogical Society Book Loan

–   www.ngsgenealogy.org/bookloan.cfm

n    WorldCat

–   www.worldcat.org

 

Finding Libraries Where Your Ancestors Lived

n     LIBCAT         “Library Resources on the Internet”

–   www.librarysites.info

n    LIB-WEB-CATS            “Directory of Libraries”

–   www.librarytechnology.org/libwebcats

n    LIB-DEX                       “The Library Index” 

–   www.libdex.com

n    LIB-WEB                  “Library Servers via WWW”

–   lists.webjunction.org/libweb

n    PIONEER LIB DIR       “Pioneer Library System” 

–   www.pls-net.org/directory

 

Requesting Materials Through Family History Centers

n    Title of record: film or fiche

n    Number of record: film or fiche

–   Fiche numbers begin with a “6”

n    Fill out “Microfilm or Microfiche Order Card”

n    Include your name, address and phone number

n    Enter Family History Center name

n    Type & length of microform loan – Short, First renewal, Second renewal

n    Costs

Make an Interlibrary Loan Request

n   Seattle Public Library interlibrary loan

–   www.spl.org

n   King County Libraries interlibrary loan

–   www.kcls.org

n   Sno-Isle Libraries interlibrary loan

–   www.sno-isle.org

 

Preparing to Visit the Library

n   Library specifics – location, hours, floor plans, rules, services

n   Listing of books, film, fiche to research

n   Priority search list

n   Data on research subjects and locations

–   Paper sheets

–   Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

–   Laptop computer