YOU’LL LOVE THIS IF:
- You have experience searching records, but know little about how to find your ancestors in published genealogies
- You’re curious about what types of published genealogies exist and where to find them
- You want to know how to evaluate the reliability of information you find
- You want to take advantage of using library catalogs and online databases in your family research
People have been doing genealogy for centuries—and their efforts have produced a plethora of “pre-researched” family trees you can use as a springboard for your own research. From articles in genealogical society journals to entire books outlining specific lineages to searchable online databases of user-contributed family trees, this 2-week course shows you how and where to look for the work others have already done, allowing you to save time and add branches to your family tree.
Tuition:
$39.99 ($35.99 for VIP)
Course Length:
2 Weeks
Instructor:
Lisa Alzo
Start Date:
View upcoming course schedule for dates
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- The different types of published genealogies and what you can find in them
- How to understand and navigate library catalog classification systems
- How to search for online manuscripts about your ancestors on FamilySearch.com, Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest Online, World Vital Records and Internet Archive
- Using library tools to find physical and digitized published genealogies through WorldCat and Interlibrary Loan
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Access to the subscription websites Ancestry.com and WorldVitalRecords.com will help you get the most from this class, though it is not required. Some libraries offer free on-site access to these websites, and both offer free trials (note that you must cancel before the trial period ends to avoid credit card charges).
- This course assumes you understand the basics principles of genealogy and have done some investigation into your family history. If you are a total beginner, consider taking the Discover Your Family Tree course before enrolling in this class.
Outline
Lesson 1: Using Library Catalogs to Find Genealogies
Introduction
Types of Published Genealogies
Narrative family history
Graphic family history
Library and Archives Catalogs
Classification systems
Search screen examples
The Family History Library Catalog
FamilySearch.org
Kinds of searches
Keys to Success
Lesson 2: Finding Published Genealogies in Online Databases
Introduction
Ancestry.com
Search examples
HeritageQuest Online
Search examples
World Vital Records
Search examples
Internet Archive
Keys to Success
Lesson 3: WorldCat and Interlibrary Loan
Introduction
What is WorldCat?
Creating an account
Searching for books
Creating a list
Item records
Using Interlibrary Loan
Examples
Differing policies
Secrets to interlibrary loan success
Keys to Success
Is there a particular time of day, the course find your ancestors in books starts? Are do you complete at your convenience ?
Thank you,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
No, there is no particular time of day. We’ll give you a login and you can complete the course materials at your convenience over throughout the duration of the course.
Thanks,
Tyler Moss
Family Tree University
How many actual lessons are included in the course?
First Steps courses include 3 lessons, each with accompanying reading materials and a self-graded quiz.