Enrollment options
Optional Print Course Material: Librarianship: Genealogy Record Types
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This course provides an overview of many categories of record types that can be used by genealogists in their research pursuits. While government-mandated and -issued records may be available to the researcher, there will be times when a given record may not yet have been used or when the record simply cannot be located. In these instances, it is important to understand what records may be used as substitutes that contain much of the same information in order to substantiate or refute a hypothesis.
You will be presented with many examples of materials, and these will provide an understanding of what record types are available, where they are likely to be located, and what type of content they contain. We will not focus so much on the actual "how-to" analysis of the data contained in the records, although we will discuss the use of your "critical thinking skills" in helping patrons.
The Librarianship Certificate Program is intended to provide overlapping and complementary content between modules. One of your primary goals is to assimilate the information presented in each course and integrate it into a "big picture" that will help you provide the best possible service to your genealogical patrons. Therefore, you will find that this course compliments material presented in the other Librarianship courses.
Finally, it is important that you become familiar with your local service area and the record repositories where specific records may be found and accessed. Your library will provide a focal point for connecting with many types of print, electronic, and document source materials. While your physical collection may or may not include original source materials, you will always be assisting patrons in research that provides clues and pointers to original, derivative, and authored sources. You cannot connect the patron to the appropriate resources if you do not have a clear understanding of what records exist, where they are located, and how to access them.
You will be amazed at the sheer number of different record types available to support genealogical research but, by the time you complete this course, you will be much better prepared to support your genealogical patrons with knowledge and confidence.
Course Length: 8 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The Basics
Home Sources
Putting It All Together
MODULE 2
USING CENSUS RECORDS
Introduction
United States Census Records
Canadian Census Records
British Census Records
Scottish Census Records
Irish Census Records
Australian Census Records
Census Indexes and Finding Aids
MODULE 3
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Introduction
Record Types
Summary
MODULE 4
LAND AND PROPERTY RECORDS
Introduction
Deeds, Indentures, Surveys, Taxes and Liens
Different Measurement Systems Used in Different Locations
Establishing Locations between Censuses
Tracing a Line of Descent through Land Records
MODULE 5
USING DEATH-RELATED RECORDS
Introduction
Death Certificates and Coroners’ Reports
Obituaries
Cemetery Records
Tombstones, Markers, and Memorial Inscriptions
Funeral Home and Mortuary Records
Wills and Probate Packets
Other Documentary Evidence
MODULE 6
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS
Introduction
Establishing Context is Vitally Important
Possible Sources for Military Records
MODULE 7
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION RECORDS
Introduction
Reasons for Migration
Historical and Social Timelines That Can Affect Immigration
Migration Routes Discussed
A Chronology of Ships’ Passenger Lists and What They Offer: Understanding the Situation
Where to Find the Records
What Information is Found on Ships’ Passenger Lists?
Locate and Access Canadian Immigration Records
Library and Archives Canada
Australian Immigration Records
Naturalization