Genealogy and Family History

Before locating original records, genealogical researchers may find it useful to do a "literature review".  This involves identifying any books, articles, or manuscript collections that have already been produced relating to the individuals or families of interest.

Books:

1. The LDS Family History Library has the largest collection of family history books.  Its catalog can be searched to identify titles and authors.
2. WorldCat is useful in locating the nearest library that may hold a book of interest.  In some cases, the book may be held by the USF Tampa Library or by the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa.

Articles: The journals, magazines, and newsletters that have been published within the genealogical community (many by national, state, and local genealogical societies) contain numerous articles that may relate to a researcher's family of interest.  The best way to locate this material is to use PERSI, an online database that is made available via the subscription service Findmypast.

Manuscript collections:  Unpublished materials, such as collections of letters, diaries, photographs, and miscellaneous papers and documents, may be part of the archive of a library or other special collection.  WorldCat can be used to locate this material.