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Next-generation genealogy and one woman’s quest to share the wealth of WorldCat.org

Genealogists around the world have fully embraced blogging and social networking tools as part of their routine sleuthing protocols. But have they uncovered the countless clues that WorldCat libraries provide? We did some investigative research of our own to find out.

It wasn’t long before we came across a challenge of blogospheric proportions—fit for the surfing-savvy: 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy. The creator of this challenge is (of course) a librarian, blogger and genealogist, Amy Coffin, who lives in Texas.

“Each week’s assignment is designed to encourage genealogists to trace their roots using tools that are available through library resources,” said Taneya Koonce, librarian, genealogy researcher and a follower of 52 Weeks. “Week 5 of the series has particular emphasis here because the goal was to encourage hundreds of geneabloggers to explore WorldCat.org and I’m a huge personal fan of WorldCat.”

So, from January 30 through February 5, geneabloggers went to town on WorldCat.org—clicks spiked and bytes sparked all over cyberspace. From the responses on GeneaBloggers, many participants found success in WorldCat.org—and many had previously used the site. We found many reports on their experiences, including tips on keywords (such as the geographic location of your ancestors for diaries and correspondence that provide insight into the lives and times of your ancestors) and how to order copies of journal articles through interlibrary loan, plus dynamite reviews like this one:

“'Genealogy education' was my next choice of search terms. I was expecting to get books such as how to do genealogy research online, using DNA to trace your ancestors, etc. The first book returned was a popular book for online genealogy, those that followed were even better. There were books on schools in various parts of the country, city and rural schools, books of graduates and teachers and schools for specific groups of people. This was another reminder that key words used in searches really are key!

With my interest aroused I will spend more time on WorldCat experimenting with various keyword phrases and see what I find.”

WorldCat.org is growing, and our user base continues to reach new heights. It’s important to realize that together, we’re not only helping hobbyist genealogists discover who their ancestors were and where they came from, but more than ever before, we’re helping people discover who they will become.

“The posts are a great opportunity for WorldCat libraries to better understand searching behavior,” continues Taneya. “And how a variety of individuals interact with the site as they seek to make improvements and updates. I hope, too, that my fellow geneabloggers out there have also come to realize just how valuable this resource can be for family history research.”

The 52 Weeks program is a perfect example of how libraries can harness the power of users’ quests for information to promote the invaluable resources of libraries through WorldCat.org. If you had to create a 52-week program today, what would it be? What would your library contribute to the endless path of discovery?

Share this genealogy guide with your users >>

Visit the WorldCat for genealogy Web page >>

Download free posters, table tents and additional materials to promote WorldCat in your library >>

(2010 03 25)