The list below describes in greater detail some of the State Library's collections and resources that may be of interest to genealogists. Many of these pages were originally developed as information sheets for onsite researchers, so they focus on materials available at the New York State Library. Your Family Tree provides some background information and basic suggestions for people who are just starting to research their families. Surnames - A Pathfinder provides information on searching for family names. Tracing your Immigrant Ancestors lists some basic tools of research in the State Library's collection that can be used to research immigrants.
Adoptees is a bibliography of genealogical materials specifically geared toward adoptees.
Hints for Preserving Family Collections Genealogy Card Indexes describes the card indexes that are available at the State Library. Information in the card indexes cannot be accessed electronically. Databases in Local History and Genealogy describes the databases that are available to onsite researchers at the State Library. Finding Places provides links to pages that can help you locate places in New York Stae or in other parts of the U.S. Official Records Vital Records explains how researchers can obtain copies of vital records such as birth and death certificates. Although the New York State Library does not hold these records, it does have an extensive collection of church and cemetery records that may be of interest to some researchers.