A publication such as Ancestry Magazine can prove useful to beginning and advanced researchers. Some libraries have sources from the Federal government, especially indexes to various censuses. After searching published family histories, most researchers turn to Federal censuses. In such a case, you can go from the index to the microfilm room very easily to follow up on your families. It is difficult to imagine doing genealogical research today without the use of a computer.
Most libraries have computers that are beneficial to genealogists in two ways.
First, the library might have a collection of research on CDs that are available for use. Secondly, they may have computers connected to the Internet. You can do considerable research using these machines. In either case, the amount of time one can spend at the computer is usually restricted. Most libraries with computers require patrons to sign up for their use in advance.