Along with Internet access and help from volunteers, the library has documents that can't be readily found on the Internet, such as books of local history, passenger ship lists, microfiche, and large regional and racial data bases. The library staff estimates 450 people use its genealogy facilities each month. Historians like to find personal ways of getting into history. Even though their relatives weren't kings, queens or presidents, they were participants in history. Other people use genealogy for medical reasons.
People can now trace genetic problems back through the generations.
Genealogy traditionally takes a lot of time, but with the Internet, younger people are getting involved. It is more convenient for people who don't have lots of time. After the kids are in bed, you can do some base level research on the computer. Some of the Internet's drawbacks are obvious, especially if your name is, say, Smith. Privacy is also a concern.