Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History from Home
Aimed specifically at beginners and those who may be limited to "armchair" research, this book starts by covering the basic principles of genealogical research and the various types of records to be searched. Using the same familiar icons as in other Betterway genealogical publications (e.g., Kathleen Hinckley's Locating Lost Family Members & Friends, LJ 10/1/99), Crawford-Oppenheimer offers tips on how and where to gather data. After discussing the basics of letter/e-mail writing and phone call/e-mail etiquette, she provides sample letters for requesting the many types of records. The successful use of the local library and of interlibrary loan is discussed, along with how and when to contact other libraries and archives and how to hire a professional researcher. How to build a personal genealogy library, find and contact other researchers, and use the Internet, CD-ROMs, microfilm, and periodicals are also covered. Ironically, the book does include a chapter on taking a research trip. Much of the beginning information is more thoroughly covered in works such as Desmond Walls Allen's First Steps in Genealogy (Betterway, 1998), but the geographically confined will appreciate the tips for reaching out to faraway sources. Recommended for public libraries.DElaine M. Kuhn, Allen Cty. P.L., Ft. Wayne, INCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.