October 2, 2024
It has been said that genealogy information available on the internet is just the tip of the iceberg. To find the vast majority, you need to explore materials in libraries, archives, and courthouses. Sometimes, genealogy research requires reading through books to find that ever-elusive information found nowhere on the internet.
Whether you are looking for a marriage register, a death index, a county history, or any book that contains good genealogy resources, finding that particular book can sometimes be challenging.
Through your research, you have determined which book or books you would like to peruse. Your local library has a copy but is closed for a holiday. Moreover, your local library does not have a copy. After checking WorldCat, you discover that only seven copies are available in the United States, and they are spread across the country.
What to do? How old is the book? Check to see if it has been digitized and can be viewed online. It is amazing how many websites have books available for viewing digitally. The following is a list of websites with books viewable online:
- Google Books
- FamilySearch
- Internet Archive
- HathiTrust
- Library of Congress
- State Archive websites
- Digital Public Library of America
- Brigham Young University Online Books Page
- Cyndi’s List Online Books (links to 54 websites)
Whether you use Mid-Continent Public Library’s website or that of another local library, there are also databases through your library that have books viewable online:
- HeritageQuest Online – This online resource is searchable by a person’s name or book title.
- Genealogy Connect – The books on this online resource are listed by category.
Just because you cannot get a book to hold in your hands does not mean it is unavailable.
Happy reading!
Mary
Midwest Genealogy Center
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