If you’ve spent any time at all researching your family tree, you probably already know just how valuable libraries can be in helping you get to the bottom of the riddle that is your family’s history. The problem, of course, is that finding the time to trek to the library that actually has the clues you need can be difficult, if not downright impossible.
But the good news is this: you can most likely get access to exactly what you need without ever leaving home. Thanks to the Internet and tried and true “snail mail,” the information in the world’s best libraries is right at your fingertips.
How to access the best library in the world
Before we get into the tips, ask yourself this question: what is the best library in the world for genealogy researchers? Before you start wracking your brain, here’s the simple answer – it’s the one that has the info you’re looking for. Sounds simple, right? But the fact is, lots of people overlook this. If your ancestors came from Tumbleweed, Nowheresville, then that town’s library is going to be invaluable for your research. In this case, size definitely doesn’t matter.
Now let’s look at how to visit the library…without ever really having to visit the library (if you know what I mean).
You can access many library sites online and look through their catalogs. (A catalog is a database of the library's holdings.). Not only can you access the catalog of your local library online, but you can also access the catalogs of many libraries around the world. Start with LibWeb, which gives you access to libraries in 125 countries.
Also remember that most libraries have an inter-library loan program, which means that you can request a book in your local library that is held many miles away, and the book will be sent to your library so that you can borrow it. Not all books can be borrowed in this way. Older and valuable reference books may only be available to you if you visit the library itself.