Skip to: Content
Skip to: Section Navigation
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

Genealogy 101

Next session: Nov 9-Dec 23, 2009

Register online now! Or, register by mail or fax by downloading the registration form (PDF format.)

Course Objectives and Description

Genealogy 101 is aimed at reference staff with little or no experience in genealogy, and will provide tools for assisting patrons with family history research. The goal of the class is to give students confidence and skill in assisting family history researchers.

This five-week online course for library students and reference staff provides an introduction to American genealogy reference service. The course will outline basic sources and strategies, centered on a single case study. Topics covered include the U.S. Census, vital records, immigration research, military research and a variety of other basic genealogy sources. Students will also receive instruction in reference desk strategies and tools for further professional development. The course will cover archival material, print reference tools and online sources.

The course will include:

  • Online lessons: 3-4 per week
  • One optional chat session per week
  • Several short assignments per week

Instructor

Jack Simpson is the Curator of Local and Family History at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Before coming to the Newberry, he worked at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan and the Reuther Library at Wayne State University in Detroit. Simpson holds a Master’s degree in history from Wayne State, and a library degree from the University of Michigan. He is the co-creator of the website ChicagoAncestors.org.

Registration Information

Registration limit for each session: 30

Registrations for this session will no longer be accepted once the 30 student limit is reached.

Registration Fees:

  • $130 for RUSA members
  • $175 for ALA members
  • $210 for non-ALA members
  • $100 for students/retirees

How to Register:

  • Online
  • By Fax: download, complete, and fax form (PDF format) to (312) 280-1538
  • By Mail: download, complete, and mail form (PDF format) to American Library Association, ATTN: MACS/Online CE Registration, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Registration Deadlines for Next Session:

  • Online: February 11, 2009
  • By Fax: February 11, 2009
  • By Mail: postmarked by February 1, 2009