Libraries and Genealogy: An Ontario Library Association Workshop
LIBRARIES AND GENEALOGY:
Using the library to trace and document family history
Please note: The Workshop is now over.
Providing 21st Century genealogy services in libraries is both exhilarating and challenging! Libraries are important sources for people starting to trace their roots, experienced researchers, and for out-of-towners seeking information about local members of their families.
The Ontario Library Association is delighted to participate in the 2010 Ontario Genealogical Society Conference by offering a full-day pre-conference workshop designed for novice and experienced providers of family history and genealogy services.
Everyone is welcome—whether you work in libraries or not!
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010
Doubletree Hotel, 655 Dixon Road
Fee:
OLA or OGS Members: $115.00
Non-members: $135.00
REGISTRATION
The registration fee covers workshops, handouts, refreshments at breaks and door prizes. Lunch is not included.
A GREAT DEAL ON A WHOLE WEEKEND OF LEARNING
The Ontario Genealogical Society has extended its discount members’ registration rates to members of the Ontario Library Association.
SCHEDULE
The planning committee has organized a stellar line-up of speakers and workshops! A “Gallery Walk” is also included. What is a Gallery Walk, you ask? Check the description and content at the end of the schedule.
8:45 am – 9:30 am
Registration. Refreshments and Gallery Walk
9:30 am – 9:40 am
Welcome and introduction of Keynote Speaker
9:40 am – 10:15 am
Keynote Speaker: Patricia M. Van Skaik, Manager, History and Genealogy Department, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Genealogy Data Buried in a Photograph: How One Library Brought Hidden Resources to Life
In 1848, Charles Fontayne and William Porter captured the earliest photographic representation of a city in North America. When 21st century technology was applied to the photograph, it revealed slices of life previously invisible to the naked eye. In addition, the Panorama links to a treasure of genealogical resources and has filled in research gaps for many family historians.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Session 1A: Genealogy 101: The Basic Terminology and Definitions
With Ruth Blair, Blair Archival Research
This lecture will provide terms, definitions and advice to assist librarians with queries relating to genealogical research. You will also be introduced to websites, books and other tools to help the patron with their research.
Session 1B: Using FamilySearch.org and Family History Centres in Ontario
With Jane MacNamara, Ontario Genealogical Society instructor, tour leader
This presentation will demonstrate how researchers in Ontario can use the resources of the largest genealogical library in the world—the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, both online and through the network of Family History Centres in Ontario, and around the world. The session will also demonstrate how the superb Family History Library Catalogue can be used as a tool to find resources in Ontario libraries.
11:15 am – 11:30
REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Session 2A: Getting the Word Out! Increasing Awareness of Your Collections
Jennifer Green, Genealogy and Local History Librarian, Oshawa Public Library
Learn about the types of programs you can develop to encourage use of your local history and genealogy collections. Ideas include genealogy workshops, antique appraisal events and heritage days as well as strategies for marketing to the public and networking with community groups.
Session 2B: What Can I Find Through the Archives Association of Ontario (AAO)?
With Carolynn Bart-Riedstra. Archives Advisor of Ontario
Carolyn will provide a tour of the resources of the Archives Association of Ontario—an invaluable reference tool for librarians and staff who are working with genealogists and other researchers. Participants will find out how to locate municipal archives and archives in general, how to search on ARCHEION—Ontario’s contribution to archivescanada.ca, learn about resources for paper conservation, and a brief introduction of RAD, and the types of records that may be found in the archives for genealogical and research purposes.
12:30 pm – 2:15 pm
LUNCH BREAK and time to do the “Gallery Walk”
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Session 3A: Branching Out: Developing Genealogy Collections and Services in the Digital Age
With Andrew Lofft, Canadiana Department Head; Diana Fink, Canadiana Department Services Specialist, North York Central Library; Toronto Public Library
Thanks to the Digital Age, libraries of any size can now “branch out” and develop collections and services for one of the fastest growing hobbies. Librarians from the Toronto Public Library share their tips on building core print and electronic collections. Discover the best electronic resources and reference interview techniques, including roving, for your small to medium public library.
Session 3B: OurOntario.ca—Discover our Stories, our History, … our Ontario!
With Loren Fantin, Our Ontario Project Manager
OurOntario.ca is an innovative and unique discovery portal—search thousands of digital resources available from a range of diverse cultural organizations—in one search! OurOntario.ca makes it easy to find digital collections—audio, video, text, government documents, images and collections, about Ontario people, places and events, or from an Ontario organization. Search results are customizable to suit specific audiences and personal tastes and easily shareable. Our Ontario, a program of Knowledge Ontario, partners with cultural heritage and community content organizations, offering our expertise in search technologies, and providing free tools, hosting and user interface for digital collections. Come and find out about our unique services and how they of use to you.
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm
HEALTH BREAK
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Session 4A: Why Can’t I Find it in the Catalogue?
With Patricia Van Skaik
Librarians and genealogists face the challenge of using cataloging systems that do not organize information the same way that genealogists conduct research. This session introduces “tricks of the trade” to assist genealogists locating family history materials in online catalogs. Recommended by some of the nation’s leading genealogists as “must see.”
Session 4B: Ancestry.ca for Libraries: How to Seek and Find the Very Best
With Lesley Anderson, Partnership Development and Content Specialist, Ancestry.ca
Ancestry Library Edition contains thousands of databases and billions of names. It has unparalleled coverage of census, vital, church, court and migration records for Canada, United States and the UK, and numerous other countries around the world. Lesley will cover browsing and searching, and highlight the wealth of excellent resources contained within this core resource for libraries.
4:30 pm
Wrap-up, Door Prizes, Evaluation
Gallery Walk: Great Ideas and Valuable Resources
A “Gallery Walk” is open time for delegates to walk about the room visiting the 6-8 displays set up by various individuals, institutions and related exhibitors. For this day, we expect some of the displays to be ready at the time of registration, and all will be available at the morning break and lunch break. People will be in attendance at each stop along the walk for you to dialogue with, ask questions, and receive handouts and new ideas!
Confirmed at the moment:
A. Toronto Public Library Genealogy Resources
Discover the research possibilities in two of Ontario’s best genealogical library collections, at the Toronto Reference Library and the North York Central Library. Resources covering the province, Canada, the U.S. and Europe include cemetery records, census, city directories, heraldry, immigration records, land records, local histories, military records, newspapers, periodicals, vital records, and electronic databases.
B. Preserving Local Stories Through Oral and Visual Histories
Janet Iles, Genealogy Consultant and Researcher, will demonstrate how the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library has been involved in sourcing and collecting the stories of community citizens as a way of documenting history for future generations. Learn how we accomplish our work and make the results available for interest and study.
C. The Ontario Genealogical Society
The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), founded in 1961, is a major source of primary genealogical research material, producing original research, indexes, and “how to” books and CDs. For example, OGS has transcribed over 95% of Ontario’s cemeteries. There are 31 branches across Ontario to provide detailed, local information. Dr. Fraser Dunford will be available to talk about the resources and answer questions.
PROGRAM AND SPEAKERS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.