Used Bookstores, Flea Markets and Libraries - Oh My!

Due to a recent job change I am thrilled to be working in downtown Tampa once again. As part of my daily walk at lunch I try to post an interesting picture on Facebook. While some folks on Facebook may be getting bored by the photos I am loving it!


Genealogy at Lunch

One of the first places I wanted to check out was the Old Tampa Book Company. When I worked downtown a few years ago I frequented the store and bought some great old biographies. While eBooks may be the rage, there is nothing as inviting as a used book store.

I made my way to the back of the store. Why? From my previous visits I knew this is where the history books were shelved. More precisely historical accounts of wars along with books divided by the regions of the United States.

I found books written about various military regiments, battles, county histories and memoirs. While none were books I could relate to my ancestors I am sure they would be a wealth of information for someone.

Back Away From The Computer

The reason I chose this topic for my blog is simple. Everything we need for our research is not on the Internet. We have to think outside of the Internet!

Does your town or a neighboring town have a used book store? a flea market? When was the last time you visited the library?

Whether you are staying close to home or going out of town on vacation check out the libraries, used book stores and flea markets. You never know what you may find.

Get out and enjoy the great weather, explore some local resources and maybe break down a few brickwalls.

Take Care,

Pattie



Add LibraryThing To Your Genealogy Toolbox

In a previous blog I wrote about my granddaughter scanning my book collection into LibraryThing.com. My thought was it would be nice to catalog my books and it would keep Tori busy.
Today I discovered that LibraryThing is a great research tool.

Books, Books and More Books
I do a lot of research in Upper Michigan and there have been many histories compiled about early settlements, local remembrances and various community anniversaries.  The problem is if you do not know they exist it is hard to track them down.

Today on LibraryThing I did a search on "Upper Michigan" and hit the mother lode. Not only were there 84 results, but it allowed me to find who the folks were that had the books, if any would be willing to swap, what libraries had copies and which booksellers had copies.  WOW! A lot of information to digest.

So, if you have not explored LibraryThing, take a minute to do a search.

Take Care,
Pattie

Genealogist Supply List - Don't Leave Home Without Them

A few years ago I was at a genealogy seminar and someone asked if it was a prerequisite for a genealogist to be addicted to Office Depot? I laughed, but then thought for a moment. I LOVE Office Depot!

With summer coming genealogists will be making more road trips and then going home to 'digest' their findings. Having the right supplies will make life easier.

Here are some items that every genealogist should have in their 'toolbox'.

* Magnifying glass
* Binder Clips - Small,Medium,Large
* Highlighters
* Post-it Notes - Regular and Directional (arrows)
* Photo safe and acid free Scotch Brand Scrapbooking Tape
* Index Cards
* Paper Clips
* Archival Pen and Pencil
* Ruler
* Mini Tape Measure
* USB Drive
* Portable Scanner
* Cotton Gloves
* Label Maker
* Sheet Protectors
* Extension Cord
* Calculator
* 9 x 12 Envelopes
* Steno Pad
* Blank cd's
* Permenant Markers
* Voice Recorder (cell phone, mp3 player, etc)
* Camera (cell phone, digital camera, disposable, etc)
* Pre Printed Cards (aka business cards) with your contact information
* 3-Ring Binders
* File Folders

Divide your supplies into different containers.

When traveling select either a soft side container that can be carried in a computer bag, brief case or tote bag. This can hold a small magnifying glass, paper clips, highlighters, pens, pencils, etc.

For home storage the type of container is not as important as long as it it holds your supplies and keeps the items organized. An actual 'toolbox' may help organize your supplies best.

I am continuing to add to my list of 'must have' supplies as I reorganize my office. I will post more supplies later!

Take Care,
Pattie