My family and I were traveling through Indiana last month, and researching at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center has been on my bucket list for some time. They have the second largest collection of genealogy resources (second only to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah). With over 1.2 million physical items and over 5 million digital items in their collection, I thought I’d share my tips that will be helpful for a first-time visitor.
Prepare in Advance
As with visiting any library or repository, the more you prepare in advance, the more productive you will be on-site. Visit GenealogyCenter.org to get familiar with their collection, databases, and other records that you may only be able to find there.
You can also email them in advance with any questions you may have. And be sure to check out this orientation video to help prepare guests.
Parking
There is a parking garage directly under the library, as well as two surface lots across from the library. We were on an RV trip and had our big truck. So the surface lots were perfect for me. You can pay with a card at each of the lots upon exit. The max you’ll pay at any of the lots is $7/day (as of 2022). View their parking map.
Stop at the “Ask Here” Desk
After making your way to the second floor, you’ll enter the Genealogy Center on the east side of the building. When you stop at the “Ask Here” desk, let them know that it is your first time visiting. A librarian will give you a map and orient you to how the center is laid out. They can provide you with a location guide and a subject index to the location guide, so you will know exactly where within the center to go. You can also get a temporary card to access the databases and the library’s numerous subscription services from the library computers. Finally, they can give you a card on which to load funds to make copies or print documents. But don’t spend money on copies, because you can . . .
Bring A USB Drive
And a camera, scanner, camera stand, or whatever else you may need to get images of documents. One of the best things about the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center is that they have no restrictions on making copies, taking photos, or scanning any item in their collection. As long as you don’t damage or steal an item, they don’t care what you do. All of the computers and the photocopier/scanners have a USB port. You can scan items directly to your own USB drive. No need to pay for copies at the library. And if you don’t have one, you may want to purchase a weighted bookmark. This helps to keep your fingers out of the image if you are taking a photo with your phone. Personally, I have the $9.75 one below, but the monogrammed one would be a great gift idea for the genealogist in your life!
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Bring Your Laptop
The computer tables are very spacious. So, you have plenty of room for books and your own laptop. As long as you are on the library’s network, you can access all of their databases from your laptop. Or you can use both your laptop and the library’s computer at the same time, enabling you to check and update your research log as you go. Each table has an outlet, so you don’t need to worry about battery life.
Don’t Leave Your Things at a Table
The librarian recommended that you do not leave any personal items on the tables. The library has rolling, black metal carts with three shelves to keep your personal items. So, if you do need to wander and browse and collect some books, it was very convenient. They do not have lockers, so I wouldn’t bring too much. I kept my jacket and laptop bag on the bottom shelf, my laptop on the second shelf, and any books I was collecting on the top shelf as I made my way through the various subject sections. They have brown rolling carts where you can return the books you are done with. I tried to leave my books near the section they came from, but the librarian said they could be left on any brown cart anywhere in the Genealogy Center. That way, if you need a military book, a family surname book, and a city directory, they can all be left on the same cart.
Don’t Spend Time on Out-of-Copyright Books
I’m a browser, so I love to peruse the shelves. But, if you see a book with a copyright date of pre-1926, it is likely in the public domain. You can quickly check Internet Archive or the Family Search Digital Archive, both of which have scanners onsite and are diligently digitizing the library’s catalog. Take a photo or add the name of the book to your research log if it is available online so you don’t forget about it. Yes, there is always the possibility that a page was skipped or an image won’t be clear. But I would rather spend my time reviewing the items I can only access there. And I’m sure if you came across an issue with a digitized book, the librarians at ACPL would be happy to scan you the page you need.
Ask the Librarians
All of the librarians at the Genealogy Center are genealogists. While I was there, one was helping a gentleman use Ancestry.com for the very first time. They are knowledgeable not only about their collections but about genealogy research and methodology. So, don’t overlook them as one of the benefits of visiting the Genealogy Center. In fact, you can schedule a 30-minute personal research consultation in advance of your visit.
Stay in the Know
Regardless of how you like to get information, the Genealogy Center has you covered. You can subscribe to their monthly E-Zine, Genealogy Gems, as well as view past issues since 2004. They’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Plus they host free genealogy events, for which you can register from their Events Page. In the top boxes, you can filter by location and select Virtual Genealogy or by Event Type and select Family History and Genealogy.
Research from Home
If a trip to Indiana is not in your future, don’t despair. You can still take advantage of many of their resources from home. You can schedule a 30-minute personal research phone consultation, request a “Quick Search” for $7.50/name/search, a Research Request for $25 for one hour of research, or receive an article(s) you find in the Periodical Source Index (Persi) for $7.50, which includes up to six articles and $.20/page. Twelve of their databases are available to use off-site, including Family Bible Records, Family Resources, and the Periodical Source Index (PERSI).
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