Find Family History Fast: Using WorldCat & FamilySearch
Speakers:
Troy Mohrman, OCLC
Steve Fox, Family Search
Class outline:
1. Establish the role the libraries can play, in terms of genealogical research
2. Provide a quick survey of various possible tools and databases typically made available
through public libraries
3. Introduce OCLC
4. Introduce FamilySearch
5. Explain FamilySearch and OCLC’s partnership and activities together
6. Give a brief overview of WorldCat as the most comprehensive global network of data
about library collections and services, and how it benefits genealogy research
7. Show the WorldCat.org web site as a free entry-level search for WorldCat
8. Provide an in-depth demonstration of WorldCat Discovery, the new tool available
through libraries to search the depths of WorldCat and beyond. The demonstration will
focus on how genealogists can make best use of advanced and expert search features, in
addition to sharing tips and tricks to find libraries’ digitized collections of primary source
materials
9. Show participants how to find a library who participates in WorldCat and who
subscribes to WorldCat Discovery
10. Show multiple examples of library web sites, so participants know where to look for
WorldCat Discovery
11. Share future plans for FamilySearch’s cataloging activities to WorldCat and OCLC’s
activities to enhance WorldCat/WorldCat Discovery, relevant for genealogists
12. Encourage feedback on WorldCat Discovery functionality for genealogists and solicit
questions