It is no secret that the Internet Archive or the Brigham Young Family History Collection provide access to online genealogy diaries, histories and books but so does Harvard, Michigan State University and Cornell to name just a few. Genealogy Book Links brings those altogether (Fig. 1) into one site, searchable by surname or keyword or by browsing.
Searching for Information
The search box ( Fig. 2) is straightforward but make sure to click on the “Genealogy Book Links” button when you do a search so that you stay within the site’s data base. It seems to revert back to the web option after each search. The list of documents returned from a search on a topic like “Mennonites” is quick. (Fig. 3) Clicking on a result doesn’t jump to the book but rather to the general category list where it is listed. Either scroll down to find it or use the find option of the browser. Once found click on the little blue, generally 3 or 4 letter code (Fig. 4) which jumps to the actual book at its home repository. It is a bit cumbersome but worth the effort.
Getting the Document
A similar search on Atkinson located the book “A Soldier’s Diary” which was located at the Internet Archive (sometimes called the “Way Back Machine”). The initial screen provides both reviews of the book (if they are available) (Fig. 5) and then access to the various methods of reading the book in a small box to the left. (Fig. 6) Generally the PDF file is the most satisfactory but it can also be read online.
Each repository tends to be somewhat different. For example, Harvard ( Fig. 7) seems to only allow the reading of the document online (which of course can be done) (Fig. 8). But clicking on the “Print” option along the menu line provides a “Convert to PDF for Printing” pop-up which has a number of options. To obtain the full book click on the button for “Convert entire document” and then enter an email address. The PDF file is then sent as an attachment.
Browsing the Site
The site can be explored by browsing as well, through a number of different methods. Along the right hand side of the main page is the “Category” browsing list. (Fig. 9) and once more upon finding a book click on the three letter code in blue to the right of the listing. The main browsing area is of course by state and the site is clearly focused on United States resources. Below that is a browsing area for “Material Type” such as books, magazines or newspapers. Any one of the browse options produces a listing of topics in alphabetical order and a rich field of exploration and opportunities to find exciting books you weren’t even looking for.
A Rich Resource
This site provides a quick and easy access to a large number of resource sites that allow for the reading of a wide range of genealogical books and source material. Very often it is possible to download the books as PDF files to have readier access. Even when a surname search is unsuccessful any number of category searches may turn up historical material that will give context and color to a written family history.
Bill Atkinson - Bill Atkinson, with an Masters degree and 40 years of teaching adults and teenagers, shares his passion for history, science and ...
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