Blog | California Genealogical Society

by Kathryn Doyle (6/30/2010)

The California Genealogical Society Library appreciates donations of books and periodicals that have genealogical content. The generosity of many people has greatly enriched the CGS Library collections in the past. Donations will be gratefully received by the CGS Library Committee and will be reviewed by Committee members, who will make decisions regarding retention.

Desired donations include: family genealogies or family histories; county histories and local histories with biographical sketches of residents; indexes to, or abstracts of, vital records or newspapers; and genealogical periodicals. Works on CD-ROM or microfilm will be accepted if not available in other formats.

Due to limited shelf space, NOT ALL donated items can be added to the Library collection. Examples include: encyclopedias lacking genealogical content, most biographies or autobiographies of famous persons, general histories, Who’s Who-type publications, works of fiction, photocopied books still under copyright, yearbooks, and many media materials. If received, CGS may give such items to other libraries, exchange them for more desirable works, or sell them in periodic book sales, the proceeds of which help to support Library operations.

Duplicate copies of items already owned by CGS may be retained if they are in better condition than copies currently in use. Small printed items that cannot be catalogued for the book collection may be added to the Surname File.

Donors (when known) will be identified with bookplates inside front covers noting items as gifts. Letters of thanks will be sent to donors, or to their heirs if gifts are from estates. CGS is not allowed by law to appraise or value any donation, but donors are welcome to fill out and sign the Instrument of Gift form for their uses.

Decisions regarding donations of unpublished works, such as scrapbooks, original documents, pedigree charts, correspondence, personal diaries, photographs and photo albums, will be the responsibility of the CGS Archives Committee rather than the Library Committee, or may be made jointly by both committees in special instances.

Donated items become the property of the California Genealogical Society and Library, to be used in whatever way is most beneficial to the Library. CGS reserves the right to withdraw donations from the Library collection if they become obsolete or can be replaced by newer editions. CGS does attempt to extend the useful life of withdrawn materials, whether by exchange, sale, or donation to other collections.

Five Ways To Kill Your Genealogy Society

by Kathryn Doyle (6/29/2010)

In all of the excitement of Jamboree I neglected to acknowledge the publication of an article that should be a must-read for every genealogical society. Amy Coffin’s piece, Five Ways To Kill Your Genealogy Society, is the lead article in the May-June 2010 California State Genealogical Alliance Newsletter.

Amy is the “rock star” author of the highly acclaimed We Tree blog and has a master’s degree in library and information science from San Jose State University. She’s a new member of the California Genealogical Society and Library and serves on our Publications and Marketing Committee.

I hope Amy doesn’t mind me telling that the concept (and title) came from Jane Hufft, Editor of The California Nugget. Amy ran with the idea and wrote it in record time. CSGA Newsletter Editor Peggy Rossi thought it was great and worth sharing with genealogical societies across the state of California. I think it’s worth sharing with societies across the planet and if you hurry you can download and read the article and the entire issue. (The Alliance puts the current issue up on their website as a sample so you may get another issue if you read this too far in the future.)

If your society would like permission to reprint Amy’s article, email her at [email protected].

Thursdays in July and August: An Experiment with Evening Hours!

by Kathryn Doyle (6/28/2010)

Events coordinators Tim Cox and Jane Lindsey are excited to announce summer extended research hours at the library designed especially for working members and patrons.

Starting July 8, 2010 and continuing every Thursday through August, the California Genealogical Society Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Hours on the two other open days will remain the same: Friday (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ) and Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

In addition, informal evening discussions are planned from 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Participants of all levels of research experience are welcome to network and join the conversation. Topics are as follows:

July 8, 2010 – New Tools on Familysearch.org
Discuss and learn about the site improvements including Record Search Pilot, Indexing, the Wiki, online tutorials and more.

July 15, 2010 – Blogging
Share your favorite gen blogs and discuss how and why blogging can help genealogists. If you have a secret desire to be a blogger, come and ask questions. You’ll get a better understanding of how to get started and how to maintain your blog.

July 22, 2010 – French-Canadian Research
Have documents you can’t translate? Members of the society’s French-Canadian Special Interest Group will share their tips and expertise. Facilitator: Mary Beth Frederick.

July 29, 2010 – Using NewEnglandAncestors.org
Helpful tips will be shared to more effectively use this subscription site. Facilitator: Tom Gesner.
RSVP for Using NewEnglandAncestors.org

August 5, 2010 – Whippersnappers 2.0
Born in the 70s or 80s? This session is for you! This is an invitation to our younger members and friends to get together and share ideas on how the society can be more helpful to your research. Hint: if you remember disco you’re too old for this meeting. Facilitators: Jennifer Jones Regan and Gabrielle Kojder.
RSVP for Whippersnappers 2.0.

August 12, 2010 – Hispanic/Latino Research
Share ideas for effective research in Spanish-speaking countries. Discuss the Spanish record extraction process. Bring your questions and your favorite resources. Facilitator: Ellen Fernandez-Sacco.
RSVP for Hispanic/Latino Research.

August 19, 2010 – German Research
Have you been putting off your German research? Join a discussion about resources, which sites are best and how to find towns in Germany. Experienced researchers will help you gain the confidence you need to get started. Facilitator: Jane Knowles Lindsey.
RSVP for German Research.

August 26, 2010 – Using Roots Magic
Bring your questions and ask the group for advice on how to perform tasks, run reports, create charts, or overcome obstacles you are experiencing with RootsMagic4. Power users will be there to help solve your dilemmas. Facilitator: Tim Cox.
RSVP for Using Roots Magic.

Details are still being worked out and facilitators are being identified for each discussion session.

BYO dinner or buy something nearby. If you plan to drive, metered spaces in Oakland are free after 6:00 p.m. but they fill up fast. Traveling in by BART is easier – get off at the 19th Street station. Group discussions will end by 8:15 p.m. to allow for everyone to walk to BART together before dark.

We would love your feedback. Do any of these topics appeal to you? Will extended summer hours entice you to spend some time with us?