Finding Aids: Research Help for Special Collections

Finding aids are very important for special collections.  Researchers near and far need to know what is available for them to browse.  Many items found in special collections are not catalogued so the only way they can be located is through the use of finding aids.  Such finding aids may include a list of Bible records, church records, military resources, loose leaf family papers, and vertical or lateral files.  Other finding aids may include bibliographies and how-to guides.

Finding aids may be available electronically or in paper form.  The Wayne County Public Library, Genealogy and Local History Department in Wooster, Ohio has various types of finding aids.  Some finding aids are electronically published while others are in paper form.  Electronically published finding aids may be found on the department’s website under “Department Resources” (www.wcpl.info/LibraryConnection/Genealogy/tabid/200/Default.aspx). These aids focus on those items available in the department.  Some finding aids are a simplified version of what can be found in the library’s online catalog while other aids refer researchers to items not catalogued.  Such items include a listing of non-catalogued CD-ROMs available for viewing; detailed list of local newspapers and the dates of coverage; middle school, high school and college annuals; uncatalogued lateral files; and business files.  Other electronic finding aids may be found through the website section “Department Guides.”  Such department guides include ethnic bibliographies and bibliographies assisting those researchers just beginning.  The ethnic bibliographies include African-Americans, Irish, Italian, and a general ethnic bibliography.  The titles listed on the bibliographies are limited to what may be found in the department.  A second guide our library currently has includes where to locate various genealogy and local history records in the county.  This is very important for researchers when planning a research trip.

One of the more recent additions to the department’s website is the “Research Checklist.”  This checklist includes a list of resources that may be helpful when seeking various types of genealogy information, such as parentage; immigration; birth, marriage, and death dates and places; business information; and which local resources are useful when researching historical buildings.  The research checklist was adapted from the department’s new staff training manual.  The training manual may be adapted in the future to serve as a comprehensive research aid for anyone interested in Wayne County, Ohio research.

Finding aids available at the library in paper form include an ethnic bibliography; beginner’s bibliography; webliography; vital records located in the department; and basic guides to beginning genealogy, both traditional and through the Internet.  The two main drawbacks to finding aids in print form include a limited audience to reach and the cost of publication.  Finding aids available electronically are available when requested and can be accessed by anyone with Internet access.  They can be updated quickly and with great ease.

Finding aids, either electronically or in paper form, are an essential part of any collection.  They are appreciated by staff, volunteers, and researchers.