60 North Harding Road

Columbus, OH 43209-1524

614-239-8977 (voice)

614--239-0599 (Fax)

mbkcons@gmail.com www.mbkcons.com

 
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Reference & Research Methods for Genealogy and Local History (16 Weeks)

LIS 61095   

 Location: in Room 332 SLIS classrooms in Kent and State Library of Ohio - KSU/Columbus

Description:

To study the resources and materials to promote and perform reference services in Genealogy and local history through lectures, readings, discussion and practical exercises.  The course will use primary and secondary materials used by librarians and archivists.

This course will teach students to locate, analyze and understand the various primary resources used by researchers in Local History and Genealogy.  Librarians and Archivists are being called upon more frequently to assist patrons in searching their family roots, researching events and locations in their past.  This course will provide the tools to understand how these specialized materials are arranged and accessed

 
Goals:
  1. Use the specialized indices and finding aids to locate documents and materials in genealogy and local history.
  2. Analyze and interpret the primary documents.
  3. Answer reference questions posed to genealogy librarians and archivists using the resources in their collections.
  4. Locate primary resources outside the department and the library / archives that pertain to genealogy and local history, including government documents and public records.
  5. Create collection development policies and to work collaboratively with local organizations to share resources and make appropriate referrals to their holdings.
  6. Promote the genealogy and local history collections throughout the library and the academic community to encourage use of the materials and promotion of the collections through exhibit, bibliographic instruction, research projects and publication.
  7. Become familiar with information sources on genealogy available through publications and organizations and including technical standards, program development tools, scientific and administrative research reports, and advocacy literature.

 

Course Requirements and Grading Policies: (A,B,C,D)

Assignment

points

BROCHURES

1.       (week 3) Create a list of genealogical and historical centers in your county - due week 4

2.       (week 5) create mission statement and collection development policy for your collection or local library - due Week 6

3.       (week 4) Create 2 brochures or finding aids describing the use of reference tools or primary resource for genealogy or history research - due on date of presentation weeks 12-15

4.       5 minute oral presentation about the brochure or finding aid. - The student’s written product will be distributed to the class - weeks 12-15

 

200

Mid Term: Take Home due 13 March @ 11:59pm

Transcribe primary documents

Provide methodology for researching local history and genealogy queries

200

Paper: (due week 15 - 4 May 2009 in class)

History of a place or company – provide research methodology and sources located as well as a narrative of results found. (10-15 page narrative)

or

Analyze census records for 3 decades, following the family or the town.  Provide research methodology and sources located as well as discussion of the changes noted in the family or location. (10-15pages narrative)

  • The paper must be submitted as a document from standard word-processing software, submitted in paper or as an e-mailed attachment to the instructor.  Approximate length shall be 10-15 pages of text, double-spaced (maximum), plus citations and bibliography.  Submit a proposal for research paper Week 5

 

300

Final Exam: Take Home due 14 May 2009 @ 11:59pm: A final examination will measure students understanding of concepts taught in the course and will be comprised of local history /genealogy queries, case studies and concepts.

200

In class participation

Including discussion of reading assignments and attendance on field trip

100

total

1000

Late Assignments will have 5 points deducted for every day late without permission from the instructor.

Student Responsibilities: Students are expected to read the assignments, participate in class, go on the ‘field trips’, write the assigned projects and papers and attend every class.  Students should inform the instructor if they know they will miss a session. 

Course grades are assigned upon the full semester's performance as follows:  A 1000-900 points; B 899-800 points; C 799-700 points; D 699-600 points; F below 600 points

 

Attendance and participation:  Attendance at each of the class meetings is required and encouraged.   Students are encouraged to draw upon and share their personal, employment, and academic experiences as well as upon supplemental readings. Second & additional absences result in 50 point reduction in overall grade.

 

  • Office Hours:
  • 1-2pm on Mondays when teaching in Columbus and by appointment at the adjunct office in SLIS – Columbus

  • 3-4:30 Thursdays in Kent and by appointment

  • SLIS Telephone 330-672-2782, home 614-239-8977, cell 614-579-9855. 

  • e-mail:  mkahn1@kent.edu

Students are expected to provide the instructor with a valid e-mail address so extra readings and materials can be distributed outside class.

 
 

Syllabus Description Links to websites & bibliography
       
Workshop Descriptions Websites & Bibliographies Consulting About MBK
Publications Schedule KSU Students Home
 

MBK Consulting

 

Miriam Kahn 614-239-8977 (voice)
60 North Harding Road 614--239-0599 (Fax)
Columbus, OH 43209-1524 mbkcons@gmail.com

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