Videos
*How to Navigate the Tennessee Room*
This vodcast serves as a guide to navigating the catalog of the Johnson City Public Library (JCPL) by shelving location, allowing you to search for items contained in the Tennessee Room specifically. While this guide is designed primarily with genealogists/researchers in mind, it serves as a useful tool for using the library's resources in general. If you are still having difficulty, consider reaching out to the Adult Services Information Desk by visiting the second floor of the JCPL or by calling them at (423) 434-4454.
Ancestry Library Edition Tutorial
This video serves as a guide on how to use AncestryLibrary Edition to conduct genealogical research. AncestryLibrary Edition is a free resource available through many public libraries (including the Johnson City Public Library) that shares almost all materials with the commercial Ancestry.com. While this video was specifically crafted for the Toronto Public Library (Canada), you will still find its materials useful for research in the United States. Johnson City patrons can access AncestryLibray Edition by visiting the Johnson City Public Library's website (www.jcpl.org), then clicking on eResource. Please note, AncestryLibrary Edition is only available for patrons physically inside JCPL.
Genealogy Brainstorming
Published by Ancestry.com and presented by Crist Cowan (the Barefoot Genealogist), this guide will help you navigate around some of the mistakes common to genealogy as well as offer tips and tricks on breaking through potential brick walls. This guide is especially recommended for beginning and amateur genealogists, but even experienced family researchers might find some useful hints.
Organizing Your Genealogy
Presented by professional organizer and genealogist Janine Adams, this video discusses some tips and tricks to organizing your genealogical research. To quote this video, "be kind to yourself" by organizing your genealogy files as early and as efficiently as possible. Compiling information quickly becomes useless if you are unable to document and find them later on. The most important tip to glean from this video is breaking down your research into succinct, manageable chunks of time. Do not wait until you have a large pile with the hope of knocking it out in one fell swoop. Scan and organize 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there. Those wishing to research further should consider visiting Janine's blog by clicking on the button below:
Using Google for Genealogy
Presented by longtime genealogy researcher James Tanner, this video serves as a guide on how to Google to conduct genealogy and historical research. One of the most overlooked tools in the genealogists kit, Google is stereotyped as being too crude and too broad to be useful. Far from it, however. Google's ability to cast a wide net is one of its core strengths. You can use it to research genealogy guides, answer questions, find videos, search message boards, and locate other resources that can help you find your way. This webinar is especially useful in breaking down the uses of Google for patrons and researchers who are not tech savvy.