Tracking Down Scarce Research Books

I've been researching several immigrant family lines that moved about the Midwest and eventually settled in small, rural communities. Around the time of the nation's bicentennial, it became popular for many communities to publish local histories, often including histories and genealogies of early settlers and prominent citizens. Obviously the publications wouldn't have large runs and copies were often placed in local libraries or state historical societies. However, these publications seldom circulate.

My first recommendation is to check inter-library loan possibilities. While it may take weeks or months to get the book to your library, it is usually worth the wait. If not accessible in this manner, see if the book has been microfilmed by the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, and if not and they own a copy of the book, request a microfilm or microfiche be made of the book. This process takes months, as they contact the author(s) and request permission to do so but it costs you no money.

Secondly, see how far away the nearest copy of the book is to you and whether the non-circulating book is worth a drive for research purpose. Thirdly, you can also check , and so forth online to see if they have a copy of the research book in a warehouse somewhere. While you decide if the book is worth the price, you may consider also donating the book to your local genealogical library once you have finished using it, so that it is available to others in your area in the future. You never know when a vital clue to your ancestry will turn up in these local histories!