The Place of the Public Library in your People Searches

One of the oldest sources of information about people is the Public Library. It is still very useful and FREE to use. In addition to books, they have access to the Internet, which will be very useful if you do not have a Personal Computer at home.

In the Reference section of the Library you will find a host of extremely useful reference books that will be very helpful in your research. Here is a short list of books and publications you may want to use:

• Telephone directories for the whole country
• Maps of the whole country
• Encyclopedias
• Who's Who
• Directory of British Associations
• Various trade directories
• The current local Electoral Register

As you can see the library is a powerful source of information in any People Search.

While you are at the local library you could ask them where their Local Archive is. These archives will help you look into the past by looking at old directories and registers. This will help you identify when the person you are looking for left their old address.

You will generally find the staff in the libraries and archives to be very friendly and helpful. It is always worth explaining the nature of your search and asking for their help and advice. I will be looking further at using these resources in future posts.