Genealogical Research

Members of the outside community are welcome to visit Andruss Library and use its resources to conduct genealogical research. This guide provides information on the resources available for genealogical research.

Please note that Andruss Library does not answer queries for genealogical research. However, the Columbia County Historical and Geneaological Society, located in the Bloomsburg Public Library, does provides a Research Service, and for a fee, will answer research queries. For more information, view their Research Request form.

• Set a goal by asking a question. For example, do you want to know where your family came from? Do you want to know in what wars your relatives served?  
• Locate and organize the sources you want to use. Decide what type of records you want to utilize and where you can find them (in our library or on the internet). 
• Transcribe the information from documents that provide information or clues to follow to the next piece of information. 
• Cite your sources. Include as much information about the source as you can. Write full titles of documents, authors, publication place, dates, call numbers, page numbers. (tip: make a copy of the title page for your notes). 
• Organize your information. Use file folders, notebooks, or a computer software program. 
• Evaluate what you have collected to determine what you need to do next. 
• Set the next goal and begin the cycle again. 

Genealogical Resource sites that may help you with your research