ProQuest will again sponsor Librarian’s Day, an annual pre-conference program open to librarians who work with family history patrons. Registration is required. The full day program will be held at the Grand Rapids Public Library and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The program will focus historic and recent newspapers.

Speakers scheduled include James Beidler, Michael D. Lacopo, Tim Pinnick, Julie Tabberer, and staff from the Library of Michigan. Topics include new collections, religious and ethnic newspapers, and African American research applications.

James Beidler notes in his session titled “Enhancements in Digitization and Cataloging of Recent and Historic Newspapers” that “historical newspapers might be called the ‘newest’ old record group in genealogy. Family historians have been using newspapers, especially the obituary columns, in their research for a long time – but it’s digitization with every-word searchability that has made them into a front-to-back source for any genealogy project. Many libraries have been served as repositories for newspaper collections but the transformation to 21st century digital editions makes necessary new paradigms for collecting and harnessing this crucial information source.”

If you are a librarian serving family history patrons, you do not want to miss this informative and educational day. More information on specific lectures can be found in the Conference brochure. Registration closes on 20 April 2018.

Thank you to ProQuest for being the continuing sponsor for this event.