What to do when the library is closed

While our family history library is closed, it’s a perfect opportunity to keep your research moving from home. It’s a great time to clarify your goals, tidy your notes, and discover new leads. Here are some practical tips and tricks to make the most of the time.

Review and organise what you already have
Take time to re-read your notes, charts, and family group sheets. Are there gaps, inconsistencies, or unanswered questions? Creating a simple research to-do list can help you focus when the library reopens.

Revisit online databases
Use this time to explore the free online resources such as Trove and FamilySearch. Try searching again with slightly different spellings, dates, or locations — small changes can yield surprising results.

Create a timeline
Building a timeline for an individual or family can highlight periods where records may exist but haven’t yet been checked, such as electoral rolls, newspapers, or local histories.

Explore newspapers and local history websites
Digitised newspapers, local histories, cemetery databases, and historical society websites often contain rich contextual detail that brings ancestors’ lives to life.

Check your sources
Make sure your citations are clear and complete. Knowing exactly where information came from will save time later and strengthen your research.

Plan your next library visit
Finally, jot down a list of books, microfilms, or records you want to consult once we reopen. Our catalogue of library resources is available online.  Having a clear plan will help you set your new year research goals.

Read Genealogy Books: Curl up with a good book on genealogy. Whether it's our own guide Family History for Beginners and Beyond or one of our Every Family has a Story volumes, there is always something new to learn.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the library soon. In the meantime, happy researching.