Tips for searching the NSSAR Library Online Catalog

Posted Wed, 2009-06-24 11:53

Do not use postal abbreviations on state or country names.
For a subject search do a broad search by simply entering the major subject category such as:
- Spanish in Florida
- Smith Family
- French Indian War
- For a more specific subject search, add further subject information:
  - Spanish in Flordia - History
  - Smith Family - Texas
  - French Indian War - New York
Type in the name of a county as: Hardin County, Kentucky, not Hardin Co., Kentucky.
Entering the name of a state or a general subject such as "Revolution" will result in a large number of records found. Please narrow your search to help locate information quicker.

A few key words of a title may be entered to receive a list of possible records. The entire title does not have to be entered.
Other sources referencing book title may not always list the title as it actually appears on the book itself. The author or subject of a book may enable you to locate the particular book in question.
If a geographic name appears in the title of a book, use the entire name as it would appear: "History of Jefferson County, Kentucky"

For searches on general topics use headings such as "War of 1812," "Spanish-American War," and "Revolution."
When searching on general topics it will increase the effectiveness of the search by including a state or locality: "New York - War of 1812," "Texas - Spanish-American War."

Search for many family names by simple typing in the surname of interest in the subject box.
The surname should be followed by the word "family" or the result may be too many results.
Remember to also search using the various spellings of a surname.

When searching for these types of records be sure to include the word "records." To create a search like "Marriage Records." This in turn can be made more effective by adding a geographical area such as "Marriage Records - Jefferson County, Kentucky"