Course Overview
This course gives you a foundational understanding of the principles and practice of family history research, what family historians hope to find when conducting their research, and how best to assist when they ask for help at libraries and archives.
This course is taught entirely online – you will have two weeks to complete each module in your own time.
It is practical and based on the instructors’ own experiences of working with family historians in a range of settings, including libraries and universities. You will have the opportunity to share your own experiences and workshop hypothetical challenges that can arise in this work.
Course Content
There are three modules to complete and each module will require 6 to 8 hours over two weeks.
Module 1: Family History Fundamentals
This module asks who does family history, and why, and covers the basic terminology used by genealogists and family history. You will learn about research starting points and consider your institution’s collections from a family history perspective.
Module 2: Family History Resources
This module covers the use of major genealogical databases and discusses the problems that can arise from selective digitisation programs and automated family tree creation. Together, we will also consider the role myth can play in family history research.
Module 3: Family History Ethics and Challenges
This module considers the ethical challenges that can arise when researching family history, and it provides guidance on how to assist family historians who have diverse backgrounds and research needs. We will workshop some approaches for helping clients research and understand difficult histories.
Right for you if...
You want to help your library clients with their family history research. This course assumes no prior experience with genealogical research and approaches the topic from an instructional angle – it focuses on helping others rather than conducting research about your own family.
Course Delivery
This course commences on 26 September and is delivered through 3 two-week modules over a period of six weeks.
The module content can be completed at any time during that module’s two weeks.
Two optional Zoom sessions will be offered, in the middle of Module 1 and at the end of Module 3. These will provide an opportunity for you to workshop any questions that may arise from the content. They will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Each module will include short recorded lectures, two readings, a quiz and several hypothetical case studies to discuss in the online forums.
Cost
$560- (ALIA members)
$680- (Non-members)
In partnership with...
Our training partner for this course is the University of Tasmania, which provides Australia’s only fully online Diploma of Family History.
Enrolment closing date:
Extended! You can now register up to Tuesday, 4 October 2023
FAQ's
Cancellation Policy
CPD Hours
24 hours
Note: This course has been approved as a credentialed short course by the University of Tasmania. On successful completion of the course, participants will receive 2 credit points to support further study at the University (on application).
When do registrations close?
Registration extended! Tuesday, 4 October 2023
For more information:
University of Tasmania, Short Courses
e: [email protected]
t: 1800 827 864