Terry Punch Research Library
 
Library Services
 
The Research Room is open to members and the public during open hours. Please consult the GANS "About Us" page for scheduled open hours to ensure availability. We operate entirely with Volunteers, so it is always a good idea to check ahead. If you have any inquiries, please phone the GANS office at 902-454-0322.
 
Besides the main library collection you will find:
  • Two desktop computers ($5.00 for half-day use);
  • Printer (colour);
  • Copy services ;
  • Free WIFI (password provided on site);
  • Free onsite access to Find My Past, American Ancestors, and the Library edition of FamilySearch;
  • Property Online on a library computer;
  • Chronicle-Herald Obituary Index 1961-1999 (about 500,000 records) on a library computer.
Apart from the physical space, the Library repository consists of the Main Collection, described below, and a Circulating Collection, described on its own page.  We also have information describing The PERSI Index, an index to genealogy and history journals, with its own page.
 
 
Main Collection
All materials in the Research Room are reference use only and are not available for loan. The main collection consists of genealogical guides, handbooks, reference sources, family and local histories and other books and materials that focus on Nova Scotia and the origins of the peoples who live or have lived here. GANS would be very pleased to accept donations of family histories.  The collection has over 5000 records, representing about 6000 items.
 
Library records can be easily searched using the Online Library Catalogue.
 
 
How to Use the Online Catalogue
The catalogue is searchable by title, author or keyword. You can search from home or at the Library.  The website module for the catalogue allows searchers to find materials in both print and electronic formats. 
 
The catalogue can be searched using the following drop down menu selections:
Regions (lists specific regions to select to narrow down your search)
Subject (key word subject listings can be selected to narrow down your search)
Surname (lists surnames included in full text of many items in the catalogue so researchers can find items without the family name in the title; select to widen your search; but remember not all items in the catalogue have been surname indexed.)
 
You can also enter your own search terms using:
Title
Author
Call Number (GANS books are classified using the Library of Congress system; you can search by a portion of the call number, e.g. CIRC, VF (Vertical File), etc.)
Description (not all materials have a description)
Surname (does not allow as many names as the fixed menu Surname search above)
All Listed Fields (can search all the above fields at one time; recommend using a single word or a phrase for best results)
 
Unless you are looking for a specific title, begin with a broad search by using one word, such as a community or county name. Too many results? Narrow it down by adding another term in the same field or by adding a term to one of the other fields in the same search.  Tip: entering two words in a title search will only find results with the two words in that exact order. As you select more search parameters and narrow down your search, your results will be more specific.