Making Sense of the U.S. Census Census work can be a tedious job but it can also lead to great discoveries in your genealogical research. The Library of Michigan has several guides for census research including a general U.S. census guide, a guide for the 1930 U.S. census, and a guide for navigating the gap of the 1890 U.S. census, which was almost totally destroyed in a fire. In addition to these guides, remember that you can use the library's databases, Ancestry Library Edition (in library use only), and Heritage Quest Online to access many census records.

Databases Ancestry Library Edition: Census data from the U.S. and the U.K., records of birth, marriage and death, and more. (In library use only)   HeritageQuest Online: Genealogical resources including census data, family records, and local histories.   Magazines American Spirit   Everton's Genealogical Helper   Family Tree Magazine   Michigan Genealogist Spring 2008   Websites More Websites Cemeteries   Genealogical Societies   General Genealogy Sites   Land Records   Michigan Genealogy   Public and Vital Records - United States   Soundex Converter   United States History Sources   Special Collections African American Genealogy       Books & More Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures : By Christine Rose (2004). This guidebook is devoted exclusively to research in America's courthouses. Full of essentials starting with preparation, interacting with the clerks, using the indexes, and what to expect to find in each courthouse office.   Michigan Manual: Compiled and published by the Legislative Service Bureau (2005). Mainly known as a guidebook for the Michigan legislature, past editions of this manual may be helpful to genealogists as well as it includes information regarding Michigan newspapers, county seats, post office locations and a wealth of other facts. The Library of Michigan has copies of the Michigan Manual dating back to 1869.   The Handy Book for Genealogists: United States of America : By Everton Publishers Staff (2006). Organized by state, this important research aid includes extensive county records for the United States as well as information regarding state vital records.   The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy: Edited by Loretto Dennis Szucs (2006). A detailed collection of information regarding obtaining and utilizing vital records for genealogical research.