Search Options

For those who are either currently searching for birth family or for those that are considering beginning a search there are a number of options. Over the next couple of months I will periodically focus on a specific search option. Today I will focus on self-searching, specifically using public libraries, since it is often the most obvious and easiest starting point. In subsequent posts I will examine court and independent intermediaries, agency assisted searching, independent search consultants, private investigators, search organizations and DNA testing. I may discover additional options as I go along and if so I will add those to the list.

When most adoptees first think of searching for birth family self-searching seems the most obvious option. The local library should be the first stop.  Public libraries are a great resource for getting started on your search. Many libraries even have librarians that specialize in genealogy research and they will be able to tell you what types of records, databases and materials are available to you – most at no cost. Birth family searching is obviously different from genealogy research in many ways but many of the resources used overlap. Genealogy resources are especially useful if you have some basic information to work with such as a birth parent’s name, a location of the birth mother’s hometown or the name/location of the adoption agency or hospital of birth. At a library the searcher can access a variety of resources – city or county vital records, archived local newspapers, old phone books and school yearbooks. Some libraries also have local directories dating back to the early 1900s.

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Most libraries also offer information about the adoption laws of their particular state or tools to do the legal research to find out these laws. If there is a state registry or court appointed intermediary system you will likely find out more information at a public library. Also, be sure to talk to a librarian and explain the search process you are undertaking. There may be someone on staff who has worked with searchers before and might have valuable information on the nuances of searching in that geographic area. Remember, don’t stop if you can’t find anything immediately available on the library website – talk to a professional librarian (not support staff) about resources the library has available to.

Of course using a public library may require travel to the hometown of the birth mother or the area where the adopted child was born. This may or may not be a simple task. I suggest that even if you live in another state or another part of the county a phone call or email to the appropriate library is still a good first step. Many public libraries offer genealogy guides and resources on their website and many offer services to out-of-area residents. I found a great example of a genealogy and adoption research guide on the Allen County Public Library (Indiana) website. A simple Google search brought up numerous other guides, pathfinders and lists of useful resources for adoptees searching for birth family members. At any point in the search process when a name and/or location of a birth family member is discovered it is important to pursue the public library option again. Persistence is key in your search.

And don’t stop with the local public library. Look at surrounding cities or counties, check for college and university libraries in the area. Also be sure to check the state library and state law library website for guidance, resources and assistance. Each type of library may have different resources available. And never hesitate to ask for assistance – it is the job of the library to connect people with information and when searching that is exactly what you need.

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