Copiah-Jefferson Regional Library offers archival and genealogical searches for patrons and guests outside of the library’s immediate service area. Patrons and guests within the library’s immediate service area may access archival and genealogical materials by visiting their local library branch.
Research is limited to indexed materials only. Researchers can review the library’s indexed material selection via the library’s online catalog, located on the library’s website at www.copjef.lib.ms.us. The online catalog offers the additional advantage of providing researchers with an overview of materials available throughout the entire Longleaf Library Consortium.
Requests are answered in the order in which they are received.
Remote researchers are enabled to conduct their own research to identify materials of interest through perusal of the library’s online catalog.
Research to locate or identify living friends or relatives is not included in library research due to privacy laws. Library staff members are strictly prohibited from providing this type of information.
There is a limit of 3 indexed materials per request.
The library reserves the right to discontinue or disregard requests from professional genealogists, fee researchers or other individuals who attempt to use our reference services for monetary gain or from patrons who utilize these services excessively.
Specificity of Requests is important to a successful query.
Who? List the name or variation of the name
What? Indicate the type of information needed
When? Limit the request to a specific period of time
Where? Limit relevant locations to avoid similarities to another person,
place, or thing
Why? List any information that will help make the search results more
pertinent to the specific research goals
How? List the (up to) 3 indexed materials for analysis
Example of a specific acceptable request:
Who? John D. Bassett - also as John David Bassett or J. David Bassett
What? any reference to this name
When? 1920-1925
Where? anywhere in Copiah County
Why? trying to determine if in this area at this time
How? 1. Stringer Funeral Home Records 1922-24
2. 1923 Lions Club Vertical File
3. Copiah County Board of Supervisors 1925 Vertical File
Example of a vague request that may be returned for more information:
Who? John Basset
What? anything you have
When? anything
Where? Copiah County
Why? family member
How? anything you have available
The library does not mail photocopies via standard mail. Copy+scan or copy+fax services are available. For an overview of fee rates, see ‘Fines and Fees‘ in the online policy manual at www.copjef.lib.ms.us.
Fees must be pre-paid before the library staff provides distribution of the photocopies. Acceptable payment forms are cash (not recommended), money order, or cashier’s check.
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