The Sourcebook (REF 352.387 SOU 2009) provides detailed information on how to retrieve public records at the county, state, and federal levels. Its directories of state, county and local agencies and record departments are excellent tools. In addition, researchers will find the “Public Record Primer”, which provides the layperson or newcomer to public record searching with a very complete overview of how records become public domain, search strategies, finding records online, and how to use a vendor to obtain public records. Read a detailed review at the ABA website.
This is not just for national searches; the information listed here for our own state is a great, concise overview of our court systems, county and recording office structures. And, it is a boon to genealogists for tracking down people and the paper trails they leave behind.
