Genealogy Policy

We accept reference questions that relate to tracing family history in Saskatchewan. We also accept questions from Saskatchewan residents who need genealogy research assistance. For all other types of genealogy research, we encourage you to consult your local library or genealogy society.

Brief Answers to Factual Questions

Given the volume of family history questions we receive, our service is only able to provide brief answers to factual questions. For example:

• Library staff will look up people in the indexes and tables of contents of materials that are available in their libraries (such as city directories, newspaper and other indexes, and local histories).

• Please state the name of the person to be checked, geographical location, probable time frame, plus any other clues that might be useful.

• If your question requires in-depth research we will offer suggestions for web sites, books or agencies that can help you.

Library staff will makes copies of up to 10 pages of material. Charges for photocopies or microfilm copies vary depending on the Saskatchewan library that assists you (Ask Us is provided by staff in ten different Saskatchewan public library systems). You will be advised in advance of the fees. In most cases, libraries will ask you to remit the cost via mail to their library and staff will begin processing your request on receipt of your money order.

Confidentiality

Saskatchewan Public Libraries do not disclose any information concerning any patron (The Public Libraries Act, 1996, section 76). We remind you, however, that information submitted through the Internet over non-encrypted e-mail is not always secure. We maintain your confidentiality once the question arrives at our service, but we are not responsible for any breach of confidentiality while the e-mail message is travelling through the Internet. We may use your question and its answer to create a Frequently Asked Questions database; personal information is excluded from that database.