For those genealogists who live in or visit Southern California, and in particular the City of Burbank, it is generally understood that there are two genealogical societies here with libraries within easy driving distance of each other.  Both of these libraries have U.S. and International collections, and within the latter category both have materials of interest to the German genealogist.  And while there is some minimal coordination between the two societies, as a general rule researchers must visit both in order to know what in these two collections is unique to the one or the other, and what is to be found in both (or at neither).

One area of research that is commonly overlooked by researchers — and which should not be neglected! — is genealogical periodicals.  There is much to be found, if researchers will only set aside some time to explore these holdings.  Here today is a comparison of holdings for the major holding of Norddeutsche (later Niederdeutsche) Familienkunde, found at the Southern California Genealogical Society (located at 417 Irving Drive, Burbank 91504) and at the IGS:

1952:  SCGS issues – 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 / IGS – same issues
1953:  SCGS issue – 2
1954:  IGS issues – index only
1955:  SCGS issue – 2 / IGS – index only
1956:  SCGS issue – 2 / IGS – index only
1957:  SCGS – all issues / IGS – index only
1958:  SCGS issues – 3, 4 / IGS – all issues + index
1959:  SCGS issues – 1, 2 / IGS – all issues + index
1960:  SCGS issues – all issues / IGS – all issues + index
1961:  SCGS issues – 1 / IGS – all issues + index
1962-1965:  IGS – all issues + index
1966:  SCGS issue – 1 / IGS – all issues + index
1967:  IGS – all issues + index
1968:  SCGS issue – 3 / IGS – all issues + index
1969-1989:  IGS – all issues + index
1990-1991:  SCGS – all issues / IGS – all issues + index
1992-1997:  IGS – all issues + index

The SCGS may have indexes which I did not notice in my haste to make notes in a brief visit to the stacks before a meeting of the SCGS German Interest Group (meeting on 3rd Saturdays from 1 – 4 p.m., at their library).  But as can be readily seen, IGS researchers needing to review this important holding will need to visit our neighbor to the north to see seven additional issues from the years spanning 1953 to 1958.  And, if anyone would like to donate issues we do not have — be assured that they will be welcomed with open arms!!