Paul Meek Library FAQs

Most of the library resources on genealogy are located in the West Tennessee Heritage Study Center. The room can be opened during regular library hours. Ask for assistance at the front desk. Users are asked to check in and out with identification, lock up bags and purses, and use only pencils or a laptop to take notes.

The West Tennessee Heritage Study Center includes resources like:

• Population surveys from Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina
• Books on TN counties, particularly counties in Northwest TN
• Microfilm collection that includes local newspapers, regional county records, and federal censuses
• General genealogical reference books

You search for these materials online using PML Search, the main search box on our library homepage. After you search, select the "Search PML Collections" limiter on the left-side of your screen. Click on "Tenn. Books - West Tenn Heritage Rm - 1st Fl."

We have an online genealogy database called HeritageQuest Online from Ancestry.com. You will need to be on campus to access HeritageQuest. 

There are also a number of genealogy resources available on the web. Some offer free trials or free access to a portion of content.

• FamilySearch
  • Requires an account but all content is fully availably for free. Largest free genealogy database in the world.
• National Archives
  • Census records, military service records, immigration records, and more.
• Library of Congress
  • Includes some newspapers from the 20th century and before. 
• Tennessee Library & Archives
  • State censuses, Native American records, pioneer certificates.
• Full list of all state archives