About the Bibliography

The Utah Local History Bibliography represents a dynamically changing and growing bibliography of approximately 8000 printed and published local history titles. “Local history” is used broadly in this bibliography. By reviewing the genre list the researcher will see that the expected local histories and biographies are included, but that newspapers, oral histories, diaries, autobiographies, family histories, government publications, environmental studies, sociological studies, educational materials, women’s studies and more can also be found. Geographically oriented science material has been excluded unless it relates to environmental issues, water rights, or economic impacts. The compilers have also taken a broad view of what might be considered secondary printed or published resources. Some of the titles included are certainly primary historical material, i.e., oral histories, diaries, newspapers, some family histories, but because the title was printed we have chosen to include it.

To assist researchers, the libraries that own these titles are also listed. Initially when this project was begun in 1989, every public library, college and university library, and special library was searched for all counties and communities in Utah. As the work progressed, we realized the impossibility of that approach and have chosen to search for specific county and community titles within that county’s libraries and in addition all Utah counties and communities are searched in seven libraries: Brigham Young University, the Family History Library, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah State Historical Society, Utah State University, Weber State University. For example if we were gathering titles from Washington County, the Dixie College Library and all public libraries in the county would be searched, plus the seven libraries already identified above.

It is hoped that this bibliography, with its identification of libraries who own the title will more easily lead students, genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in the peoples and places of Utah to find this material more easily.