Statement of Policy & Text

San Jose Public Library offers both free do-it-yourself and fee-based obituary-searching options to California and out-of-state residents.

Three free do-it-yourself obituary searching are available:

1. San Jose residents and other customers can visit the King Library and conduct their own newspaper database and microfilm searches.
2. Residents of other California cities should contact their local public library for assistance in obtaining free obituary searches via California State second-level reference networks.
3. Out-of-area customers can contact their closest public library with microfilm reading equipment and request the Interlibrary Loan of newspaper microfilm from the California State Library.

The System Reference Center (SRC) of Silicon Valley Library System provides fee-based obituary search and delivery services to out-of-state residents and to California residents who prefer the convenience of online ordering. SRC will search the San Jose Mercury News and the San Francisco Chronicle and deliver scanned copies of obituaries via email, fax or U.S. mail.

Need for the Policy

Since the King Library receives requests for obituary notices from researchers all over the country, this is a high demand need for our customers.

Requirements & Guidelines

Reference librarians and staff will explain the free ‘do-it-yourself’ and fee-based obituary search and delivery options to customers.

• Out-of-state customers.
  
  • o ‘Do-it-yourselfers’ should contact their closest public library with microfilm reading equipment and request the Interlibrary Loan of newspaper microfilm from the California State Library.
  • Fee-based search and delivery is available from the System Reference Center (SRC). Customers shall fulfill the information requirements and follow the procedures outlined on the SRC’s Obituaries and Death Notices web page. Customers without computer access may phone SRC at 650-349-5538 x3068 for information on their obituary request and payment requirements.
  • Requests received by U.S. mail will be forwarded to the SRC.
• San Jose residents.
  
  • San Jose residents are invited to visit the King Library and conduct a do-it-yourself obituary search.
    
    • The Library’s guide How to Research San Jose Area Obituaries provides guidance in conducting an obituary search using newspaper database and microfilm resources.
    • Printing from microfilm and newspaper database sources is available in the King Library.
    • Customers who visit the King Library will receive staff assistance as needed.
  • Local residents have the option of requesting a fee-based search on the System Reference Center’s Obituaries and Death Notices web page. Customers shall fulfill the information requirements and follow the procedures outlined on the System Reference Center web pages. Customers without computer access may phone SRC at 650-349-5538 x3068 for information on their obituary request and payment requirements.

• Residents of other California cities.
  
  • Residents of nearby cities may visit the King Library and conduct a do-it-yourself obituary search.
  • For a free search, contact your local public library for assistance in obtaining obituaries via California State second-level reference networks.
  • ‘Do-it-yourselfers’ may also contact their closest public library with microfilm reading equipment and request the Interlibrary Loan of newspaper microfilm from the California State Library.
  • Requests received by U.S. mail will be forwarded to the SRC.
  • Any California resident has the option of requesting a fee-based search on the System Reference Center’s Obituaries and Death Notices web page. Customers shall fulfill the information requirements and follow the procedures outlined on the System Reference Center web pages. Customers without computer access may phone SRC at 650-349-5538 x3047 for information on their obituary request and payment requirements.

Applicable Personnel/Departments

All Library Staff especially, Reference

Distributions

BOTH

Approval(s)

History & Dates

Category of Policy:User Services
Author(s): SJPL Reference Librarian, Lauren Miranda Gilbert
Authorized by: KMT 5/7/03
Date Written: 8/30/02
Date Effective: 8/1/03
Date(s) of Revision(s): 12/12/03, 4/9/05;6/1/05ec/lmg;1/01/06; 1/17/06; 6/16/06 jb; 10/19/12

References

A. System Reference Center
B. How to Research San Jose Area Obituaries