Let me introduce Susan E. Searing, whom I believe still:
Manages the Library and InformationScience departmental library located within the Main Library at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. The primary clientele of the LIS Library are the faculty and students of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, the University Library faculty and staff, and practicing librarians and information professionals in Illinois. She selects library materials in all formats and manages the collection budget. Sshe provides reference service and user instruction. (from her CV)
Her CV can be found at http://www.library.uiuc.edu/faculty/searing.htm. Several years ago I exchanged a few emails with Professor Searing when I was just beginning to explore my own family roots and starting my collection of internet notes on Searings. Although we have not been in contact recently I feel sure she would be helpful in her area of interest, as time permits. She has an extensive and impressive list of publications and interests. Dan