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*''[[FamilySearch Wiki:Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet|Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet]]''<br><br> | *''[[FamilySearch Wiki:Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet|Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet]]''<br><br> | ||
== Collection Links - Summary == | == Collection/Database Links - Summary == | ||
Although there is no one absolute way to list a database in the Wiki, the following are guidelines to provide a more user-friendly experience. | ===Collection/Databases Allowed in the Wiki=== | ||
*The terms, collections and databases are interchangeable and refer to any online data compiled into a searchable dataset with either an index or searchable images. | |||
*Online databases allowed on the Wiki should be related to genealogical subjects that relate to the discovery of vital information about individuals, defining relationships, and differentiating individuals with the same name. Collections of historical nature should only be included when the previously listed objectives are met. | |||
*Online databases should have substantial amount of information for a location. Collections with few records will not be added. This decision is made at the discretion of FamilySearch. | |||
*Specific types of Wiki pages may have a definition of the type of databases listed on the page. | |||
:*Online Genealogy Records Wiki pages: Only country/statewide collections are added to the page. To save on space, the formatting is different than what is listed below. Example: <nowiki>*'''YEAR-YEAR''' [URL Name of collection without the dates] at WEBSITE; index & images</nowiki> | |||
:*Country/state pages are for navigational purposes to Wiki pages related to the locality and will not list database links of any kind. | |||
===Elements of a Database Link=== | |||
Although there is no one absolute way to list a database in the Wiki, the following are guidelines to provide a more user-friendly experience when listing databases on a Wiki page. | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
'''Summary of elements in a database link:'''<br> | '''Summary of elements in a database link:'''<br> | ||
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=== | === Database Format === | ||
Below is the format of | Below is the format of an online database. This format is especially helpful for a list of collections found on a Wiki page.<br><br> | ||
*''[[FamilySearch Wiki:Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet|Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet]]''<br><br> | *''[[FamilySearch Wiki:Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet|Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet]]''<br><br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
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*'''Years only.''' Only years should be listed at the beginning of a database link. Do not include a month or full date. Instead, add this to the title or at the end of the database link, after "index & images." | *'''Years only.''' Only years should be listed at the beginning of a database link. Do not include a month or full date. Instead, add this to the title or at the end of the database link, after "index & images." | ||
*'''No Hyphens.''' Do not use a hyphen after the dates or before the database link. | *'''No Hyphens.''' Do not use a hyphen after the dates or before the database link. | ||
*'''Dates are Estimates.''' Listed dates are used to estimate the coverage of the | *'''Dates are Estimates.''' Listed dates are used to estimate the coverage of the collection and are not to be taken as verified information. The user will need to verify the date coverage with the database/website. | ||
*'''One Date.''' If only one date applies to the | *'''One Date.''' If only one date applies to the collection, list the one year. See example below. | ||
*'''Span of Years.''' Because databases can cover different spans of years with gaps in between (i.e., 1854-1858, 1890-1929), use the first date and the last date. The user can get clarification in the title of the database. | *'''Span of Years.''' Because databases can cover different spans of years with gaps in between (i.e., 1854-1858, 1890-1929), use the first date and the last date. The user can get clarification in the title of the database. | ||
*'''Index and Image Dates.''' When a database or collection in the FamilySearch Catalog includes different dates for the index and images of records, the first date of either the index or images should be the first date and the second date should be the latest date of either the index or images. | *'''Index and Image Dates.''' When a database or collection in the FamilySearch Catalog includes different dates for the index and images of records, the first date of either the index or images should be the first date and the second date should be the latest date of either the index or images. | ||
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*'''Unknown End Date.''' If the ending date for the database cannot be determined, use "Onward" as the last date available. See example below. | *'''Unknown End Date.''' If the ending date for the database cannot be determined, use "Onward" as the last date available. See example below. | ||
*'''No Circa.''' Do not use circa or ca. to identify about dates. The dates we list at the beginning of the database link are suggestions to what the database may cover and are not verified for accuracy on their websites. Thus, all database links are "about" dates and do not need to be marked as "about", "circa", or "ca.".<br> | *'''No Circa.''' Do not use circa or ca. to identify about dates. The dates we list at the beginning of the database link are suggestions to what the database may cover and are not verified for accuracy on their websites. Thus, all database links are "about" dates and do not need to be marked as "about", "circa", or "ca.".<br> | ||
*'''Dates Vary.''' When a database gives no indication on the dates included or records are continuously added to the database, use "Dates Vary" as the dates at the beginning of the | *'''Dates Vary.''' When a database gives no indication on the dates included or records are continuously added to the database, use "Dates Vary" as the dates at the beginning of the database link. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
''Examples:''<br> | ''Examples:''<br> | ||
edits