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You will find many new words with which you are not familiar. It’s best to arm yourself with good dictionaries, either your personal copies or access to them in your local library. The ''Local Historian's Encyclopedia'' defines historical terms in relation to land, occupation, transportation, etc. ''The Dictionary of Genealogy'' shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. Other reference sources are mentioned in the bibliography. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. | You will find many new words with which you are not familiar. It’s best to arm yourself with good dictionaries, either your personal copies or access to them in your local library. The ''Local Historian's Encyclopedia'' defines historical terms in relation to land, occupation, transportation, etc. ''The Dictionary of Genealogy'' shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. Other reference sources are mentioned in the bibliography. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. | ||
It's important to start learning the definitions of new words, since the exercise will aid you in getting more involved in your research. Today you may be unsure about the definition of christening or census, but later your list may include words like hundred, reeve, and gaol. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language.<br><br> | It's important to start learning the definitions of new words, since the exercise will aid you in getting more involved in your research. Today you may be unsure about the definition of christening or census, but later your list may include words like hundred, reeve, and gaol. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language.<br><br> | ||
=== Use a Handbook === | === Use a Handbook === | ||
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A few handbooks are like dictionaries. They define the family or local history usage of words and terms. The ''Oxford English Dictionary'' is a good source to use when seeking the definition of a term, but the handbooks set the terms in a special setting. | A few handbooks are like dictionaries. They define the family or local history usage of words and terms. The ''Oxford English Dictionary'' is a good source to use when seeking the definition of a term, but the handbooks set the terms in a special setting. | ||
Handbooks that discuss records are most helpful when they tell the time period in which the record existed, the content and value to a researcher, and where the record is currently housed. Roger's ''Tracing Your English Ancestors''is one handbook that gives information about the most-used records of civil registration, census, church and probate, though he says little about the location of these records. | Handbooks that discuss records are most helpful when they tell the time period in which the record existed, the content and value to a researcher, and where the record is currently housed. Roger's ''Tracing Your English Ancestors ''is one handbook that gives information about the most-used records of civil registration, census, church and probate, though he says little about the location of these records. | ||
If you don’t live near a family history center, visit your nearby public or university library. They have access to the catalogs of many other libraries in the United States, and some throughout the world. The information you wish to search may be housed by one of these libraries. You can borrow works through interlibrary loan. | If you don’t live near a family history center, visit your nearby public or university library. They have access to the catalogs of many other libraries in the United States, and some throughout the world. The information you wish to search may be housed by one of these libraries. You can borrow works through interlibrary loan. | ||
Do you have access to the Internet? An increasing amount of genealogical information in placed on the Internet. Names and dates of ancestors may not be there but you may be able to order copies of some records over the Internet, such as vital records. The Internet can give you easy access to the catalogs for repositories where records are kept.<br> | Do you have access to the Internet? An increasing amount of genealogical information in placed on the Internet. Names and dates of ancestors may not be there but you may be able to order copies of some records over the Internet, such as vital records. The Internet can give you easy access to the catalogs for repositories where records are kept.<br> | ||
=== The Internet === | === The Internet === | ||