Sources and Baby Steps: Difference between revisions

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This is the syllabus for one of a series of classes taught by '''[[User:RaymondRS|Robert Raymond]]''' and represents his private opinions. Suggestions for changes should be made on this page's Talk page.  
This is the syllabus for one of a series of classes taught by '''[[User:RaymondRS|Robert Raymond]]''' and represents his private opinions. Suggestions for changes should be made on this page's Talk page. See other articles in this series at:
:[[Information Baby Steps|Information Baby Steps]]
:[[Evidence Baby Steps|Evidence Baby Steps]]
:[[Conclusions and Baby Steps|Conclusions and Baby Steps]]
:[[Citation Baby Steps|Citation Baby Steps]]
:[[Genealogical Maturity|Genealogical Maturity]]


= Baby Steps  =
== Baby Steps  ==


{{Template:Baby_Steps_Intro|sources}}  
{{Template:Baby_Steps_Intro|sources}}  
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{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Sources_Table}}  
{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Sources_Table}}  


= Concepts  =
== Concepts  ==


Some people confuse the terms ''source'' and ''citation''. A source is “the origin that supplies information”<ref>''Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary'', online edition (http://www.m-w.com : accessed 23 November 2009), “[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source source].”</ref> and “citations are statements in which we identify our source.”<ref>Elizabeth Shown Mills, ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'', 2nd ed. (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 42.</ref>  
Some people confuse the terms ''source'' and ''citation''. A source is “the origin that supplies information”<ref>''Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary'', online edition (http://www.m-w.com : accessed 23 November 2009), “[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source source].”</ref> and “citations are statements in which we identify our source.”<ref>Elizabeth Shown Mills, ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'', 2nd ed. (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 42.</ref>  
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While image copies are generally better than textual derivatives, exceptions exist. For example, transcripts made of gravestones may outlast the inscriptions. Or indexes made from a fading record may outlast the record.  
While image copies are generally better than textual derivatives, exceptions exist. For example, transcripts made of gravestones may outlast the inscriptions. Or indexes made from a fading record may outlast the record.  


= Compiled Genealogies  =
== Compiled Genealogies  ==


There are many types of sources available to genealogists. One type requires special consideration. It is the entry level genealogist’s favorite source. However, stellar genealogists no longer recommend using it as a source at all. It is compiled genealogies. A ''compiled genealogy'' shows the conclusions someone has reached regarding facts about individuals and family relationships. It is sometimes known as a ''conclusion tree''. Compiled genealogies come in computer files, online trees, or published books.  
There are many types of sources available to genealogists. One type requires special consideration. It is the entry level genealogist’s favorite source. However, stellar genealogists no longer recommend using it as a source at all. It is compiled genealogies. A ''compiled genealogy'' shows the conclusions someone has reached regarding facts about individuals and family relationships. It is sometimes known as a ''conclusion tree''. Compiled genealogies come in computer files, online trees, or published books.  
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*Search the [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/books HeritageQuest] collection which can be accessed through many libraries, often from home using the library’s website.
*Search the [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/books HeritageQuest] collection which can be accessed through many libraries, often from home using the library’s website.


= Record Locations  =
== Record Locations  ==


Emerging genealogists begin to realize the importance of original sources and start consulting copies online. Three of the most popular websites are [http://Ancestry.com Ancestry.com] ($), [http://FamilySearch.org FamilySearch.org], and [http://www.FindAGrave.com FindAGrave.com].  
Emerging genealogists begin to realize the importance of original sources and start consulting copies online. Three of the most popular websites are [http://Ancestry.com Ancestry.com] ($), [http://FamilySearch.org FamilySearch.org], and [http://www.FindAGrave.com FindAGrave.com].  
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Proficient genealogists go even further, finding sources on location in County courthouses, state and national archives, churches, and more.  
Proficient genealogists go even further, finding sources on location in County courthouses, state and national archives, churches, and more.  


= Source Types  =
== Source Types  ==


Emerging genealogists use whatever sources they find online. Census records and vital records are two of the most important.  
Emerging genealogists use whatever sources they find online. Census records and vital records are two of the most important.  
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As we’ve seen, different sources provide different information. The type of source to use depends on the research objective. Search for “[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Special:Search?fulltext=true&search=Record+Selection+Table&searchbutton=Search Record Selection Table]” in the FamilySearch Wiki to learn what sources to use for what purposes. For more in depth information, read the town, county, state, and country articles for the desired location.  
As we’ve seen, different sources provide different information. The type of source to use depends on the research objective. Search for “[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Special:Search?fulltext=true&search=Record+Selection+Table&searchbutton=Search Record Selection Table]” in the FamilySearch Wiki to learn what sources to use for what purposes. For more in depth information, read the town, county, state, and country articles for the desired location.  


= Summary  =
== Summary  ==


Genealogists should make a reasonably exhaustive search of available sources. Use a wide variety from multiple repositories. Sources are available online, on microfilm, and on location.  
Genealogists should make a reasonably exhaustive search of available sources. Use a wide variety from multiple repositories. Sources are available online, on microfilm, and on location.  
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Using the table at the start of this handout, and using what you learned in class today, set a small, baby step improvement goal. See [[Genealogical Maturity]] for more information.  
Using the table at the start of this handout, and using what you learned in class today, set a small, baby step improvement goal. See [[Genealogical Maturity]] for more information.  


= Continuing Education  =
== Continuing Education  ==


Advancing from level to level requires continuing education. Avail yourself of these resources:  
Advancing from level to level requires continuing education. Avail yourself of these resources:  
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{{Template:Baby_Steps_Continuing_Education}}  
{{Template:Baby_Steps_Continuing_Education}}  


= Notes  =
== Notes  ==


<references />  
<references />  


  [[Category:Baby Steps]] [[Category:Research sources]]
  [[Category:Baby Steps]] [[Category:Research sources]]
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