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Hindsight is 20-20: One reason I use a research log
I keep research logs and create research reports. Do you?
I wonder if some of the newer technologies, esp. online trees encourage some to "skip" this step.
When I locate a new source, I evaluate the information in the context of my knowledge at that time. Information I later learn often brings new or different meaning to a source I'd worked with earlier.
My research logs are usually tables set up in MSWord or Excel; also have tables in a draft email that I can copy over for the same purpose (then I send myself that email).
I've never been able to use the research log functions offered by genealogical software in the same way.
Hope to learn from the experience of others. --GJ
I wonder if some of the newer technologies, esp. online trees encourage some to "skip" this step.
When I locate a new source, I evaluate the information in the context of my knowledge at that time. Information I later learn often brings new or different meaning to a source I'd worked with earlier.
My research logs are usually tables set up in MSWord or Excel; also have tables in a draft email that I can copy over for the same purpose (then I send myself that email).
I've never been able to use the research log functions offered by genealogical software in the same way.
Hope to learn from the experience of others. --GJ
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Terri O'Connell on -
I started a research log, but cannot seem to commit to using it. I made a spreadsheet on my computer so it would be a simple step to use it. But my research seems to move person to person and I never move in a consistent pattern.
I also created a document to keep track of sources I have for each person. (i.e. birth, marriage, death, each census record, magazine articles and whatever else I might find) I have only used this on a few of my ancestors though. I just started this in the last month or so. -
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Permalink Reply by GeneJ on -
Hi Terri:
I agree! Do you record "might be relevant" items as spearate notes?
I use genealogical software to keep track of sources that support events; have never been able to use the same system to keep track of things that "might become" relevant.
Don't mean to slight our existing database programs, but haven't found one that really works (for me) as a research log companion. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing.
Remember the old index card system we used to use in elementary and high school? Keep thinking there must be a high-tech look alike--something we could sort to our little heart's content (author, title, location, surname, keyword, etc.).
My MSWord files sound similar to your files. They are mostly organized by surname, then in subfolders, one for each direct line ancestor family. If the log doesn't run to a specific generation or family, then its saved in the surname folder. I can usually search that folder and pull up the items. My little email system works in a pinch, too (assuming I remember to send the email to myself). -
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Permalink Reply by Terri O'Connell on
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GeneJ,
Right now, I will print out things that could be relevant and add them to my filing system, behind the family. For example, I have a census record for a Curran family in NY. I have put it behind my O'Connell file because Bridget Curran married into my O'Connell's. I have also noted on the paper who I think they might end up being related to. Not much of a system, but it works for now.
In Reunion, they have a "log" system. I had started to use that when I started with reunion, which was about a year ago. It did not last long. I decided to start a blog instead. I figured it I was going to type anything, I should put it out there for all to see and hopefully make some connections.
Again, I need to be consistent with this as well. I have good weeks and bad weeks. All in all, I have made about 90+ posts in the past 12 months. -
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