1. Overlooking Resources in Your Own Backyard
Just because you don’t live in the same area in which your ancestors lived, don’t assume that your local library doesn’t have information that can help you in your family history research. Larger libraries with genealogical collections may largely focus on local materials, but also include materials from other states from which large groups emigrated.

WorldCat is a great tool for locating relevant materials in libraries near your home. Search WorldCat for surnames, geographic location, and other topics of interest, and when you find something of interest, click on the title to locate it in the nearest library. This database is a real time-saver because it searches so many facilities at once, including not only your local public library, but university and other libraries as well.

2. “I’ll Remember Where I Got This.”
When you make a new family history discovery, between the “happy dances” and telling everyone within earshot about the new find, it is easy to overlook the more tedious step of recording exactly where and how you found a record. At the time you may even think to yourself, “This is so fantastic, I’ll remember this moment and exactly how I came across this record forever.” But time and new discoveries tend to fade that glorious memory and soon you’ll be looking at that miraculous find, scratching your head in bewilderment.

Take the time to make sure you record all the information you need to recreate your search years from now. With records from Ancestry.com, if you choose the “Custom Print” option, you’ll not only get the image of the record, but also the index entry, source information, and title automatically, and you can easily add more text if necessary.

3. Heading Straight for the Index
When we find an interesting publication or database, it’s easy to head straight for the index and truth be told, that’s not necessarily a bad thing—provided you don’t stop there. Also take a minute to read any introductory materials in the publication. This will tell you the scope of the information included, and other important details. You may find that there is relevant material to your family, even when their name is not included. For example, in the introduction to the “Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution” it says that,

“At the close of the revolution, and for a number of years thereafter, South Carolina compensated he patriot veterans with cash payments. Not always did the soldiers lay claim to such stipends . . . Those that did file for a pension often stated that they had not fought for pay, but fought for principles; therefore, they were accepting the federal gratuities because they could not care for themselves.” 

The introduction goes on to reveal many other interesting observations of the author that could be helpful to those researching their Revolutionary War ancestors. Members can read the passage here.

In the case of databases, take a moment to click on the database title and scroll past the search box to read the extended description. Not only will you find information on the coverage of the database, but you may find helpful information on where to take your search next and on how to interpret your find.

4. Avoiding Certain Records 
Some records seem to get a bad rap and we may be tempted to put off searching them. For example, last week we talked about pre-1850 census records . It’s easy to stay on that familiar path and work with later census, immigration, and vital records, but doing so limits your success. There are so many record types off the beaten track that can break down brick walls and really add depth to your family story. Family history is a constant learning process, so don’t be afraid to tackle something new, whether it is land records, or perhaps records from a different country.

For years, I had shied away from researching my Hungarian ancestors, but on a recent trip to Salt Lake City, I visited the Family History Library and explored some Hungarian church records, using a translation guide that was available. Using the guide I was able to determine the type of record I was looking at, and interpret most of the column headings. One roll of microfilm took my family history research back two generations.

Similar to my experience, once you begin exploring the records, you’ll often find they aren’t as difficult to navigate and understand as you thought. If you do have trouble, seek out the advice of fellow family historians through message boards, mailing lists, or through your local genealogical society.

5. If All Else Fails, Follow Directions.
Yes, that old adage recited by fathers everywhere still applies. It’s really tempting to dive right in and start using the new genealogical “toys” we get, tossing that user’s guide on a shelf to collect dust, but although software providers and other technology creators try to make their products as intuitive as possible, you’ll get much more from them if you take some time and read about the tools you use in your family history. In some cases it may mean reading a manual or online help files, but most products come with easy to follow tutorials that can teach you the basics and make sure you get off to a good start.

6. “I’ll File This Later.”
After a long night of surfing for ancestors, when the wee hours roll around, filing your finds might not be top on your list of priorities. And let’s be realistic here, it won’t always be possible to file everything after a research session. Life happens. But rather than beginning piles that can quickly overrun your desk, designate an easy spot to put things until you can get them filed. A tray with folders for the surnames you’re researching is a great place to temporarily put your discoveries until you have time to enter them in your database and file them properly. Keep a pack of sticky notes handy to make notes reminding yourself where you left off. That way when you come back, the records are already sorted by surname and you can easily pick up your research again.

One last word of advice from someone with first-hand experience: when the tray begins to buckle under the weight of the temporary folders, it’s time to file.

Other articles in the 13 July 2009 Weekly Discovery: 

> Is it Time to Join a Society? 

> Family History Tip: Share Your Family History  

> Photo Corner