OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - 10 tips to help you get more from online research time *********************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Submitted by: Claudette Rogers Email: southerngal@netzero.net Date: August 24, 1999 *********************************************************************** This comes from another list I belong to and thought it might help someone else too... Claudette ======================================================= 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET MORE FROM ONLINE RESEARCH TIME by Juliana Smith <<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>> ======================================================= 1) Think of a trip to a computer like a trip to the library. You wouldn't go to the library unprepared, so do a little preparatory work before you log on. I keep a 3-ring binder with printed pedigree charts and family group sheets on my desk. The binder also contains blank pages where I can make notes of ideas for new research strategies, sites I want to investigate later, etc. 2) With the immense array of resources available online (and new sites going up every day) it is impossible to keep track of where you have searched, when, and for what. Keeping a research log of sites visited, searches performed, and results can save much duplicated effort. I keep my log in a spreadsheet form and keep the log open as I search. Then I can simply copy/paste the URL into the document and keep track of my searches as I go. With Web sites that are constantly being updated and/or added to, you may want to go back every so often to recheck them. Your log can tell you when you last checked a site. Those with a preference for a paper copy, can use the downloadable Research Calendar at: http://www.ancestry.com/download/forms.htm to record searches. 3) Determine what information you need. While it can be fun to wander aimlessly about the Web, most of us have a limited amount of time that we can spend surfing for ancestors. Go over your research and decide what information you are looking for. Once you have decided on a particular piece of information that is missing, pursue it. 4) Don't just search for surnames. If you know your ancestors were from a particular location, find out all you can about their hometown or homeland. While learning about an area, you will often find clues that will open up new avenues of research. 5) Learn. How-to, beginner sites, and specialized sites dealing with specific record types, geographic areas, repositories, and/or ethnicity abound. Use them to locate new resources and methods for conducting your search. The Ancestry.com Learning Center contains a wide variety of information and helpful articles, all in one place at: http://www.ancestry.com/research/index.htm 6) If you don't find the information you seek online, use online sources to determine what offline avenues are available to you. 7) When you find a pertinent piece of information, make sure you record the full bibliographic citation. If it is not available on the Web site, write the webmaster and request it. Citing your sources is critical both online and off. 8) Post queries on sites like FamilyHistory.com (http://www.familyhistory.com), where large numbers of researchers visit regularly and where the people that may have the information you seek have a good chance of seeing your post. You might also want to consider posting your GEDCOM online. By submitting your tree to large collections like the World Tree (http://www.ancestry.com/worldtree/tree.htm), you can also increase your chances of locating elusive cousins. 9) Once you log off, follow through by proving your findings with original primary source documents. Online resources are secondary sources at best, and often contain errors. Additionally, there is often much more information in the original documents. 10) Have some fun with it! Every so often when you have the time, go off and explore a bit. You'll be surprised at what you can find in unexpected places! *************OH-FOOTSEPS Mailing List***************************