The Complete Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program

by Karen Clifford

The modern world of genealogy combines the traditional methods of research with the awesome power of computers and the Internet, a combination so powerful that it has transformed the way we do genealogy. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to train the researcher in this new methodology, tying the fundamentals of genealogical research to the infrastructure of computers and web sites. In other words, it is a manual for modern genealogy--designed for the beginner but useful even to the most seasoned researcher.

With our growing reliance on electronic databases, computer programs, and Internet resources, genealogical research, for all practical purposes, will never be the same. And yet in many respects it will be the same, for the principles of sound genealogical research are immutable, and this book shows how to combine traditional research methods in the National Archives, the LDS Family History Library, and other major resource centers with today's technology; how to conduct research in courthouse records, censuses, and vital records using techniques unheard of just a decade ago. It shows you how to get started in your family history research; how to organize your family papers; how to enter information into a genealogy computer program so that you can easily manage, store, and retrieve your data; how to analyze the data and place it in various tables, charts, and forms; and how to put together a family history notebook--all the while using conventional records sources with a modern search and retrieval system.

Furthermore, the book contains guidelines for using public libraries, courthouses, and archives. It also explains how to use LDS Family History Centers and the Regional Records Services Facilities of the National Archives, and it provides a step-by-step guide for using the records in each facility, including background information showing how to obtain vital, probate, military, immigration, and census records--all carefully coordinated with the ever-present backdrop of computers and the Internet.

Mrs. Clifford's new book is also designed as an instructional manual, and each chapter of the book is a self-contained teaching module containing the following elements.:

The main body of the text provides instruction supported by illustrations, charts, and examples.

AYour Turn@ activities serve as prompts, asking the reader to apply the instruction to his or her own research needs.

Chapter assignments serve as review and comprehension checks.

Computer checklists give the reader hands-on experience with his or her own genealogy computer program.

Web site addresses listed at the end of each chapter guide the reader to valuable Internet resources related to the topics.

Entries in chapter bibliographies serve as resources for further study.

About the Author
Karen Clifford is an Accredited Genealogist and the president and CEO of Genealogy Research Associates, Inc., with offices in Monterey, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an instructor in genealogy and computer classes at Monterey Peninsula College, California, and is the author of four college textbooks on genealogy and credentialing in genealogy. In addition, she is president of the Utah Genealogical Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and course coordinator of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

Genres: Nonfiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

Karen Clifford is an Accredited Genealogist and the president and CEO of Genealogy Research Associates, Inc., with offices in Monterey, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an instructor in genealogy and computer classes at Monterey Peninsula College, California, and is the author of four college textbooks on genealogy and credentialing in genealogy. In addition, she is president of the Utah Genealogical Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and course coordinator of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

Reviews

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Complete Program by Karen Clifford, A.C.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. Principles of Success for the Family Historian
Chapter 2. Organizing Family Information
Chapter 3. Becoming Acquainted with Your Genealogy Program
Chapter 4. Why Document?
Chapter 5. Printing Your Records
Chapter 6. Your Family History Book
Chapter 7. Developing a Sense of Our Ancestors
Chapter 8. Resolving Conflict
Chapter 9. State Vital Record Offices, Public Libraries, Courthouses and Local Repositories
Chapter 10. Resources of the Family History Library
Chapter 11. Major Date Bases of the Family History Library
Chapter 12. Using Local Family History Centers
Chapter 13. National Archives and Regional Records Services Facilities
Chapter 14. Census Records Between 1850-1920
Chapter 15. Analysis and Goal Setting
Chapter 16. Sharing Your Family History Research
Appendix A. The Internet and Genealogy
Appendix B. Genealogical Forms
Index
"Some have been denied families of example, but somewhere on every family tree there is a hero. There are also explanations for feelings, for traditions, for understanding ourselves. There are examples of histories we don't want to see repeated, lessons learned, and visions of what we may become." By Karen Clifford on page 1-1 of Chapter One.

The book has 'Terms to Understand" throughout. The first term is "genealogy"- "A record or table of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors" on page 11 Chapter 1. The last term is "NON NOBIS SOLUM" - "We are not alone" on page 15-13 of Chapter 16.

A good book for beginners as well as experiences one studying genealogy.
I found it is a book that informs as well as encourages one to search for their own family history and is very detailed. There are forms, questions the readers are to ask of themselves, lists of what to do, tips, computer information, goal settings, becoming a family historian, where to search and so much more.

Karen Clifford can be found at http://www.GRAonline.com Genealogy Research Associates.
I got my book from my library but one can order through GRA.
I give it a five star because of so much information.
Leona Olson
mnleona.blogspot.com

[Gobsong adolf]

good good study day day up

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read when you start out on your genealogy quest. Easy format with great information to get you moving through all the different avenues available for genealogical research.

[Kathy KS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now dated, or course.