The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy: A complete resource to using the Web to trace your family history

by Kimberly Powell

With millions of records now available online, those interested in their family history have a wealth of information—and misinformation—at their fingertips. In this book, author Kimberly Powell , the About.com Guide to Genealogy, helps both novice and experienced genealogists sort it all out. She shows readers where to search and which key-words they’ll need to create an accurate family tree—from start to finish. With this book, readers will learn how to create an online search strategy, use search engines and Soundex to find kin, reach out to others with peer-to-peer record swapping, discover useful records from around the world, and more. Packed with tips on free databases, search sites, and downloadable government records, readers will have all they need to use the Web to dig out their family’s true tale!

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Deborah]

A great book if you need help starting to do genealogy and a good refresher for more experienced individuals.

[CoCoBug]

I'm actually quite impressed with this intro to online genealogy. It looks light-hearted, and isn't super in-depth, but there is a LOT of information in this book, and a huge wealth of resources and ideas. For the beginner to intermediate genealogist, this will be very helpful. She is also quick to point out that you CANNOT do all your research online and if you get stuck, to start over and start using local resources. There is also specific info on searching different areas of the world, which proved quite useful to me. Another book worth investing in for the starter.

[ღஜ♥ Kim ♥ღஜ]

This book gives you so much information on genealogy and genealogical research. After reading this book, you'll be amazed by how little you actually know and thankful that you read the book. Tips, tricks, and websites galore! Plus, the author was always so receptive to answering questions when I would ask for assistance. Very approachable.

[Robyn Choate]

Up to date book. Lots of tips for places to search online.

[Lu]

Comprehensive book on genealogy, a good reference book for the beginner genealogist. The format was easy to follow and essential information, alerts, and links were clearly pointed out, although some links shared in the book were broken. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because without supplemental class work the book may not have provided all that I was searching.

[Lori]

Updated in 2014, you may have to search for some of the links listed. Chock full of helpful advice and resources, this is a very helpful resource for the online or family researcher.

Contains a good overview of methods and record sets available, as well as some specifics for larger collections, like census and immigration records.

[Suzie]

It was an ok book. But most of what I read, I already knew. It would be good for a beginner, but if you already have an ancestry.com membership or you are familiar with researching genealogy, this book is not not for you.

[Jennae]

It had some useful information. The format is good for a reference book.

[Susan Little]

A very helpful book on online genealogy.

[Debra]

Helps you locate family ancestors by way of internet.

[Annette McIntyre]

A good overview of what you need to do to research your family history online.

[Karen Terney]

Great book! It is one of my text books for a genealogy class I’m taking remotely at Boston University.

[Amy]

A book for a true beginner, covers the basics of where to find things online and what information you can glean from different resources. A bit outdated in parts.

[Stacy]

Lots of helpful lists of websites to enhance your family tree

[Ivy]

Outdated, but full of useful information for the newbie.

[Joel Ungar]

Great book for beginners and was used as a textbook in a Boston University class I took. However, it is a bit outdated and many websites referred to are gone. But as said, a great book for beginners.

[JE]

Originally published in 2008, with the 3rd edition being 2014, this book feels a bit out of date, as the advancements to genealogy online races ahead.
Many good suggestions such as "How To" Research with step-by-step systems and helpful research log templates are useful. But much of this can be scanned rather than taken in-depth.

[Laura]

Genealogy must read

A must read for any genealogist. I have only two complaints. The first is the obvious and hard to control - come links are out-of-date. The other is the book could be better organized.

[Fernando Morales]

Its a okay book for general advice on where to get information, there is alot of places you can search, but it really doesn't offer advice on how to search all these places (I.E. library, national records, Churchs, etc...etc)

[Matt Laduke]

This will be a very useful refernece book. Lot of new ideas and valuable websites.

[Shannon]

good place for a beginner start. lots of great resources. my copy was published in 2011 and so much can change on the internet in just 2 years.

[Jean Liska]

Good guide for genealogy on line research, but would be dated if used in 2013.

[Licking County Library]

Recommended by Deirdre M. , Adult Services

[Phil James]

Basic, but comprehensive. Good for review. @2008, though.

[Kimberly]

Horrible! It is just a promotion for the author's About.com website. Read Genealogy Online for Dummies, 7th Ed. instead. It is far more useful.

[Nancy Taylor]

This book is helpful to people who are just starting out on their family tree. I borrowed it from my local library and may borrow it again later. Has useful information.

[Cindy]

I liked that this book gave you date schedules for various census which is especially helpful. Detailed suggestions. A great resource for Genealogy!

[Terry]

This book contains a lot of good information for family historians and genealogists.... a great reference tool!

[Rob Sedgwick]

Bit dated

This book is aimed exclusively at the American market and is getting out of date. Useful for some background info though.

[Laura]

This is a helpful book for beginning and intermediate researchers. I especially liked the chapters discussing resources for international research.