The Family Tree

[Lionel Edward]

There are numerous genealogy sites out there that feature an
assortment of articles on documentation of records for doing your
genealogy search. We will look at how genealogy sites and the tools
they offer will assist you to carry on a search.
Genealogy sites have plenty of tools that you use to keep records of
your searches, but keeping records is not enough. You must know where
to search next once you have found that piece of information that you
are looking for. Genealogists usually draw conclusions from their
records, to continue to dig deeper into the roots of their ancestry,
which is often referred to as and audit trail.
An 'audit trail' requires that the thought process and analysis be
included by documenting sources. Genealogy sites generally offer some
software that is capable of analysing the data and there are services
from expert genealogists.
The fees from experts vary from site to site, but they are not always
needed unless you get stuck and cannot find the additional information
that you are looking for in your search or if you cannot go any
further on your own.
There are many purposes for an audit trail but one of the main reasons
is for subsequent searches to obtain the records that were used and
see how the initial researcher came to their conclusions. Keeping
records is very important, along with maintaining them in a secure and
good condition.
Suggestions for making an audit trail
When you make an assumption, clearly state why you came to the
conclusion and any other information that could be useful. This can be
the on the front page of your record and can be edited at anytime,
remember that new information changes the search direction.
By learning any historical background of the time period and region,
will allow you to have a better of idea of what direction may be the
next direction to head in. Most genealogy sites offer this information
to you for this purpose.
Learn as much information as you can about your ancestors, such as how
they lived, their culture and any other relevant information that will
help guide you in your search.
Cite your sources, as this can lead you back to the information you
need, or may add additional information for future searches that are
completed.
Writing notes in detail will make it easier for people who carry on
your work in the future. This will allow them to see your thought
process.
Make sure that you information is as accurate as possible, do not jump
to conclusions.
You can make the search nearly effortless, by leaving and audit trail
which allows you or others to carry on the search easily.