3 Essential Tools That You Need in Your Genealogy Research Toolkit
Essential genealogy tools are so needed when you are doing research, right? You know you need them, but which ones do you need? Well, it depends on what your problems are. And I’m not saying that you have problems, but if you work with genealogy then you have problems. So with problems come solutions. And just like you have many problems you can also find many solutions to those problems. There are many tools out there to help you become a better researcher. I know, I’ve tried many of them myself.
But what I’ve found when working with these tools is that I need simple if I want it to work for me. So when I was creating my shop for my website and deciding what I wanted to put into that shop, I wanted genealogy tools that were simple yet effective. And that is what I created. So let me explain in detail what these tools are and how they can help you become a better researcher.
The Research Log
Now we all know we need to take notes as we research, right? We go down many roads trying to find the clues and resolve family mysteries. So notes are a must. So why a research log? It’s exactly as it sounds. It’s a log for your research. Here’s a snapshot of what it looks like…
As you can see there are several sections each labeled with their own categories. You can type directly onto each section with the needed information such as dates, sources, and notes. That’s the best part! You don’t have to print it if you don’t want to, but you can if that makes it easier for you. I like to have two separate computer tabs open while I’m researching. One tab for my actual research and one tab with my research log so I can quickly flip back and forth between the two as needed.
Also, you don’t have to worry about running out of room when you get to the end of each section because it continues scrolling up as you type. You can also copy and paste source citations directly onto the section instead of typing it in. So if you’re ready to use a simple research log that will keep your notes in order while you research, then this one is for you.
The Time Line
Timelines are another essential tool that helps you become a better researcher. Yes, I know the major genealogy websites such as Family Search and Ancestry already have these things built into them, but sometimes you just need your own. In fact, I just used mine the other day because I had a question I couldn’t answer by using the timelines already provided. So I made my own by filling in my ancestor’s information.
I love how versatile timelines can be. You can put your ancestor’s whole life on it or you can be more specific and just put part of their life on it. It all depends on what question you need answered.
This timeline works the same as the research log by having each section labeled and being able to type directly onto each section. Each section scrolls up as soon as you run out of room to type so you can continue typing. And you can print it out as well as type directly onto it. Again, I use it by having a separate tab open on my computer with a blank timeline on it so that I can customize it as I need it. Then I save it to that ancestor’s file if I want to keep that information. And here is a snapshot of what that looks like as well…
The Checklist
Do you like checklists? I love them! I always have. So using one of these in my own research was a no-brainer for me. I literally check off the record that I have for my ancestor as I research directly on this checklist. I don’t need to print it if I don’t want to, but I can if that works as well. There are sections that are free typing, which means that it’s like regular paragraph typing and it will scroll up when you reach the end of the section to let you continue typing. But most of it is a simple checkbox.
Here is a snapshot of what I’m talking about…
As you can see it has different sections, some with checkboxes and some with regular paragraph typing. Again, I have this open in another tab on my computer as I research so when I find something on one of my ancestors, then I can check it off right then. That way I can see at a glance what records I have and what records I still need to get for that ancestor.
Last Thoughts on Essential Tools for Genealogy Research
All of these tools help me be more efficient with my time. My time is literally my money so any tools that can help me be more productive, then I’m all for it.
Also, these are great gifts for the holidays! With the holidays coming up, this is an easy gift to give those people in your life who want to do a little more family history research or for those who want to get more serious about their research. And don’t forget about including you on that list! So go to my shop to get all of these goodies for the holidays or for any other occasion and treat yourself to finally getting what you need to do your genealogy right.
And as always…good luck and happy hunting!
Tiffany
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