Select Records to Search

Principles of Family History Research Step 3. Select Records to Search

See also United States, How to Find Genealogy Records

Step 3: Select records to search.

Selecting a record to search is the most complex part of the research process. You will need to—


 * Identify a category of sources.
 * Choose a record type.
 * Select specific records.
 * Describe the record on a research log.

This is called a record selection strategy—an orderly approach for identifying the records most helpful for your research objective.

At the end of this step you will have a research log with descriptions of records you will search to meet your objective.

You may want to view the tutorial at FamilySearch Learning Center:'"Ancestors Season 1: The Paper Trail'".

Table of Contents for Step 3. Select Records to Search
1 Creation of Records 2 Identify a Category of Sources


 * 2.1 Genealogical Records
 * 2.1.1 Compiled Records
 * 2.1.2 Original Records
 * 2.2 Reference Tools
 * 2.2.1 Background Information
 * 2.2.2 Finding Aids

3 Choose a Record Type


 * 3.1 Sources Useful to Genealogists
 * 3.1.1 Compiled Records: Choices
 * 3.1.2 Original Records Choices
 * 3.1.3 Background Information Choices
 * 3.1.4 Finding Aids Choices
 * 3.2 Other Tools for Choosing a Record Type

4 Select Specific Records


 * 4.1 Helpful Guessing Skills
 * 4.2 Catalogs and Record Lists
 * 4.2.1 FamilySearch Catalog
 * 4.2.2 Other Internet Sites
 * 4.2.3 Other Library Catalogs and Record Lists
 * 4.3 Selection Criteria
 * 4.3.1 Record Content
 * 4.3.2 Record Access
 * 4.3.3 Interest, Inspiration, and Intuition
 * 4.3.4 Selecting More Than One Record
 * 4.4 Jurisdictions
 * 4.4.1 Some Modern Government Jurisdictions

5 Describe the Records on a Research Log