Doing Research in Real Time

This session illustrates how to do research collaboratively in real time using off-the-shelf products and services to accomplish more in less time and (we think) better results. FamilySearch has produced a video adaptation of this session. In the Learning Center, see "Doing Research in Real Time: A Collaborative Approach."

= Collaboration =

While our presentation focuses on the tools and benefits of real-time collaboration, the research process benefits from both real-time and non-real-time collaboration. Consider choosing real-time tools that give all the collaborators time for later absorption and analysis of the results. Hypotheses can then be added, reviewed and discussed asynchronously, leading to richer, fuller analysis, and eventually sounder conclusions. For example, an online research log allows for real-time sharing and assigning of research tasks, but also enables further collaboration.

= Tools for Real-time Collaboration =

We've divided real-time collaboration tools into three types: communication, artifact storage, and aggregation.

Communication
These tools are used for "command and control" of a real time research session. This allows coordinated research activities. Assignments are given, results are reported, and a research log is produced. With this ability, the group is able to account for expected and unexpected results.

Artifacts
Artifact tools are used to share the documentary evidence that supports the research. These artifacts may include, but are not limited to: original vital records, probate, land, tax and other supporting evidence; photographs of tombstones, newspaper clippings – especially obituaries; summaries of oral interviews, etc. These artifacts need to be organized to tell the story and provide the evidentiary materials in such a way that other researchers have access to the materials for their own interpretation.

Aggregator
To aggregate the information streaming in from the various sources, an aggregation tool is necessary. This allows everyone to see the results of the research and to monitor progress. It also provides a critical analysis function by allowing visibility into the whole of the genealogical problem as it develops.

= Tool Tables =

Additions and corrections to these tables are encouraged. To qualify for inclusion, a tool must either be free or FamilySearch Certified. Since the printing of the syllabus, MyFamily.com eliminated a free offering, so it has been removed from the table.

The tables in the conference syllabus use the term Tree Results instead of Aggregator. The tables here have been corrected. The conference syllabus only includes aggregators that provided their own collaborative tree. However, products certified to update the new FamilySearch Tree may be added to the tables below.

Other Collaboration Tools
= Post Project Followup =

Following a research project, participants will want to go back through the results of the project, proof reading information, checking conclusions, and offering further research suggestions to the primary participant.

Examples From Our Session

 * Our research log. This is the log of what we had scripted to do, not what you saw happen.
 * Results of our research using Footnote person pages. Any registered user can make changes to these pages. We invite you to extend our results.
 * Results of our research in an Ancestry.com member tree. To see the results, you must have a subscription or you must be in the Family History Library or in a public library. Only members of our research project team can make changes to these pages.

= Summary =

The desired outcome for this presentation is that you will take away the knowledge that research can be conducted in dramatically different ways than you may be used to doing. More people can participate, producing more artifacts and results in less time, making your valuable research time more productive.