Keeping accurate source records

[judi2632]

Hi

I wonder if one of you experienced researchers could help me please?

What is the correct way to record the source of a record found on the LDS site ie IGI?

do you just keep a record of both the Batch & source  number or is there another way?

Thanks in advance

Judi

[Ecneps]

Hi Judi,

I'm afraid I only record it as being from familysearch website as I don't like to rely on just that source, and try to then look it up in the parish records and record that instead.  I know most people probably do as you suggest and record full batch nos. etc.

Barbara

[JAP]

Judi,

I guess the question is "correct" for what purpose? 

There are certain societies, publishers, etc who specify quite precisely how sources are to be defined and citations provided.

But assuming that one is simply referring to one's own records, then I think there is a simple fundamental principle (and it is the one I try to follow).

My fundamental principle in recording sources and detailed citations is that what I record should enable any future researcher (and probably more importantly myself if I look at it in future!!) who looks at my data to be able to be crystal clear where I found it and, from that, to then be able to find it for him/herself in that same source in order to check it out.

You can imagine that such a counsel of perfection is one where I often fall far short   

I have a booklet called "Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian" by Elizabeth Shown Mills (published 1997).  It gives certain advice for citing information from FamilySearch. I'm afraid I don't follow it ...

One day (hmmm!) I'll go through all my repositories, sources and citations and try to make them consistent etc (fortunately I do know that if I just change one repository/source I can ensure that the change will follow on to identical others unless I choose otherwise).

At present I list the main source as the IGI.  I then list in the detailed citation details of the year and place of the event, the batch number, the FHL Film number, and a parenthesis that it came from FamilySearch (if that was the case - I still have some IGI records from fiche).  In the memo field in my program, I state the details of the entry e.g. IGI lists Joe BLOGGS, parents Bert BLOGGS and Jane DOE.

For submitted entries, at present I still list the main source as the IGI, but then in the detailed citation I just insert "LDS patron entry" - while still listing further details in the memo field.  I might change my mind about this in future and insert the number of the submitted batch.

Regards,

JAP

[judi2632]

Hi

Thanks for both reply,s this has at least given me the response I was hoping for as i am doing just as suggested ie making sure i can get back to the record if I need to & allowing others the chance to find the record should they feel the need.

I like many started this hobby thinking it would be great to find links to the past, at the start I kept few source records, having now got some 6000 relatives I now know how important it is .

Like you JAP I will have to go through all my records & enter the source citations as I try to find them

Thanks again for the sound advice

Judi

[Simon G.]

When I started I never bothered with proper source citations, and I regret it.  I've since applied what I learnt at university about citations to my research, and while it's a lot more work it does prove useful should I ever need to go back and check something.
For the IGI (I use Legacy), I make a note that it's the birth/baptism/marriage/goat eating for Mr. X and follow with the batch & source numbers (where available...the newer records don't give that, of course) and make note of the date I looked it up.  The IGI is, in many respects, one of the most awkward to cite in my opinion, since there's not a given standard for the reference numbers...not like with say the census, which will always be the same reference format.  The census etc and books are far easier to cite.

[wheeldon]

I have spent the last 6 months (it's still ongoing) adding all my sources to my personal tree.  For the same reasons that have been discussed, so that my descendant can work out how I came to my conclusions.

I have also cited the IGI, although I don't take the information as fact, it has been invaluable in putting me on the correct trail, using it to cross reference against other family members etc.  So I cite the IGI and then back it up with the certs and census information.  If I hadn't done this my descendants may wonder how on earth I chose the correct birth, marriage cert etc.  Although, I must add that my surname interest aren't extremely common/popular names so most of my IGI searches haven't been a shot in the dark.

My hopes are that my sources show a nutural route of progression.