Amanda Butterfield Genealogy

I know I don't usually post on this blog anymore, but today I was reading a post on Dick Eastman's blog about new research to solve the mystery surrounding Amelia Earhart's dissappearance. You can read more in his post linked here. I found the article links fascinating, and if TIGHAR ever needs research help, I am there!

I was in the Harold B. Lee Library earlier today polishing up my capstone paper. I glanced over to a table about 10 feet away from me to see Jill Crandall, AG and the Midwestern States Research Professor at BYU holding her end of the year consultations for her students. I remember those days when I first started the family history program, how overwhelmed and lost I was. Well, I am still overwhelmed and lost plenty of the time, but as of next week, I'm graduated! Good luck to all of you who still have however many years to graduate. :)

Last week I had to defend my paper to a board of AGs. This oral defense is one of the most dreaded events of the Family History degree program. I have to say, though, it wasn't that bad. I learned a lot of great information, the board gave me some great ideas for continuing my research, and it was a great learning experience. I highly recommend the oral defense for family history majors (it is optional, not required). It definitely is for your benefit, not the board's.

I have finished the research project for my history 482 class. It is turned in and out of my hands (for this class anyways). I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the Canter family project throughout this semester, and if my client so chooses, will gladly continue working on it. I have to defend my project to two AGs next Thursday, but am confident in my research. Next week I will write about how it goes!

I am in an upper-level family history course at BYU, and I am currently finalizing my project for the semester. I have spent the last week trying to write a research report of 100+ hours of research. Granted, I had written smaller reports along the way, but I cannot stress to you how much easier it had been if I had written the report as I did my research. Even a weekly summary would have saved me hours of trying to figure out what problems and thoughts need to be sent to my client. Luckily, this work is pro-bono, so I am not wasting client funds. I encourage all of you researchers (and myself) to learn from my mistakes. Try to write the client reports as you do the research. I have heard that you should write your client every 10-20 hours of research. Good luck with all of your research and client reports!

I had the opportunity to attend the Computerized Genealogy Conference hosted by BYU this last weekend. The conference focused on how technology can aid the typical researcher. There were so many classes I wanted to attend, but of course, I can only be at one place at one time. I was fortunate to have a class that was designed just for me: Internet Sources for the Midwestern States. I am not as up to par with internet research as I should be, and this class (along with 3 other internet research classes I attended) gave me a good foothold on internet research. Some of the sources listed in the midwestern class were a tremendous help, giving me access to records I have been trying to find for several weeks now. I highly recommend this conference to any genealogist, as it is a huge time saver to use technology in family history research.

As I have researched in various facilities, I have noticed that many library users are not aware of certain etiquette in using archive and library facilities. I implore all genealogists and library users to follow a few guidelines when doing research:

1. Treat the materials with respect. This means you should handle documents and books carefully so as not to cause any damage to them. For example, resting your elbows on books can break the binding. You should also always be aware of copy policies of original documents. Some documents are too fragile to copy without assistance from a staff member. Others are restricted from photocopies altogether

2. Be considerate when using microfilms. Most libraries require you to refile your own films and fiches, though I can't tell you how many times I have seen piles of microfilms left by the reader after someone has finished with them. Also, many libraries ask you to limit the number of films you have at one time. The Family History Library and BYUFHL request 5, I think. This is to allow other researchers an opportunity to use the films they need. Again, I can't tell you how many times I have seen someone with well over a dozen microfilms at their reader. You can only read one at a time, it's really not too much trouble to get up a few extra times to get films.

3. Be helpful to others, and respectful to staff members. A little courtesy goes a long way. Many library users you may come across may be newcomers to genealogy. They may not know how to use a reader or make copies of microfilms. By helping them, you not only give genealogists a better reputation, but you can also teach them how to properly use library resources so they don't damage materials, as mentioned above.

4. Dress professionally. You don't have to wear a suit to the library, but perhaps sweats and flip-flops are a little too casual. When you dress respectable, staff members will most likely be more courteous and helpful, and they will trust you more with documents.

These are just a few simple suggestions for all library users. I'm sure the AG and CG websites have a more complete list than this.