The Family Tree

There are numerous genealogy sites out there that feature an
assortment of articles on documentation of records for doing
your genealogy search. We will look at how genealogy sites and
the tools they offer will assist you to carry on a search.

Genealogy sites have plenty of tools that you use to keep
records of your searches, but keeping records is not enough. You
must know where to search next once you have found that piece of
information that you are looking for. Genealogists usually draw
conclusions from their records, to continue to dig deeper into
the roots of their ancestry, which is often referred to as and
audit trail.

An 'audit trail' requires that the thought process and analysis
be included by documenting sources. Genealogy sites generally
offer some software that is capable of analysing the data and
there are services from expert genealogists.

The fees from experts vary from site to site, but they are not
always needed unless you get stuck and cannot find the
additional information that you are looking for in your search
or if you cannot go any further on your own.

There are many purposes for an audit trail but one of the main
reasons is for subsequent searches to obtain the records that
were used and see how the initial researcher came to their
conclusions. Keeping records is very important, along with
maintaining them in a secure and good condition.

Suggestions for making an audit trail 

When you make an assumption, clearly state why you came to the
conclusion and any other information that could be useful. This
can be the on the front page of your record and can be edited at
anytime, remember that new information changes the search
direction.

By learning any historical background of the time period and
region, will allow you to have a better of idea of what
direction may be the next direction to head in. Most genealogy
sites offer this information to you for this purpose.

Learn as much information as you can about your ancestors, such
as how they lived, their culture and any other relevant
information that will help guide you in your search.

Cite your sources, as this can lead you back to the information
you need, or may add additional information for future searches
that are completed.

Writing notes in detail will make it easier for people who carry
on your work in the future. This will allow them to see your
thought process.

Make sure that you information is as accurate as possible, do
not jump to conclusions.

You can make the search nearly effortless, by leaving and audit
trail which allows you or others to carry on the search easily.