Genealogy and Family History: Getting Started

This research guide will help to meet the following objectives:

• Understand what the definition of genealogy is and why it might be important for you to pursue it
• Explore genealogy topics such as creating a family tree, locating family records, preserving your research, networking to collect additional information
• How to use Social Networking to increase your genealogical research
• Develop critical thinking skills by evaluating historical documents and information
• How to use both print and eBooks, as well as Reference sources in your research
• Becoming familiar with terminology used in the field of genealogy
• Learn how to construct an effective online search for genealogical information
• Understand how to effectively use a web search to find quality sources appropriate to your task
• Learn which type of information source is effective for which part of a search
• Learn which library databases contain information on specific genealogy subjects
• Learn what a peer reviewed journal is and how to search for them
• Learn how to use digital newspaper databases
• Websites that will teach you new genealogical skills (Boolean/Advance Google searching, Cemetery Research, etc.)
• Learn how to cite genealogical sources and write a research plan
• Learn to use a variety of sources to locate information (paper, electronic, etc.) 
• Learn how to visualize complex data sets using Mind Maps, apply it to your family tree
• Using Table of Contents and back of the book index to save time
• How do I pursue a career in genealogy? What are the professional organizations associated with it?
• What is DNA Genealogy? What types of DNA testing is available?
• What local resources are available for me to learn more about genealogy?
• How do I write and publish my family history?
• Sources for faculty and librarians, how to incorporate genealogical research across the curriculum

TMCC Research Guides will assist you with your research and documenting and writing your family history:

• Research Method