LibGuides: Genealogy and Family History: Genealogy as a Career

Books on Becoming a Professional Genealogist: Ask at the Library Circulation Desk How to do an ILL

102 Ways to Apply Career Training in Family History/Genealogy by Anne Hart
Call Number: CS16 .H3485 2006
ISBN: 9780595413164
Publication Date: 2006
Becoming an Accredited Genealogist by Karen Clifford
ISBN: 9780916489816
Publication Date: 1998
Cool Careers Without College for People Who Love Reading and Research by Rebecca T. Klein; Janelle Asselin
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781508175421
Publication Date: 2017
Genealogical Standards by Board for Certification of Genealogists Staff
Call Number: CS8.5 .B38 2019
ISBN: 9781630260187
Publication Date: 2019
How to Start Personal Histories and Genealogy Journalism Businesses by Anne Hart
ISBN: 9780595386987
Publication Date: 2006
Professional Genealogy by Elizabeth Shown Mills (Editor)
Call Number: CS9 .M55 2018
ISBN: 9780806316482
Publication Date: 2018
Start and Run a Personal History Business by Jennifer Campbell
Call Number: CT22 .C36 2010
ISBN: 9781770400580
Publication Date: 2010

Hiring a Professional Genealogist

Hiring a Professional Genealogist Resource Guide

What is a Reasonable Conclusion in Genealogy?

What is a Resonable Conclusion?
A reasonable conclusion is one that is made based on analyzing a variety of data and record sources and using these to come to the most likely scenario based on the evidence provided.

Are You Ready to Join a Lineage Society?

Learning the Genealogical Proof Standard

Library Catalog

What is the Genealogical Proof Standard?

The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is a guideline for establishing the reliability ("proof") of a genealogical conclusion with reasonable certainty. It is important within the genealogical community for clearly communicating the quality of research performed, such as by a professional genealogist.

Books on Evidence/Proof

Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown
Call Number: D5 .M55 2015
ISBN: 0806318066
Publication Date: 2009-10-01
Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones
Call Number: CS47 .J66 2013
ISBN: 9781935815075
Publication Date: 2013
This book is available through Inter-Library Loan
Mastering Genealogical Documentation by Thomas W. Jones
Call Number: CS 14 .J67 2017
ISBN: 9781935815242
Publication Date: 2017

Professional Organizations

A Career in Genealogy

Am I ready to Become a Professional Genealogist?

Thoughts for Consideration

Where Can I Earn a Degree?

Obtaining a degree in genealogy will provide you with the skills not only to research your own family history, but to pursue it as a career as well.

Obtain Certification/Accreditation

Genealogy Conferences/Conventions

Ancestry Data
Find out on a day by day basis what events are going on in the field of genealogy
Annual Genealogy Jamboree
Very large genealogy convention in Burbank, California. Sponsored by the Southern California Genealogy Society.
Annual Rootstech
Held in Salt Lake City, Rootstech is America's largest genealogy convention.
Conference Keeper
A single go-to website for finding information about genealogy and family history conferences and events in your area or around the country.
IGHR
Our Objectives
To teach the fundamentals of genealogical research and methodology.
NGS Family History Conference
From beginners to the experienced researcher who aspires to certification, the annual NGS Family History Conference has something for everyone. The location changes yearly.

Becoming A Certified Genealogist

What Does a Professional Report Look Like?

Sample of a Professional Research Report
Because genealogical research is an analytical process--not just a gathering of items that carry a certain name--each block of research should be documented by a detailed Research Report.
Historic Pathways
Samples of various genealogical reports by Elizabeth Shown Mills.

Professional Journals

Popular Publications for the Genealogist

Family Tree Magazine
The world's best resource for discovering, preserving and celebrating family history. Family Tree covers all aspects of ancestry and the family tree. Readers will be treated to some of the best resources on discovering family history and learning about the past.
Internet Genealogy
Internet Genealogy is a magazine that focuses on keeping today's family historian up-to-date with the vast and ever-growing collection of genealogy-related resources, software, tools, products, technologies and more.

Genealogy Awards

National Genealogy Society Awards
The National Genealogical Society recognizes excellence in the genealogy field by presenting awards in numerous categories and several competitions. Why not nominate someone you know or enter your own work in one of the NGS competitions?
National Genealogy Hall of Fame
The National Genealogy Hall of Fame is an educational project sponsored by the National Genealogical Society. The entire genealogical community is invited to participate in this project.
Awards, Competitions & Scholarships
A comprehensive list of awards, competitions, and scholarships available.