ThinkGenealogy

What is the real definition of original source?  Four authoritative references, four answers.  Depending on which reference consulted, you will get a different answer as to what criteria is used to determine if a source is original.

Earlier today I posted the following to the APG list on RootsWeb:

There exists confusion in the current genealogy literature on the definition of an original source.

For this discussion I would like to focus only on the definition of original source and not derivatives, common derivatives (transcript, extract, abstract), or derivatives that can be treated as originals (image copy, record copy, or duplicate originals). I want to focus on the source – the container, the person, the paper, the stone, the object. Not the information contained in it (as much as possible) and its classification as primary or secondary. Also I don’t want to focus on how that information relates to the research question (i.e. the evidence and whether it is direct, indirect, or negative).

The 4 main sources that genealogists can turn to for a definition of original source are: Evidence! (1997), The BCG Standards Manual (2000), Professional Genealogy (2001), and Evidence Explained (2007). But using these sources can be contradictory and confusing. Is this due to the refinement of the definition over the years?

Let’s look at some specifics.

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Oh how the months go by.  Back in October 2008, we completed ProGen Study group assignment #7 and I am just getting around to blogging about it.

The original plan was to cover Chapters 14 and 15 of ProGen, but that proved to be too big of an assignment, so we tackled only one chapter.

You can find this in Professional Genealogy in:

• Chapter 14 - Problem Analysis and Research Plans by Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG

The chapter discusses two different types of analysis: preliminary and detailed.

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This month the ProGen study groups studied a single topic: Time Management

You can find this in Professional Genealogy in:

• Chapter 13 – Time Management by Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG

A key paragraph at the beginning of the chapter states:

“Dozens of times each day we make decisions – consciously or unconsciously – to begin, continue, or terminate various activities. Many of the time management problems genealogists face do not have solutions, but if we recognize the problems, we can make more informed decisions.”

The rest of the chapter identifies and discusses 10 problems that genealogists face:

1. Creating boundaries
2. Identifying clients
3. Organizing time
4. Planning for unbillable time
5. Cutting time waste
6. Identifying procrastination
7. Making time for growth
8. Saying “no”
9. Giving away time
10. Controlling the inquiring mind

As an additional resource, we were encouraged to watch a time management lecture given by Professor Randy Pausch and review the accompanying PowerPoint slides (11 MB).  This lecture was given in 2007 after Randy knew he was dying of cancer. 

Also provided was a link to an article titled, “The Pickle Jar Theory.”   This reminded me a lot of the “big rocks” story from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Practical Assignment

Our assignment this month was pretty straight forward 1) keep a time journal for a week, 2) identify time “thieves”, and 3) begin eliminating wasted time.

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It is hard to believe that we have finished our fifth and now sixth month of the study group.  I am a little behind in reporting month five. Here is a link back to ProGen Study Group #4.

Our reading assignment from Professional Genealogy was:

• Chapter 6 – Executing Contracts by Patricia Gilliam Hastings J.D.
• Chapter 10 – Setting Realistic Fees by Sandra Hargreaves Luebking

In chapter 6, the author discusses the need for a contract and breaks it down into its essential elements.  The chapter gives two sample formal contracts for genealogical lecturing and research services.  As a less formal alternative, there is a sample agreement for genealogical research services in letter form.

In chapter 10 we read about the process of setting realistic fees:

1. Identify annual salary needs
2. Calculate annual expenses
3. Set a profit margin over and above salary
4. Determine billable hours
5. Calculate hourly fee
6. Evaluate and adjust

Practical Assignment

This month the assignment came in two parts:

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I have been posting for the last 6 months about the ProGen study group and my experiences.  It has been a wonderful experience.  The content is great but what is even better is getting to know the members of your group.  We have formed friendships over these months. 

Well, today my group did something wonderful for me and I truly appreciate it.  I won’t go into the details but I did want to publically tell them “Thank you!”  If we weren’t spread out across the nation, I would bake you a yummy batch of brownies.  Thank you Sheri, Elissa, Randy, Tina, and Jeff.