{"id":50489,"date":"2019-06-03T11:16:21","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T15:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=50489"},"modified":"2023-09-22T09:49:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T13:49:38","slug":"genealogy-101-how-to-give-genealogy-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/genealogy-101-how-to-give-genealogy-help.html","title":{"rendered":"Genealogy 101: How to Give Genealogy Help"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article \u2013 part of an ongoing \u201cIntroduction to Genealogy\u201d series \u2013 Gena Philibert-Ortega suggests ways genealogists can help others with their family history research. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Genealogy is a great pursuit and it\u2019s made even greater due to the help that family historians are willing to provide. Experienced researchers volunteer at Family History Centers, libraries, and genealogy societies. They answer research inquiries by mail or email and provide online assistance via message boards and Facebook groups. Today\u2019s family historians benefit from the ability to access help online and in person quickly and easily.<\/p>\n

\"Illustration:<\/a><\/p>\n

Numerous articles are written to provide new researchers guidance in how to ask questions that get the answers they need. Knowing how to ask the right questions means receiving answers that lead to research success (see: Genealogy 101: How to Get Genealogy Help<\/a>). It\u2019s important for researchers to know how to ask \u2013 but it\u2019s equally important for helpers to know how to provide the help researchers need.<\/p>\n

Are you interested in helping others as a volunteer or as a professional genealogist? Consider some of the following tips.<\/p>\n

LISTEN<\/strong><\/p>\n

I know this sounds obvious, but I\u2019m serious. A newbie genealogist comes to you needing help. Make sure that when this happens you really listen to what they have to say.<\/p>\n

On a recent trip, I needed to make some photocopies for a presentation. I asked the hotel clerk about nearby stores that made photocopies. Unfortunately, because of the way I asked and what she heard, I walked away with no answers.<\/p>\n

I started out by asking \u201cwhere can I make some copies?\u201d She didn\u2019t respond so I decided to continue by adding that I needed a place like [insert big box office supply store here]. She then quickly answered that there was no such store in town and I\u2019d need to go to the next major city. If I hadn\u2019t added the name of a chain office supply store, she may have eventually told me that a print shop was actually behind the hotel.<\/p>\n

Now, part of this miscommunication was my fault for not giving her a few seconds to think. Because I kept talking, thinking it would make her answer easier, she only heard that last part of my question \u2013 that I wanted to know the location of a chain office supply store. Instead, I should have given her time to think because maybe she would have eventually asked whether I needed photocopies or office supplies.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important when someone asks us for help that we completely listen to their question, reiterate what they are asking, and ask follow-up questions that would help clarify what they are really needing. Too often we don\u2019t really listen to other people because we are formulating our response as they are speaking.<\/p>\n

When someone asks me a genealogy question, I\u2019ll rephrase what they asked me, such as replying: \u201cSo, you need a birth certificate for Kansas?\u201d Then I\u2019ll ask a follow-up question like: \u201cWhere have you looked?\u201d or \u201cHave you tried [specific source]?\u201d It helps me to understand what they really need, and not frustrate them or waste their time by giving them advice for something they\u2019ve already done.<\/p>\n

Listening isn\u2019t just restricted to actual voice communication. When answering a question posted on a message board, it\u2019s important to re-read the question so that you understand exactly what they are asking. You can also post follow-up questions to clarify what information they need. One concluding sentence I use after I answer an online question is: \u201cDoes that answer your question?\u201d I do this because I want to make sure that I truly gave them the information they needed.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Know? Don\u2019t Guess!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes in our rush to help people we may not be giving them the best possible advice. I\u2019ve seen this over and over again when someone posts an online request like: \u201cHelp! I can\u2019t find my ancestor\u2019s birth certificate from Texas.\u201d Then a genealogist replies with a resource that sounds good but doesn\u2019t have what the person needs, thus sending the person asking the question on a wild goose chase.<\/p>\n

You may know a lot of great resources, but before suggesting something that isn\u2019t relevant, check it out. Make sure that is the best resource for the person asking. It\u2019s ok to say: \u201cI\u2019m not sure but let me get back to you\u201d before suggesting an answer. They\u2019ll appreciate your effort to provide them with the most accurate information.<\/p>\n

Let Others Know Your Expertise<\/strong><\/p>\n

We can\u2019t know everything about all aspects of genealogy. We all have some gaps in our knowledge. But most likely there are a few aspects of research or topics that you love that you have a great deal of expertise in. Maybe you have done a great deal of Native American research. Perhaps all of your research centers on a specific country. Maybe you are a DAR member and have helped dozens of people with their lineage applications.<\/p>\n

Whether your expertise comes from previous education, your occupation or experience, make sure to let others know what you specialize in. You may have knowledge that they need but don\u2019t know you possess. Let members of your genealogy society know your expertise by leading a Special Interest Group (sometimes called a SIG) on the topic, providing a presentation, or writing an article for the society newsletter. Become a member of a Facebook group focused on the type of research you are especially knowledgeable about. To find genealogy-related Facebook groups, see Katherine R. Willson\u2019s Genealogy on Facebook List<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Help for Helpers<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re helping others with their genealogy, consider building a network of people you can go to with your own questions \u2013 and even learn from. No one is an island, and networking is an important part of genealogy. I always enjoy hearing others discuss their research experience, either formally through presentations at conferences or informally over casual meetings. These interactions can enhance our own knowledge and resource ideas. My personal professional network includes not only genealogists but a private investigator, a professional photographer, a gemologist, librarians, archivists, and historians. I also take advantage of the life and work experience of family members and friends who provide expertise on everything from working for the railroad to being a teenager during World War II.<\/p>\n

How can you meet other researchers? You can join genealogy and historical societies. Attend a conference or seminar (remember to bring business cards and introduce yourself). Don\u2019t forget to follow researchers on social media websites like Facebook or Twitter. Lucky for us, genealogy and history education is everywhere, both virtually and in the real world.<\/p>\n

Thanks for Helping!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you answer other people\u2019s genealogy research questions? Thank you! We all benefit from the generosity of our fellow researchers. If you\u2019ve been researching for a while, consider providing your expertise to someone who needs it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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