 |
SUMMIT COUNTY CHAPTER
of the Ohio Genealogical Society P O Box 2232 Akron OH 44309-2232 e-mail: SummitOGS@acorn.net |
|
SUMMIT COUNTY CHAPTER
of the Ohio Genealogical Society P O Box 2232 Akron OH 44309-2232 e-mail: SummitOGS@acorn.net |
Working with a Professional Researcher
It's fun to do your own research, but sometimes you can't visit all the places where you need to search for records. A professional who is an expert in doing research in a particular
area often has access to records it would be difficult for you to obtain. If you plan to hire a researcher, here are some suggestions:THE FIRST STEP: You can obtain the names of researchers from genealogical societies or publications. Summit County researchers are listed under "Chapter Information on this web site. Try to find a researcher who not only has experience but also lives in the area where you would like records searched. Write and ask for rates. Describe briefly what you have done in family research and what you need to accomplish.
HELPING THE RESEARCHER: Once you have decided on a researcher, you can save yourself money and increase your chances of getting the research done efficiently if you provide
a detailed list of the work you want done. If you lay out your family lineage in an easy-to-follow and logical manner, the researcher won't have to spend as much time sorting out your job.DON'T KEEP SECRETS: Be sure to enclose copies of census, birth records and other documents. Merely stating that you have seen these records does not help the professional, who might get a clue from them that you have missed, or who might be saved much time in repeating this work that is already done.
STATE YOUR LIMITS: Be certain to mention the limits on the amount you will spend for research. Usually it is best to specify that a report be sent after a certain amount is spent.
You should, however, remember that an extra hour's work can sometimes provide the answer you need. You also should be specific about the work you want done. If you are only
interested in the main line and not the children, say so.Otherwise you may pay for research you did not want. Remember, though, that it is sometimes necessary to do research on other
family lines to learn about the one you want.INSIST ON SOURCES: You should not accept a report that does not cite the sources used for research. Keep in mind that time often is spent searching just to prove that there are no
records available. Your researcher should report to you on all of the records he has checked and the results. Sometimes you must pay for time just to learn that no records are available, but you then have some proof that your elusive ancestor may not have been in that location after all.ABOUT RETAINERS: Many researchers expect a retainer before beginning work. This is a safeguard for both of you. The retainer should be set aside until work is completed and a
refund made if it is not completely spent. Unless it is a very simple job, most researchers prefer to report back occasionally to make sure the research is being completed as you desire.OTHER NOTES: Always send SASEs (self-addressed, stamped envelopes) to prove that you are making a serious inquiry. If you get new information from another source, send it to your
researcher who may be able to use it to your advantage. Also, remember to put your name and address on all documents.
Provided by: SUMMIT COUNTY CHAPTER, OGS
P O Box 2232
Akron OH 44309-2232
e-mail: SummitOGS@ald.net
Last modified March 13, 2000
Copyright ©2000 Summit County Chapter OH Genealogical Society. All rights reserved.