Why Should I Keep a Research Log?

Why Should I Keep a Research Log?

      One of the hardest things for a new family history enthusiast to get use to is keeping a research log. Filling out the research log is time consuming.  It takes away precious time that could be spent searching for additional records. Many of us think that we can remember what and where we have searched.  If we find something, we will have printed it and don’t need a record of finding it. After searching the same record set for the third time, we realized that maybe our memory isn’t as good as we think it is. While everyone has their own preference in what to record and how their research log should look, the following points should help us remember why our logs are so important:

·       Research logs give us an objective. Listing the objective of the search keeps us on track. Knowing that we are search for information on one person keeps us from getting sidetracked by information about other generations.

·       Research logs keep us organized. Part of an effective search is knowing where we have looked and what we have found. When returning to research a project it is easy to return to the same records that we have looked in before. Having a research log keeps us moving forward in our searches.

·       Research logs help us remember information. Research logs give us an instant list of information that was found and where we have placed it. Numbering found documents in a research log allows us to move on knowing that the document has been found and preserved.

·       Research logs help us analyze information. After locating different documents, how are you going to come to a conclusion?  Having all the found information on one page makes analyzing it simpler than moving from page to page. Facts that agree or contradict each other stand out when viewed together.

·       Research logs help us plan additional searches. After seeing where we have looked, we have a better idea of where we need to go next. Planning our next search helps maximize our time.  Filling out the records you want to see before starting the search will cut down on time wondering what to search or being districted by other record sets.

·       Research logs let others know what we have searched. Hopefully, we will be collaborating with others or turning our records over to the next generation in the future.  Having a research log lets those that come after us know what we have searched and whether we were successful or not. This will keep them from re-doing the same searches that we have done.  It will also give them the chance to re-evaluate records to see if we have missed something. The research log will also allow others to find our research in one page.  Their time will be saved from needing to read the entire file.

Although it may be hard to keep a research log as part of your normal routine, the effort will pay off in saved time and information. After a while, the research log will become part of your family history research that you would struggle to be without.