Customer Reviews

Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians

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This comprehensive manual for professional genealogists is a "must have" for any serious genealogical researcher. Each chapter, which contains sections written by 23 professional genealogists, covers a different aspect of using professional skills to produce quality work. The topics covered include every aspect of professional genealogy, from legalities and ethics, to education, research, compiling research reports, and publishing. Although the manual is intended for professional genealogists, I would strongly recommend it to every hobbyist. There are chapters which are obviously more useful to the professional, such as, "Career Management", but most of the topics simply pertain to producing quality work, and would benefit the serious hobbyist. With 654 pages, it covers the same amount of material as several "lighter" books. It would be hard to imagine a question that is not covered by this manual, which is destined to become the standard in this field.

You don't have to be a professional to benefit immensely from Professional Genealogy. I purchased this book when I first began offering my services as a professional researcher, and wished I had acquired it sooner.

The book is filled with useful information for professional and hobbyist alike, such as tips on building a library of "essential texts" (including an extensive list of resources for ethnic research), samples of research reports and guidelines for proper reporting, steps for determining the validity of a document, as well as the validity of published research...the list goes on.

Each chapter has been created by a different expert in the field of genealogy, it is well cited, and gives a list of further recommended reading.

I used this text everyday as I was developing my company, and it walked me through the complicated process of writing business plans, creating and executing contracts, organizing, filing, and marketing. This is the perfect gift for the aspiring professional, or anyone who is serious about genealogical research.

This book was a splurge for me, but one that I can definitely say was well worth it! I thought I knew quite a bit about genealogy research, but this book has taught me so much more. Each chapter is written by a professional genealogist who specializes in the topic. While some chapters are geared towards genealogists starting their own research business, most are helpful to all genealogists. Lots of excellent examples of proper research methods and techniques.

Professional Genealogy is exactly as it is advertised, a manual or guidebook for professional genealogists, or professional wannabees.
It is not meant for the casual hobbyist. However, the hobbyist who wants to learn what standards professionals should live by, or want to raise their own work to a professional level would be well-advised to read this book. It is on my shelf, because I like to aspire to professional standards even if I never make a business at being a professional genealogist.

I recommend "Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians" as a first reading for someone considering setting up a genealogist practice, or for someone preparing for genealogist certification.

Provides practical information on a variety of important fronts. Chapters written by outstanding professionals, and very readable. It is a hefty hardback, quite comprehensive in scope, and well worth the price.

Even if you have been a professional genealogist for a few years, as I have, "Professional Genealogy" is a benefit.

I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library as I have been exploring the possibility of self-employment in this field. I found a LOT of good ideas that I had never thought of before!!!!

Once I can afford to, I plan to purchase a copy of this book so I can refer to it INDEFINITELY!!!!

I got this book for my dad who is really into geneology. He does small seminars at the Public Library and such. I thought for his birthday I would get him a geneology book so he could learn a little more. The reviews for this book said that is was for professional geneologists and teachers or die-hard people who are interested in it. So I thought he fit the category. He told me that is focused more on how to charge for your services than anything, more legal garb than insider professional hints to geneology. So we are returning the book.

The book is excellent if you are researching how to structure your own business because it offers tips on billing, writing reports, etc. However, most of the book is not useful if you want to use it for non-professional reasons.

"Professional Genealogy" by Elizabeth Shown Mills has been one of the most influential tools I have used in my genealogy education. It covers so many topics and gives much useful information. I can honestly say that it written so that a beginner and a researcher wanting to go professional can both gain from it's chapters.

I have read from it many times and each time I learn something new. I take it with me to my local lectures and those attendees look at this book and love it. They had assumed it would be "over their head" but once they see the layout and how the chapters are arranged, they remark they want to go and purchase a copy. I own a copy and encourage those who take my classes to purchase as well for their own educational advancement.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in family history as a purchase for themselves or as a gift to a family or friend who enjoys genealogy.

Tina Sansone
Ebook Manager & Genealogy Editor for BellaOnline
Gtownma's Genealogy Editor
GeneaBlogger

This book is worth every penny. It has everything you need to know. It is a must have for anyone serious about genealogy.