Research logs are very important tools for successful family history research. However, they are certainly not every family historian’s favorite thing. I know that when I’m in the zone of doing family history and finding all sorts of interesting things, it can sometimes be a hassle to take a step back and enter my searches and findings into a research log. However, doing that is definitely essential to family history; you should not carry on research without using some sort of research log.

Research logs can help you avoid repeating searches that you have already performed. They can also help you keep track of what research still needs to be conducted for a particular individual. Basically, research logs take a little time and effort in the present to save you a lot more time and effort in the future.

When creating a research log, sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin and what to include. There are several websites with templates for research logs that you can easily fill out. The Family History Guide has several resources and ideas of how to format your research log. (The link can be found at the end of the article.) You can also create your own research log using a spreadsheet. No matter how you decide to format your log, there are criteria that every research log should follow. Here are some important things you need to include when creating your research log:

• Stated objective. At the beginning of your research log, state the objective of the research session. Stating the objective will make it clear what you’re looking for and help you keep on track.
• Date of search or finding. It is important to record the date you conducted a particular search or found a certain record.
• Repository. The word “repository” means where something is found. The repository in your research log could be the website where you found a record, such as Ancestry or FamilySearch. The repository could also be a county office or library if you located a record there.
• Name of the source. Indicate the name of the source you looked in, such as the United States Census, 1850.
• Citation. Include the full citation of the source.
• Comments. As an example, it is very helpful to comment on the search parameters you used to locate a particular record. 
• Results of the search. If you did not find a record, make sure you indicate that. If you found a record online, make sure you include the URL.

An example of a research log can be seen in the image below. (Click the image for a larger view.)

Once you have created your research log and conducted research for one of your ancestors, don’t forget to share the research log on FamilySearch Family Tree. Sharing your research log can help others see what you searched so that they don’t have to re-do your work. For example, you can attach the research log as a Memory in the Source section of the Person page for the ancestor. 

Research logs are essential genealogical tools that can help you keep track of your research and help you know how to move forward more effectively.

For additional information on research logs and organizing your research material, visit The Family History Guide, FamilySearch, Project 4: Goal 1, Choice C. To download free templates for research logs and other items, see Project 4: Goal 1, Choice E.