1: Get Organized   2: Learn the Basics   3: Form a Strategy   4: Search Ancestry Records (AN)   5: Search Collections (AN)   6: Analyze Search Results (AN)   7: Develop Search Skills   8: Solve Problems   9: Family History Trip   10: Descendants   11: Reading Handwriting   AC Project 4           Translation Tips    Music   Print Friendly and PDF   











Project 4: Research


Goal 7: Develop Search Skills



Goal 7: Develop your skills in searching records. Vault


The better your search skills, the more time you are likely to spend looking in the right places, and the better the results.



(2:40)

Choices


AImprove your search techniques.


  Guided Learning Video   |   Part 2


Summary
  1. Apply best practices in the Internet searches you do, such as searching broadly at first and then more narrowly, and searching for unusual names before common names.

    FS—Internet Search Tips
    BYU—Using the Internet Like a Pro—60:44 - 2020   


  2. Here are some practical tips for searching genealogy databases.

    AJC—4 Things to Do when Using a Genealogy Database - 2017
    FHF—Easy Tips for Researching in Genealogy Databases Everyone Should Know—13:23- 2023


  3. Here are tips for getting more accurate results in your searches.

    Search Engines and Genealogy: How to Dig up Information Online - 2019
    FHD: 6 Tips for More Effective Genealogy Searches

  4. Strategies: Understand where to look for the records you need.

    LDS—Keys to Finding Relevant Genealogical Resources
    LDS—Searching through Layers of Sources

  5. Here are some additional tips for finding and using documents.

    FE—How to Find and Use Genealogical Documents

  6. Learn how to use different strategies for searching different types of records.

    AJC: Are You Using the Right Search to Find Your Ancestors? - 2018


Exercises


BUse Google (www.google.com) to conduct effective searches for ancestor names, dates, places, etc.
Vault
Summary
  1. Basics: Learn how to use basic search variations in Google.

    FMP—Google Your Family Tree - 2021

  2. Learn how to use and refine Google searches.

    RT—The Genealogist's Google Search Methodology - 2019

  3. Learn about practical tips for doing successful genealogy searches with Google.

    TH: Google, Genealogy Style - 2019

  4. Advanced: Use the options available in the Google Advanced Search screen (www.google.com/advanced_search).
  5. Learn how to use advanced operators with Google searches.

    Advanced Operators Reference, Google Guide

  6. AncestorSearch: Learn about a shorcut tool for Google Ancestor Searches, from the Randy Majors site.

    Have you tried AncestorSearch on Google Search? - 2019

  7. Images: Learn how to do use Google Lens to identify information in images.

    Search with Google Lens in Chrome

  8. Tools: Learn how to use a variety of Google tools in your research.

    FS—Google Tools for Genealogy—18:35 - 2021


    TFHG—Google Tools for Research—8:37 - 2023


Exercises



Vault

CUse name techniques in searches to produce better results.

Summary
  1. Wildcards: Get an introduction to using wildcard characters in your searches.

    FMP—How wildcard searches can help you find your ancestors - 2022

  2. Use wildcards effectively in FamilySearch searches.

    FS—Searching with Wildcards in FamilySearch - 2016

  3. Use wildcards effectively in Ancestry searches.

    AC—Wildcards and Search Options—30:00 - 2014



  4. Spelling and Name Variations: Account for spelling and name variations as you search records.

    AC—Searching with Spelling Variations

  5. Read this article for additional tips on using name variations.

    TH—Tips for Finding Alternate Spellings - 2019

  6. Middle Names: Learn how to use middle names in your ancestor research.

    AF—Tips for Doing Middle Name Research - 2022

  7. Nicknames: Learn to recognize possible nicknames for ancestors.

    TH—Matching Nicknames with Given Names
    FTM—Female Ancestor First Names and Nicknames

  8. Here are some tips for handling full names, nicknames, and initials in searches.

    What’s in a Name: Full Names, Nicknames & Initials

  9. Common Names: Use these tips when searching for ancestors with common (often occurring) surnames.

    LDS—Finding Ancestors with Common Names
    AJC—3 Tips for Researching an Ancestor With a Common Name - 2016

Exercises