CGL Documentation and Record Keeping 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which citation element is most critical when documenting a digitized microfilm image found on a genealogy website?
- The website's homepage URL
- The original film number and item number (Correct answer)
- The date you accessed the website
- The name of the website's owner
Correct answer: The original film number and item number
The original film number and item number allow others to locate the same record regardless of which platform hosts the digitized image.
Question 2: In genealogical documentation, a 'derivative source' is best described as:
- A source found through a relative's research
- A transcription, abstract, or extract created from an original record (Correct answer)
- Any source published after 1950
- A source that cannot be verified
Correct answer: A transcription, abstract, or extract created from an original record
Derivative sources include transcriptions, abstracts, and extracts that were created by processing an original record, introducing potential for error.
Question 3: When creating a research log, which element best helps avoid duplicating searches already performed?
- The names of all relatives found
- A column recording the date, repository, source, and result of each search (Correct answer)
- A running list of all surnames in the family
- A map showing research locations
Correct answer: A column recording the date, repository, source, and result of each search
A research log with date, repository, source searched, and results (including negative results) prevents repeating unsuccessful searches.
Question 4: A genealogist finds a county history published in 1882 that names an ancestor. This source is best classified as:
- An original authored work
- A derivative source containing authored narrative (Correct answer)
- A primary source created at the time of events
- An unverified family tradition
Correct answer: A derivative source containing authored narrative
County histories are authored narratives, typically compiled from earlier sources, making them derivative rather than original records.
Question 5: Which practice best ensures the long-term readability of handwritten research notes?
- Using pencil so errors can be erased
- Writing in cursive for speed
- Using archival-quality black ink on acid-free paper (Correct answer)
- Keeping notes only in digital format
Correct answer: Using archival-quality black ink on acid-free paper
Archival-quality black ink on acid-free paper resists fading and degradation, preserving notes for future researchers.
Question 6: When documenting oral history interviews with elderly relatives, which action is most important before beginning?
- Having the relative sign a release form granting permission to record and use the interview (Correct answer)
- Preparing a list of all known family surnames
- Inviting other family members to participate simultaneously
- Transcribing previous interviews first
Correct answer: Having the relative sign a release form granting permission to record and use the interview
Obtaining signed permission before recording protects both the interviewer and the interviewee and allows the interview to be shared or archived legally.
Question 7: In the Genealogical Proof Standard, 'reasonably exhaustive search' means:
- Searching only the most popular genealogy websites
- Consulting all sources that might contain relevant information about the research question (Correct answer)
- Reviewing records until one confirming source is found
- Limiting research to records in the subject's county of residence
Correct answer: Consulting all sources that might contain relevant information about the research question
A reasonably exhaustive search requires identifying and examining all potentially relevant record types and repositories, not just the most accessible ones.
CGL Documentation and Record Keeping 2
Which citation element is most critical when documenting a digitized microfilm image found on a genealogy website?