After several years of researching and writing, I have set the deadline for completing and printing my family history book for June. I think it may even be possible, with continued concentrated effort. I am in the last stages of editing, where I check sources and finalize the endnotes section of the book. I follow several steps to accurately and consistently record bibliographic data. Although this process is tedious (which, in my case, requires a plentiful supply of chocolate), there are several benefits to it besides just avoiding committing plagiarism.

As I was writing the text of the history, I noted the source I was using in each instance. My first editing step is to check that the reference is correctly placed and refers to what I think it does (e.g. reviewing each quotation for accuracy). My second step is to file each source in two places: on my hard drive (which is regularly backed up) and in a binder of printouts. The third step I take is to input the details of each fact and its source into a genealogy software program. (I use Reunion, which is specific for Macs.) Using genealogy software is not necessary, but I find it has the benefit of organizing both bibliographic details and genealogical information.

By using a genealogy program, I am able to generate various diagrams (like family trees) and reports (like family group sheets). This allows me to visualize the family composition and provides a summary of personal data. An additional benefit is that the program automatically checks for mismatched dates, such as a child born after the death of its mother, or before the marriage of the parents. Warnings from the program allow me to catch any typos I have made (in the former case) and remind me of interesting family details (in the latter case).

Once I have verified source accuracy and filed everything everywhere properly, I record bibliographic details in the endnotes section of my book. There are several templates one can use for this, each with its own pros and cons. I don’t think it really matters which format one chooses. The important thing is that all the relevant details are recorded so that the source can be relocated at a future date. I chose a family history format outlined by Elizabeth Shown Mills in her book Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian, because it had examples of sources that were most similar to those I was using: primary records of vital statistics.

To enter the bibliographic details into my endnotes, I just copy them from my genealogy program and paste them in the proper order in my word processing file. I’m told there are programs that organize endnotes automatically for you, but there was nothing available to me that was compatible with the word processing program I am using.

Yes, creating endnotes to show where you found your information is a long boring job, but it does have some benefits. The most basic is that it allows your readers to check your facts and, thus, your interpretations and ultimately your conclusions. Your willingness to give credit where it is due can also make it easier for you to access the resources held by others, because it shows you are trustworthy. Your organized list of source information can also be a useful resource for someone in the future who may want to build upon your work. With the first of three sections of my book completed and consisting of 81 pages, including text, 45 figures and 190 endnotes, even I find it helpful to have an organized system of my own work.

But, with two more sections of editing to go and the clock ticking, I’d better get back to it. Yes, setting deadlines can be very motivating. So can post-Easter candy sales.

This article was originally printed in the Bergen News and is being reprinted with permission.

 

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