Genealogy Standards

by Board for Certification Of Genealogists (Compiler)

How do family historians know they are producing or receiving trustworthy results? This official manual from the Board of Certification for Genealogists, essentially a users' guide for family historians, provides standards for genealogical researchers to assess their own and others' work. The revised second edition increases the clarity of DNA and privacy standards. Those standards are especially useful in the twenty-first century, when many genealogists use a complex new tool―DNA testing―and trace living people more often than they did in the past.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2019

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but tells you what you need to know. I have the most recent 2019 edition and the older edition with the examples in the back. Everyone said to get both.

Not sure that I will apply for certification, but I want to be a good, professional genealogist and I want to do it properly. This book keeps me on my toes. (Plus, it's required for my courses.)

[Amberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, definitely one to read regularly. Reading the introductions and glossary prior to reading the body of the text was helpful. A must-read for anyone who spends time working on genealogy. Concise and direct.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important and necessary book for any hobbyist considering a move into the professional field of genealogy. Though a small book, it is filled with many standards that need to be broken down, analyzed, and better understood in their application across various areas of the field. Definitely worth a second or third re-read!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The museum I work at offered to pay for me to get my genealogical certification, and I'm so excited about it!

In preparing to submit my application, I figured the best place to start would be reading over the standards that my genealogical work will be graded against. Mostly the standards are pretty self-explanatory (don't plagiarize, always make sure you have informed consent from your client before releasing any of their information, etc.), but I still feel more prepared to begin compiling my portfolio.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read, must have on your bookshelf if you're striving to ensure your genealogy research is up to standards established by the BCG and if you wish to become a certified genealogist. It's a book you will refer to time and again as a first read thru will never suffice.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have if you are serious about doing genealogy. It sets forth the genealogy proof standard and lists all existing and new standards, including standards for DNA. It also includes the genealogist's code of ethics, which we should all be following.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very well written, but informative.

[ღஜ♥ Kim ♥ღஜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this book for a 7-week course at Boston University called Genealogical Principles. (Genealogical Principles Course overview
https://genealogyonline.bu.edu/princi...)

After having combed through this book thoroughly for the last 7 weeks, I now have a much better understanding of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS).

"There are five elements to the Genealogical Proof Standard:

Reasonably exhaustive research has been conducted.

Each statement of fact has a complete and accurate source citation.

The evidence is reliable and has been skillfully correlated and interpreted.

Any contradictory evidence has been resolved.

The conclusion has been soundly reasoned and coherently written.

Any proof statement is subject to re-evaluation when new evidence arises." https://bcgcertification.org/ethics-s...

I would highly recommend this for your genealogy library and reference.

[Laura]

Quick authoritative read on standards all genealogist should use to produce quality research. Wish it provided examples for citations, proofs etc as I am a visual learning. Also glossary could be more encompassing I found my self adding terms not covered in glossary but mentioned in text. Pricey book for less than 90 pages but none the less an excellent succinct reference book that can be easily read in one sitting.

[Julie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for required reading for the Genealogy Certificate Course at Boston University. Very precise explanations of the guidelines/standards a Genealogist should follow. Helps to clarify terminology.

[Valerie Kruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genealogy Standards

Great book for genealogists. Help in every step of your research and writing reports. Following the genealogy standards would help us complete an excelent genealogical process.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic concise book, and a required read for anyone wanting to research at the ‘genealogical proof standard’ professional level.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and informative instructions; it's also given me list of many more reference materials.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.