How Technology is Shaping Genealogical Research & Collaboration

GENEALOGY & TECHNOLOGY

Evolution of Technology Just about everything used in genealogy research

can be considered technology.

Computer Technology Focus on how technology changes the process of

research & collaboration

Biggest Innovations

1. Web 2.0 & Social Media

2. Open Source Software

3. Mobile Technology & Applications

4. Digital Imaging & Virtual Storage

5. QR Codes

6. Google Searching

Web 2.0 & Social Media Web 2.0 Term coined in 1999 to describe dynamic web content

Social Media Technology that allows for collaboration and connectivity

1. Blogging

2. Facebook

3. Skype

4. Photo Sharing (e.g. Flickr)

Blogs & Blogging Allows for research documentation

Promotes collaboration amongst family researchers

Develops writing skills

Helps organize gathered information

Shares knowledge, skills and methods

Provides research guides and strategies

Sample Blogs & PostingsFamily Blogs

http://www.justanotherhistoryblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/knights-of-columbus.html

http://100inamerica.blogspot.com/

http://mcomberbygonedays.wordpress.com/

Genealogy Blogs & Online Newsletters

http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/

http://blogs.archives.gov/prologue/

Critiques & Reviews

http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com/

Social media outlet launched in 2004 by a Harvard dropout

Loved by some, hated by many

Most concerns stem from privacy issues

Provide researchers with a collaborative environment

Connect with distant relatives

Organize events and reunions

Example – Olin Family Society http://www.facebook.com/groups/60770353578/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Voice over IP service Allows calling via an internet connection

Utilizes webcams for video chatting

Promotes digital collaboration amongst researchers Allows for video conferencing and connectivity between family

Utilization in professional genealogical research Face-to-face consultations between client & for-hire researchers

Potential for presentations to genealogical groups Out-of-area speakers

Inclement weather

Polish Genealogy Society of Western New York Sept. 8, 2012 speaker from Poland

http://youtu.be/Q9cC5fzrbHM

Online photo hosting site

Allows users to upload and share photographs & videos

Ancestry.com allows media posting

Coincides with family trees

$$$$$

National Archives

NYS Archives

Open Source Software Software made available for public distribution

Allows users to edit & change the program

Typically free for use

Developed in a collaborative environment

Open Source Software allows for alterations, meaning that users can develop individualized uses for it

Extremely important in developing technology for genealogy purposes

GIS Software Geographic Information System Displays data via maps

Combines cartography & statistics

Typically designed specifically for organizations

Potential for use with historical subjects & genealogy

Plot location of families

Indicate historic sites & buildings (preservation)

Understanding trends in relation to demographics over a period of time

Placing your family’s history into perspective

Learning Modules Providing online access to classroom materials Common amongst colleges and universities Supplement classroom learning with online modules

Potential for use in developing content-rich course development with genealogical societies Possible for online course to replace or compliment face-

to-face genealogy instruction Extended course offerings to fit schedules

Web Site Development Creating an online presence to share genealogy

research

Promotes collaboration amongst researchers

Shares information on upcoming events for family organizations & reunions

Shares documents and materials used in research

Multiple options for development

Free hosting vs. Paid hosting

Pre-made templates, Proprietary Software, Open Source Software & Content Management Systems

Hosting & Design Beginner researchers can develop free sites Rootsweb Free Hosting

Provides free hosting & pre-designed features

Advanced & serious researchers can pay Numerous sites for paid hosting, depending on storage

space & domain names

Pre-designed features are optional or tech-savvy can utilize web design software OCGS Sample Site – using Adobe Dreamweaver ($$$$$)

Content Management Systems Used to organize a variety of formats

Drupal & Omeka – Open Source Software

AlbionPolonia.com – Using Drupal

University of Rochester – Using Drupal

Ringwood, NJ Library – Using Omeka

Mobile Applications Smartphone & tablets allow on-the-go research

Compliment software programs found on computers

Better for access and not for editing

1. Ancestry.com Mobile App

2. BillionGraves Mobile App

FamilySearch mobile indexing app

Beta test released in February 2012

Withdrawn in December 2012

Digital Imaging & Virtual Storage Advancements regularly occurring in photography

Increases quality and detail of images

Important in current digitizing practices

Digital imaging used to increase access

Cloud computing allows for software and files to be stored in a remote server

Files are retrieved when needed

Used in collaborative situations

Examples include: Ancestry.com, Google Drive

Utilized by Archives and Municipalities for disaster recovery

Digitized Records Local examples of records captured using digital

imaging

Uncompressed images (not microfilm)

RGS Church Records Project

Albion Polonia – St. Mary’s Records

Record collections available online utilize scanned microfilm forms

Another form of overlooked technology in genealogy research

Example – FamilySearch, NY Naturalization Records

QR Codes Quick Response Codes, a.k.a. “QR” Codes

Utilized in libraries and archives Compliment collections & expand on events

Current exploration relating to use with cemeteries

Presented at RootsTech conference 2012

Gravestone QR Codes link to family pages

QR Memorials

Requires:

Smart device (phone or tablet)

Reader program

Internet connection