Tips for Saving Money on Genealogy Records
MONEY SAVING TIPS for GENEALOGY
As a Genealogist… I feel like I have costly MEMBERSHIPS for EVERYTHING just to see that same… or similar records and I am sure I’m NOT alone! So, today I wanted to take a look at some places where we can find free or not as costly access to records while highlighting some great techniques to use IF we have to hire someone to obtain the records for us in our search.
If you don’t know WHY genealogy records COST money… BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY POST HERE.
Understanding the expenses that are involved in Genealogy Research CAN HELP you do better Genealogy Research!
Be sure to check out PART 2 where I discuss budgeting in reference to your RESEARCH PLANNING because it can be so easy to FALL DOWN a rabbit hole, especially if you are just starting out.
HOW & Where to Find Records
For Free or At a Lower Cost
Your Local Library
It might seem like a no-brainer and I feel like it is one of those places that is almost elusive in nature because it seems like whenever I hear about someone hitting a “brick wall” and I ask them if they check their local library… a LIGHT BULB goes off … like an AHA moment… and it seems like the most COMMON next step but is easily forgotten!
If the local library doesn’t have a genealogy room with records related to your interests, they could be able to offer FREE access to many paid subscription websites. (Remember: FamilySearch.org is free to use and you should be using this one in your preliminary search at home!)
Some library systems offer access to subscription sites, like Ancestry Library Edition, at any branch they are affiliated with. Others might require you to be in the library and use their computers within a specific branch or room. If you need help, you should see if your library system has one or more areas that is dedicate strictly to Genealogy. Librarians wear a lot of hats so most won’t be able to help you with your genealogy problem directly, or how to use a genealogy website, unless they, themselves, have been trailed , but they can always point you in the right direction!
Take some time when at home to browse your local library’s website and see if they offer any FREE content or maybe even how-to information before you head out for an in-person visit.
And, finally, there are some sites you might even be able to log-in from HOME with your library card. Some, you will only be able to access at the library, but you can figure out what you can use in the library versus at home through the library by browsing their website.
Your Local Family History Center / FamilySearch Center / FamilySearch Affiliate
So… once upon a time long ago… you could order microfilm from your local FHC. Today, microfilm is not loaned out, as it is being digitized. Not only is this FASTER and FREE, now many libraries (whether they are “local” libraries, historical societies, genealogy societies, etc.") are able to be FamilySearch Affiliate libraries where you can actually access digital records from this HUB that you can’t access from home.
As with subscription sites, you might have access at any library branch but that doesn’t mean every librarian (in a multi-branch system) can help you with how to use the FamilySearch website.
FamilySearch is 100% FREE, so start by learning HOW to USE it from home! See what you can ACCESS from home and what you NEED to access at a CENTER or AFFILIATE LIBRARY.
FYI: All microfilm rolls have been digitized that are supposed to be digitized at this point and time, but the digital microfilm may still be in processing and not available online… yet. Other microfilm might not be digitized due to some kind of contractual issue with the owners of those original records. In these records case, you will NEED to access in another way.
Other Public Libraries
See what the library local to your ancestors’ residence might have available to order. This varies widely, but is absolutely worth checking out. I used this practice for my ancestors who immigrated from Romania to Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) and the library was very helpful with resources and other methods of research. You might have to pay a fee to become a patron, because these other “Local” libraries aren’t “your” library. If you plan to visit, do your homework to make it worth your while. Try to do everything you can from home to maximize your visit!
Socieities
This could be genealogical, historical, or any other type of SOCIETY. For your local societies, they might offer services that your local library doesn’t have. You should also check socieities for your ancestral locations. This last item also applies to genealogy/historical societies that might offer research services even if they don’t have a library. Some societies offer genealogical research at an hourly rate.
Batch Your Research
If you plan ahead and keep yourself organized, you can create batches of records that you need. You can batch these records in various ways. Personally, I like to save up research to justify a research trip. This may or many not be within your budget, but I always like to look at the records myself, if possible. You might also batch records to order microfilm materials. This is the most budget-conscious way to do this so you don’t end up ordering the same materials over and over again.
All of the above suggestions will vary for in-person access, but this can also open up new options as we continue to adapt to our “new normal.” Some locations now offer look-up services where they previously required you to visit in-person. If you library isn’t local, this can be a huge benefit for you.
Many libraries has prioritized digitization of records so on-site access isn’t as necessary.
Budget Tips for “Hiring”
Hire a Professional
Some professional genealogists will take jobs copying records for less than they would charge to do full research. Not EVERY genealogist DOES THIS; it’s not always financially profitable (or even reasonable) for them.
Batching When Hiring.
You might want or need to batch your records together if you are going to hire a professional. If you need simple records that are indexed, you might need to request multiple records to meet a minimum (usually a minimum number of hours of research). Note that you usually are NOT allowed to do batch requests when requesting copies from government-run repositories. Sometimes they offer hourly research just like hiring an independent researcher but you might be limited to a maximum number of “requests.”
Genealogy is NOT FREE and after you look back at years of research, it’s not REALLY CHEAP. But it is possible to break-up the costs and use techniques to get the MOST BANG for your BUCK. If you really want to discover your FAMILY HISTORY, I can assure you, it’s money WELL SPENT!
Next, I will be looking at actually budgeting within your research planning. I’ll let you know right now, I’m cheap! My problem is not over-spending on my personal research… it’s under-spending. Considering a budget for a personal project (just like I do for my clients) helps me determine the BEST USE of my money and usually produces much faster results than if I just “wing-it.” Whether you over- and under- spend, budgeting is a very important PART of research planning!
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