Research Notebooks

Research Notebooks

by nanak - 06:14PM, Feb 16, 2005

I purchased this software with a specific need in mind, I had lots of notes on little pieces of paper. Now my problem is solved. I created two notebooks, one for general genealogy research containing pages for my families and the information still outstanding and the other for genealogy extractions taken from records, again to be entered by family. For the first time in ages I can see the top of my desk. Just wanted to let you know what a wonderful product this is.

rgholden

Member

12:56PM, Mar 09, 2005

Last night I set up a Notebook with a tab for each of the families I am researching. I have pictures, stories and other text I am dumping in here at an alarming rate. That Clipping feature is great for this.

Clara

Member

11:10AM, Apr 12, 2005

I'll be very interesting in learning how others are using NoteBook for genealogy research. I downloaded the demo for a completely different purpose, then decided to try using it for my genealogy notes. I'm still experimenting, but I've set up a notebook for each major family I'm researching, with sections for census data, notes, etc. In the census section I've been dragging in the census image (in a media frame) and typing in a little summary of relevant info. I tend to be somewhat scattered in my research, and NoteBook is really helping me be more organized and focused.

gdappel1

Member

11:05AM, Apr 29, 2005

I am in the process of designing an outline for genealogy. Has anyone done so to this point and are you willing to share?
At this point I have major dividers - Surnames and General Notes. Under each surname I have - Introduction, Status and Further Research.
Help!

deena

Member

05:34PM, Aug 09, 2005

I use NoteBook for genealogy notes. I have found a system that works for me and wanted to share and get ideas on how to use it even more fully.

I organize my research notes by date of research and title each page with the date and facility of research. Then on each page I use a separate cell for each research effort.

For example: Boston Public Library [1 Jan 2005] might be a page title and then on the page would be cells with each search such as:

Fred Smith - 1920 Census - Boston, MA
Searched for Smith, Smythe, and Smithe.
Found Frederick Smyth living with wife Sarah
at 34 Codman St, Boston, MA
Conclusion: This is great uncle Fred. Got photocopy.

Now, I always title each cell consistently and I created flags to indicate whether a search was successful, not successful, or uncertain/needs more research.

That way, i use the search features to pull up a person's name and all successful or not successful efforts. I also use the search generically to find any searches on a family name if i am searching generally like:

JONES - 1912 City Directory - Boston, MA

It's working really well for me.

I also use highlighting to color code names of places for certain sides of my family. For example, if I have family from Italy and there are three or four towns, every time I write the town name I color it green. That way I can use the search feature for finding anything in that geography.

Lastly, I'm trying to figure out how to use the linking feature to help me link repeated research efforts of the same type, like finding uncle Abe in Worcester so I can try to keep track of my progress on more tricky research.

Any thoughts about how this could work better would be appreciated.

Thomas Bailey

Member

10:16PM, Nov 24, 2006

here to upadte this thread ans see if any ideas have been worked out on genealogy with this app.

levyjmd

Member

04:27PM, Nov 17, 2008

I use Notebook for research on a biography that I a working on. It was exactly what I was looking for to stay organized. As a special consideration, I suffered a brain injury 5 years ago and can forget that I have already covered information. Notebook is an amazing aid in dealing with this handicap. It helps me to focus and integrate the large volume of information that I have to deal with. Perhaps others with a similar handicap would find the program as useful as I have.

As the volume of the research increased this became imperative. In order not to duplicate work, I keep a daily log. Each day is another page under the tab “Research Logs”. Because of the excellent indexing feature of Notebook I can easily find entries. Of course, I have a “to do list”. Other tabs include “people”, “places”, “financial transactions”, “institutions”, “documents”(scanned), “dating resources”, “bibliography” and “Narrative” etc. It is easy, and useful, to use links from the daily logs to cross reference info.

---

Jeff

Bruce Ellinger

Member

12:10AM, Jan 23, 2010

I have used Notebook for some time as a log to keep track of research extracts. I created a form where I log the information that I find as well as the citation of the source. I use one page for each source and I keep a copy of the image on the notebook page as well. I insert several new writing pages and then I copy the blank form to each page. I organize the content page by Surname.

I do have a question for anyone who might know the answer. Is it possible to create a page (form) and then be able to copy it with all formatting as a new page? (Inserting it as we do new notes or writing pages.)

Karachi123

Member

12:51PM, May 30, 2010

Notebook is just great, this is also going to solve my issue.

Patrick

Member

10:47PM, Mar 08, 2011

Hello.

I do genealogy research myself. Can I have a copy of your notebook template to see how it is organized?

Best Regards,
Patrick

Rusty53

Member

10:30PM, Mar 27, 2011

I am interested in organizing my research information. Can you please send me a copy of your template?

Thank you,
Rusty

senidia

Member

11:21PM, Jul 27, 2011

I too am doing genealogy and would love a copy of your notebook template.

Thanks,
Senidia

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