Genealogy: Organization and Storage
Will your efforts live longer than you?
What:
- database file(s) from genealogy program(s)
- source materials, including records, photos, obits, notes, clippings, family histories, books, and more
How:
- database files are already digital and should be preserved by digital means. These can be stored on hard drives, flash drives, CDs, in the cloud (DropBox)
- source materials - aim for scanning/digitizing as much as possible and then properly store originals in archival type of storage containers, particularly for more important documents and photos. Also consider humidity and dust.
Digitized copies should then be stored as other digital items. Naming convention should be used (e.g., ObitLastNameFirstNameYear, and so on). Also provide as complete citation for each item before you forget the source. Should be noted for each scanned copy somehow with file and with original (not on a sticky note that you attach to a photo!)
When:
How much time do you like to waste? Save or backup often.
Where:
- L.O.C.K.S.S. method (Lots Of Copies Keeps Stuff Safe) [Eastman]
- store at home and work (if possible)
- store at a relative's place in another town
- store in the cloud (DropBox, Google Drive, Sugar Synch and others)
- long term longevity: FamilySearch, WikiTree, assigned person
- reformat stored files periodically - hard drives and CDs fail
Why:
- Paper is fragile, as are photos, as are hard drives, flash drives, CDs and so on
- Redundancy increases likelihood of efforts living through disasters (Sandy, CO storms and so on)
- Multiple sites and versions decreases chances that one hardware failure will not put your work to a halt
Resources:
Books
- Organizing Your Family History Search by Sharon Debartolo Carmack
- The Organized Family Historian: How to File, Manage, and Protect Your Genealogical Research and Heirlooms, Ann Carter Fleming
Web sites
