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| Photo credit: bookworm by Wynand van Niekerk |
So what did I get for my $250? A lot actually. If you've read my other blog, you know I'm thrifty so I wanted to make sure I got as much as I could with what I had. To make my money go further, I chose to buy some of the books used. This, combined with free shipping on most of the books and coupon codes found online, enabled me to get more than I expected.
I ended up getting 14 books, the ones listed below plus an updated edition of one I already had. Considering 3 of the books were over $30 each, I'm happy that I was able to stretch my money so far.
Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians by Elizabeth Shown Mills
I've been wanting this book for a while, but the price was holding me back. Even buying it used, it was still the most expensive book I bought in my shopping spree. However, if it puts me one step closer to becoming a professional genealogist, it's worth every penny.
The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual by the BCG
This is another book to help me reach a professional level. One of my long-term goals is to become accredited and/or certified as a genealogist. While written by the BCG, I'm sure it will be helpful in whatever I decide.
Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures by Christine Rose
I haven't yet researched in a courthouse, although I plan to in the coming year. This will help me get me ready for when I do take my first step.
Genealogical Proof Standard by Christine Rose
One thing I'm really working at is making sure that my research meets the GPS. As with the BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, this book can help me take my research to a higher level.
The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-and-True Tactics for Tracing Elusive Ancestors by Marsha Hoffman Rising
Even though some of my brick walls have started crumbling a little in the last year, I want to get them knocked all the way down. I'm hoping this book will be the sledgehammer I need to get it done.
The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook by Emily Croom
When looking at recommendations from some of my favorite geneabloggers, this book kept popping up so I had to check it out. Between this and The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy, I should have a pretty good reference section on the types of records available. This was one of my cheapest buys. I bought it used and actually ended up spending more on the shipping than I did the book.
Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyperspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills
While I have a general grasp of citation, it's definitely an area of weakness for me. I know I'm probably one of the last to get a copy, but better late than never. Once it's arrived and I've had a chance to do some in-depth reading, I hope to see an improvement in my evaluation and citation of sources. As with Professional Genealogy, this was one of my more expensive buys.
Becoming an Accredited Genealogist: Plus 100 Tips to Ensure Your Success by Karen Clifford
As with the BCG manual, this is a tool to help me reach my eventual goal. Aside from getting letters behind my name, I'm sure the book will help me improve my all over genealogy skills as well.
Census Substitutes & State Census Records-Eastern States by William Dollarhide
As you may already know, there are actually two volumes in this series, one for the eastern states and a second for the western states. Since my personal research is in the eastern states and I also plan to specialize here, I decided to start with it first. I will most likely be buying the volume that covers the western states at a later point.
Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records by Kory Meyerink
There are a lot of printed sources out there that I haven't uncovered yet. I wanted this book to help me find them. While I'm sure there have been more printed since the book was published, it will still give me a good foundation to build on.
QuickSheet: Citing Online Historical Resources by Elizabeth Shown Mills
I know it's not a book, but I still bought it. Even though I've also purchased Evidence Explained, I wanted something that I could keep on hand for quick reference.
West Virginia Genealogy: Sources and Resources by Carol McGinnis
My paternal line is all from West Virginia. I'll be going there in April to visit my great grandmother and research. This book will help me put together a plan for the trip. The book was also chosen to add to a section of my personal library which is devoted to state research. I started it last month with books for Virginia, Indiana and Georgia and will be adding more state-specific books as my budget allows.
Kentucky Ancestry: A Guide to Genealogical and Historical Research by Roseann Reinemuth Hogan
As with the book on West Virginia, this one is for my personal research and my state collection. In researching my Kentucky ancestors, I've uncovered some material, but I know there's a lot more to be found.
Since I've already started the ball rolling by reviewing Virginia Genealogical Research, I've decided to keep going with it. As I complete each book, I'll do a review here. I read a lot so I'll probably end up covering all the books I bought in the next year. Then I can go buy more.
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