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This class will continue on from the basic research class, with emphasis placed on going beyond your own personal genealogy to form a mutually beneficial community-based research protocol through networking with other researchers and participation in professional groups, societies, village-based associations, etc.
A comprehensive traditional and online reference list will be provided. Suggestions for additional resources will be encouraged and welcomed!
Publishing and sharing information and research data with others will also be discussed in detail.
AFTER NOVEMBER 2012
SCOTTISH: CENSUS RECORDS (Sheena Tait)
This course looks at the history, structure and contents of the 1841-1911 censuses of Scotland. Strategies for searching and locating the records will be discussed together with the limitations of the various sources. We will then look at the research possibilities of earlier census returns, together with their survival back to “Dr Webster’s census” of 1755. We will also look at the National Identity Register of 1939.
BEFORE JANUARY 2008
UNDERSTANDING SCOTLAND (Arlene Eakle)
This course represents the Jurisdictional Approach to Scottish Research. This approach makes it easier to find and access records themselves. It also emphasizes the context in which ancestors lived their lives. The importance of knowing the structure and relationship of government units to each other and to the population of Scotland cannot be overemphasized. Each unit had its own governing rights and created its own records. These records often paralleled or overlapped coverage of the people subject to that jurisdiction. In times of local chaos, loss of records by one unit can be compensated in the preservation of records in another.
AFTER JUNE 2012:
SCOTTISH: STATUTORY REGISTRATION (Sheena Tait)
Birth, marriage and death certificates are the fundamental building blocks of genealogical research in Scotland. This course looks at the development of the Statutory Registration system in Scotland. It will provide the practical details needed to understand the system of civil registration, where to find and how to use indexes and certificates. The course looks in detail at what the certificates can tell us and at the legislation which affected what was included in certificates at the different periods of time and in both copies of the registers and certified copies of the certificates.
BEFORE JANUARY 2008
BASIC SOURCES (Arlene Eakle)
The usual approach to building a pedigree is to begin at the local level, where records closer to the family members are kept. Tracing a Scottish family in 2004 requires a more efficient access to data. The General Register Office for Scotland (GRO-S) received official and mandated copies of many of the records we consider "local" (because they were collected at the local level). These records have been entered into a digital database, centrally and directly available to you—so, we begin here.
Jurisdictionally, we orient ourselves to the parish (district) and the county. Practically, we search the central database for these parish and county records. This will happen with several record categories required in your research because of the need of government officials to report, account for, collect, and preserve the records of your ancestors.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit, or an exam to complete.
Due to the sensitive and confidential material in the majority of your searches, in lieu of a public forum of class chats, the instructor will be available to each student via email for the duration of the course for questions and concerns. A limited number of one-on-one instructor/student assistance by email will be available during this course. If more in-depth assistance is required, private consultations can be booked at an additional fee.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit, or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week class, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
TESTIMONIALS
I cannot say enough about you and your class. Your experience, insight and humor made the course so pleasant. I found my half-brother and we are meeting this weekend. Our first toast is going to be to you.
Louis, New York
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A million variables. But by following your advice, following thru and not giving up, we found our needle in the Haystack. 200 million Americans and we found one. If only the Katrina families/agencies had your know-how.
T.D, Chicago, IL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Linda Rakita,
The month of February 2006, will always be a special memory for me, as that’s when I began your class on adoption.
Having reunited years earlier with a childhood friend who’d been given up for adoption in 1955, who expressed a strong desire to find out about her birth family, and myself being ignorant of this type of research, it made sense to find someone who was not only a professional in this field but one who cared about her students and the class.
Looking back over the years and remembering all of my teachers, I can count only three who were outstanding & as a consequence, I did very well in those classes. Outside of the public school system, it is obvious to me that you also display high standards of excellence in your teaching.
I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun with an instructor. You immediately sensed my passion for research. You responded to my questions in a very timely manner and sometimes you threw in what I’ll call, a treat—something you found on your own about a possible birth family member connected to my project. Of course this served to whet my insatiable hunger for deeper digging on my own!
This quest for answers on behalf of my friend at times, became emotionally charged and particularly so, the closer I reached the mark. I felt very comfortable pouring my heart out to you and am so thankful for the sensible as well as compassionate responses and advice from you. At times you sprinkled your messages with humor and your efforts did not go unnoticed and were most welcome.
In closing, I’d like to say that based on my experience with you, I know you’ll continue to be a beacon of light to others in whatever direction you travel. Thank you for enlightening me!
Sincerely,
Sandy, Tracy, CA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda is very experienced in her field. She is intelligent, intuitive, resourceful and extremely competent - all important qualities needed for any successful searcher. In addition, she is an honest, sensitive and compassionate person who is passionate about her work. In my opinion, this makes Linda truly special.
Linda is someone who has total respect for the feelings and concerns of others. And she is experienced and wise regarding the complicated nature of human interaction and reaction.
Nancy, New York
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit, or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week course, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week course, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week course, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week course, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as 6 week, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the course and any research problems with your instructor and fellow students during the four “live online meetings” which are part of this course.
This course will look at what resources you have may have used in the past and see how that may help you get started with your Native American research. We will cover many different resources that you may not have known existed when you began searching for your Native American ancestors. We will start by focusing on the different tribes, such as the Five Civilized Tribes, Early Eastern Tribes, Tribes of the Plains, California Indians, Indians of the Pacific Northwest, and finally the Métis and the First People of Canada. Each lesson has a different tribal focus providing a variety of sources.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It does not have required assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as 6 week, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Four ''Live Online Meetings'' will be offered during this course.
This course does not qualify as a Certificate course in the Certificate in Genealogical Studies program. It will not have assignments to submit or an exam to complete.
Although this course is indicated as a 6 week course, you will have access to the instructor only during the first four weeks. The materials will be available to you for an additional two weeks.
Social Media for the Wise Genealogist is a six week course for students who are interested in learning how social networking can help them as genealogists. The methodology behind using social network sites will be discussed.
The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is extremely pleased to be able to use, as the primary text for this course, an outstanding book on this subject, authored by Drew Smith, Social Networking for Genealogists (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), to explore behind the scenes of social networking.
Because the course reading material is not proprietary to the National Institute’s course, access to the electronic text of mandatory course reading material will NOT be available online. The course syllabus will primarily serve as a guide to the content of Smith’s book. In addition, it will present some supplemental material, as well as the assignments.
Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. The book is available at GenealogyStore.com
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
Optional Print Course Material: Business Skills: Creating a Business
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Creating a genealogical or personal historian business
requires many steps. First, there is self-analysis to determine
who you are, what you want, how to achieve balance in work and
personal life, and what kind of business you wish to start. Next,
you will need to conduct business and marketing planning, market
analysis, and establish an overall business structure. Finally,
you must consider what you need for your business including
supplies, income, and marketing opportunities. A productivity
tool chest will help round out your plans and get you off on the
right footing. In this course you will learn the skills you need
to accomplish all these things and prepare yourself for starting
a successful business.
This course assumes that you have intermediate or advanced
in either genealogy skills or personal historian skills (i.e.
family history research, writing, photography, audio and video
recording, and/or interviewing) and that you want to use those
skills to create a business.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
SO YOU WANT TO CREATE A BUSINESS
Introduction to Creating a Business
Becoming a Professional
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Start a Business
Why Do You Want This?
What Type Of Business Structure Do You Want?
Establishing Your Business
Building a Library
MODULE 2
WRITING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
What is a business plan and why do you need one?
Steps of Writing a Business Plan
Marketing Plan
Financial Planning/Funding
Business Description & Vision
Mission Statement
Company Vision
Goals and Objectives
Description of Services
Organization and Management
Marketing and Sales Strategy
Financial Management
MODULE 3
CONTRACTS AND FEE STRUCTURE
Things to consider when creating a contract
Types of Contracts
Letters of Agreement
Research Contracts
MODULE 4
MARKETING
What should you market?
Marketing Avenues
Online
Offline
Trade Shows & Conferences
Collaboration
Writing a Marketing Plan
Marketing Strategies to Keep in Mind
MODULE 5
TIME MANAGEMENT
Identifying Time Wasters
Personal vs. Professional Time Management
Tips for Time Management
MODULE 6
TOOLS FOR PRODUCTIVITY
Being Productive in Daily Life
Old School Tools for Productivity
New School Tools for Productivity
Tools to Organize Client Information
Things to Consider
APPENDIX
Optional
Supplies:
- Print Course Material - Business Skills: Business Administration
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Once you have set up your small business, it is not enough to simply sit back, wait for clients to come to you, and provide your services. In order to keep the business viable and successful, you must focus ongoing attention on its overall operation and growth.
This course will identify the various elements involved in keeping a business strong, and will educate you on how to accomplish these. Examples will be drawn from the businesses of providing genealogy and personal history services. Assignments and exercises will offer practical application of the material and opportunities to explore different methods and tools available to the small business owner.
It is recommended that the student complete the course, Business Skills: Creating a Genealogy Business first or have at least written a business plan and started a business before embarking on this course.
Course Length: 7 weeksMODULE 1
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Introduction
Review of Business Plan
Strategic Planning Process
Review of Mission and Vision Statements
Ethics
Key Advisors/Advisory Board
Products/Services
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
Growing Your Business
Home Office Considerations
Plans for Exiting Your Business
Legal Considerations
SWOT Analysis
Additional Resources
GLOSSARY/DEFINITION OF TERMS
MODULE 2
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Financial Management
Project Management/Timekeeping
MODULE 3
MARKETING AND SALES
Sales Management
Prospect Management
Evaluating the Sales Process
Proposals
Marketing Management
MODULE 4
CLIENT MANAGEMENT
Client Contact/Correspondence/Email
Contracts/Service Agreements/Letters of Understanding
Relationship
Feedback & Evaluations from Clients/Testimonials
Referral
Suggesting Additional Services
MODULE 5
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Professional Image
Professional Connections/Associations
Collaborations with Other Professionals
Subcontracting with Service Providers
Education and Training
Time Management
Space Management
Human Resources
Vendor Management
Equipment and Software
Additional Resources
MODULE 6
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Reasons for Policies and Procedures
Writing/Reviewing/Revising
Special Considerations of Client Resolution Policy for Complaints
Establishing a Reporting Procedure
Conclusion
Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. The book is available at GenealogyStore.com
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
Optional Print Course Materials:Business Skills: Career Development: Choosing a Niche - Part 1
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Creating a genealogical business requires many steps. First, there is self-analysis to determine who you are, what you want, how to achieve balance in work and personal life, and what kind of business you wish to start. Next comes the business planning, market analysis, marketing planning and overall business structure to establish. Finally, considerations of things you need for the business from supplies, income, marketing opportunities, and a productivity tool chest will help round out your plans and get you off on the right footing. In Creating a Business, you will learn the skills you need to accomplish all these things and spend a lot of time thinking about the ins and outs of business.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Board for Certification of Genealogists Code of Ethics
Introduction to Choosing a Niche
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Add Income Streams?
What Do You Want and Why Do You Want It?
How to Get From Here to There
Enrich Your Current Focus
Accreditation and Certification Options
MODULE 2
WRITING AND PUBLISHING
Introduction
Self-Analysis: Do You Have the Characteristics of a Writer?
Education
Self-Study
Collaborative Study or Writing Groups
Professional Writing Organizations
Writing Options
Writing for Pay vs. Non-Pay - Pros and Cons
Publishing Options
Writing and Publishing Business Components
MODULE 3
FORENSIC GENEALOGIST
Self-Analysis: Are You Ready to Become a Forensic Genealogist
What Is Forensic Genealogy?
Education
Credentials
Going to Court
Standards of Practice
Professional Organizations
Mentors
Setting Your Fees and Writing Contracts
Marketing
MODULE 4
FAMILY ARCHIVIST
Introduction to Family Archivist
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Become a Family Archivist?
Who Uses Archives?
Archives as an Additional Income Stream
Education
Standards of Practice
Professional Organizations
Getting Down To Business
MODULE 5
CONFERENCE ORGANIZER OR SPECIAL EVENT PLANNER
Introduction to Event Planning
Self-Analysis: Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Conference Organizer or Special Events Planner?
Who Needs this Service?
Tips for Getting Started
The Process of Planning an Event
Professional Organizations
Education
Getting Down to Business
Planning a One Day Conference - Example
MODULE 6
HOUSE HISTORIAN
Introduction to House Histories
Who Needs This Service?
House History Research Process
Writing the History of a Home
Historic Registration Programs
Preserving the Home for the Future
Education
Setting Your Fees
House Historian Business Plan and Marketing Plan
Conclusion
Additional Resources
Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. The book is available at GenealogyStore.com
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
Optional Print Course Material: Business Skills: Career Development: Choosing a Niche - Part 2
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Finding your niches in the business of genealogy is something discovered over time. As new opportunities in the business present themselves, you will be faced with choices about which direction to take. Learn about additional niche opportunities in this course including Historian, Organizer, Social Media Marketer, Coach, and explore additional niches on your own based on what you have learned throughout the course. Use this knowledge to continue to grow your genealogy business.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Board for Certification of Genealogists Code of Ethics and Conduct
Introduction to Choosing a Niche
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Add Income Streams?
HISTORIAN CAREER
What Is A Historian?
Who Needs This Service?
Historian As A Teacher
Historian As A Personal Historian
Historian As A Writer
Create Your Own Job
Professional Organizations
Marketing
MODULE 2
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER
Self-Analysis: Do you have what it takes to be a Professional Organizer?
Introduction
What is a Professional Organizer?
Who needs this service?
Services
Professional Organizations & Education
Marketing
MODULE 3
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
Introduction
Self-Analysis: How Social Media Savvy Are You?
Show What You Know
Who Needs This Service?
Social Media Platforms
Create The Paperwork
Additional Resources
MODULE 4
COACHING
Introduction
Self-Analysis: Do You Have the Skills to be a Coach?
Skill Development
Who needs this service?
Coaching Online Versus In-Person
Education
Professional Organizations
MODULE 5
ADDITIONAL INCOME OPTIONS
Introduction
Option 1: Book Dealer
Option 2: Lecturer
Option 3: Photograph Expert and Photographer
Additional Resources
MODULE 6
ASSESSING ALL THE OPTIONS
Introduction
Step 1: Examine All Your Goals
Step 2: Break Down the Goals
Step 3: Break Down Further
Creating New Opportunities for Income
Optional Print Course Material: Business Skills: Marketing Your Services and Products
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Marketing is the way to get the word out about your business, so that potential clients or customers will find you. As with most professionals, you may prefer to spend your time and energy doing what you do best—whether that is writing books of families’ histories, making video-biographies, or capturing oral histories for a business history—but in order to find clients, you must give adequate attention to marketing. In this course, we will present the basic methods and topics in marketing, geared toward a small business owner like a personal historian or professional genealogist.
It is recommended that you have taken the course, Business Skills: Creating a Business, or at least have written a business plan and started a business.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Suggested Prerequisite/Companion Courses
Short Explanation of Course Value
Course Overview
Marketing Glossary
APPROACHES TO MARKETING
Websites
What is Marketing?
Various Approaches
Let’s Talk About Selling
Let’s Talk About Competition
Additional Resources
MODULE 2
COURSE NOTES & ASSIGNMENTS
TARGET PRACTICE
What Is a Target Market?
Identify Your Targets
How to Get in Front of Ideal Clients
Your Community
MODULE 3
MANAGING YOUR CLIENTS
Your “Targets” Are People
Putting Your Clients First
Create a Database
Ask for Referrals
MODULE 4
BASIC TRAINING: PREPARING FOR MARKETING
Image & Branding
Basic Materials
MODULE 5
MANY WAYS TO MARKET
Marketing Methods
Advertising
MODULE 6
MIXING IT UP
Marketing Mix: The 4 P’s
Planning
Budgeting
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Optional Print Course Material:Business Skills: Establishing and Promoting Your Website
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
A website is an important part of your overall business. But planning, creating and maintaining a website can seem overwhelming. What information should your website include? What should not be part of your website?
In this course we will start at the basics and discuss why
you need a website, provide ideas for your website, and go
through the steps of getting started. Using WordPress and Blogger
for your website and blog will be discussed.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Websites
Why You Need a Website
Getting Started
Suggested Reading & Resources
MODULE 2
CHOOSING & REGISTERING YOUR DOMAIN NAME
Websites
First Things First
.COM vs. All the Others
Domain Name Registrars
Hosting Services
What is Whois
SEO 101
Suggested Reading & Resources
MODULE 3
WHICH ONE DO I CHOOSE?
Websites
Introduction
WordPress.org
Wordpress.com
Blogger
Weebly
Suggested Reading & Resources
MODULE 4
PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY WEBSITE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Websites
Email Marketing Platforms
Essential Elements
Suggested Reading & Resources
MODULE 5
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER
Websites
Introduction
Defining Your Audience & Actions You Want Them to Take
So You Have Defined Your Audience. Now, What Do You Want Them to Do?
Suggested Reading & Resources
MODULE 6
MARKETING
Websites
Word of Mouth
Content Marketing
Blogging - Why Your Website Should Have a Blog
Email Marketing/Newsletters
Social Media
To Advertise or Not to Advertise
Listings with Professional Organizations
Tips
Suggested Reading & Resources
GLOSSARY