Читать книгу Collins Tracing Your Family History - Ryan Tubridy, Anthony Adolph - Страница 58

An increasing number of people and small firms are advertising their services as researchers in genealogical magazines such as Family History Monthly, in the Genealogical Services Directory and similar publications, and in the lists of independent searchers maintained by many record offices. They come in two categories – professional genealogists like me who plan, implement, direct and report on projects investigating family trees; or record agents, who are hired to undertake very specific pieces of research at their client’s instructions. It is best to hire those who are qualified under educational systems such as the IHGS or who have a proven track record of experience and professionalism. Many belong to organisations such as the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA), but be aware that membership often means just that and does not imply very stringent tests of ability.

There are very few dishonest researchers in the field, but a great many incompetent ones. If someone’s initial response to your enquiry is in any manner unprofessional (badly typed or not typed at all), throw it away. Very few professionals worth their salt are without email. Whoever you hire, make sure that they understand exactly what you want to know before you part with your money.

Be equally understanding, though, that professionals must charge for their time and effort regardless of whether they find exactly what they and you were hoping for. Negative results must be paid for too and it is not always entirely negative to know where an ancestor was not.