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Genealogy Library: Eastman Reviews

The following article is from Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright 2001 by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author.

Professional Genalogist
By Richard Eastman

Newsletter dated: May 2, 2001

Genealogical Publishing Company has just released a new book, called Professional Genealogy. This book contains articles written by twenty-four different professional genealogists and is edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills, one of the leading professional genealogists of our time.

While Professional Genealogy, was written by professionals, its intended audience is not limited to those who make their living by researching family trees. To be sure, every professional genealogist will want a copy of this book. However, Professional Genealogy was written for all family historians, newcomers, and old-timers alike. It will also appeal to attorneys and medical scientists, especially those who hire professional genealogists. Librarians should also find this to be an excellent reference.

The following is the book’s Table of Contents:

    Professional Preparation

  1. Defining Professionalism, by Donn Devine, J.D., CG, CGI
  2. Educational Preparation, by Claire Mire Bettag, CGRS
  3. Certification and Accreditation, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG; Paul F. Smart, AG; Jimmy B. Parker, AG; and Claire Mire Bettag, CGRS
  4. The Essential Library, by Joy Reisinger, CG

    Ethics and Legalities

  5. Ethical Standards, by Neil D. Thompson, LL.B., Ph.D., CG, FASG
  6. Executing Contracts, by Patricia Gilliam Hastings, J.D.
  7. Copyright and Fair Use, by Val D. Greenwood, J.D., AG

    Career Management

  8. Alternative Careers, by Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CGRS
  9. Structuring A Business, by Melinda Shackleford Kashuba, Ph.D.
  10. Setting Realistic Fees, by Sandra Hargreaves Luebking
  11. Marketing Strategies, by Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CGRS
  12. Business Record Keeping, by Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG
  13. Time Management, by Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG

    Professional Research Skills

  14. Problem Analyses and Research Plans, by Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG
  15. Research Procedures, by Linda Woodward Geiger, CGRS, CGL
  16. Transcripts and Abstracts, by Mary McCampbell Bell, CLS, CGL
  17. Evidence Analysis, by Donn Devine, J.D., CG, CGI

    Writing and Compiling

  18. Research Reports, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG
  19. Genealogy Columns, by Regina Hines Ellison, CGRS
  20. Proof Arguments and Case Studies, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG
  21. Book and Media Reviews, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG
  22. Record Compilations, by Bettie Cummings Cook, CG
  23. Family Histories, by Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG
  24. Lineage Papers, by Mary McCampbell Bell, CLS, CGL and Elisabeth Whitman Schmidt, CLS

    Editing and Publishing

  25. Editing Periodicals, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG
  26. Proofreading and Indexing, by Birdie Monk Holsclaw
  27. Preparing Books for Press, by Joan Ferris Curran, CG

    Educational Services

  28. Classroom Teaching, by Sandra Hargreaves Luebking
  29. Lecturing, by Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG

This 654-page reference book includes an appendix for "Abbreviations and Acronyms" as well as a section covering "Codes, Guidelines, and Standards: United States and International." The book also has an extensive index.

As you can see from the above list of chapters and the credentials of the various authors, this is a book written by experts. The topics will be of interest to genealogy experts as well as those who wish to become experts. The material here is top-quality. The writing style varies a bit from chapter to chapter, but always presents facts in a clear and concise manner. Professional Genealogy also contains extensive endnotes and bibliographies.

I thoroughly enjoyed Professional Genealogy, and I learned quite a bit from the book. My congratulations to Editor Elizabeth Shown Mills and the many authors for a job well done. If you have an interest in becoming a professional genealogist, or if you want to be a better amateur genealogist, you need this book!

Professional Genealogy is a thick hardcover book that sells for $44.95 (U.S. funds) plus taxes and shipping. You can order it through any bookstore if you specify ISBN 0806316489. You also may order it directly on the publisher’s secure Web site. For more information about Professional Genealogy, or to order it online, go to: http://www.genealogical.com/item_detail.cfm?ID=3844