Always know what you are searching whether you are searching an online database or a printed book. The “Restored” marriage records shown in the image are from a variety of local sources. They are referred to as “Restored” because the original records from the county were destroyed in a fire. Always read the preface or any introductory material in order to determine exactly what you are searching or using. That’s the only way you will know whether that next book on the shelf is something you need to use or not.
If you are fortunate enough to help someone new to family history research, try not to overwhelm them with suggestions, every source you can think of, or citation advice. Sometimes too much new material, new information, and new family members can add to the confusion “new” people sometimes feel. If anything, try and encourage them to work initially on a family that doesn’t seem too difficult to research. There’s time later for them to become totally confused and frustrated with brick walls. Give a suggestion or two of what to try next and suggest that they ask you again when they’ve tried those suggestions. And go from there. Ideally you want to keep the person’s interest and let it grow slowly.
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