More than One Opinion?

If you are stuck and in search of assistance, it might be worth it to get more than one opinion on your research problem. If you need to know where to find a specific record, one knowledgeable answer is usually all you need to get you on your way.

But if the problem is more intricate than that and you are really stuck on where to go, consider getting more than one opinion or suggestion. Decades ago when I was stuck on one of my children’s English ancestors and was at the Family History Library, I got two significantly different answers on what my next approach should be. In that situation it turned out that the second suggestion was easier to implement and gave me sufficient details to work on the problem further. Sometimes the first suggestion is on the mark and sometimes it is not. Just like it is with doctors and other professionals who give advice or recommendations.

Remember though: the more you learn about research, records, and the time period of your problem ancestor, the less often you will need help–because you’ll already have a good idea of what to do.