When making copies or digital images from a print book, make certain that you copy more than just the page that has your ancestor’s name on it. You also should copy:
- Prefatory material as it may discuss issues with the records used to compile the book, things the author left out, portions of records that were not extant, issues with the records, etc.
- The table of contents–helps to put the page you copied in perspective.
- Any table of abbreviations.
- Title page
- For histories and some narratives, pages before and after the ancestor’s name will provide context to their reference. There may be details about your ancestor’s mention in the book before or after their name. References after their name are more likely to refer to the ancestor by pronouns as well.
- Any notes you made while leafing through the book.
You’ll be glad you did later.
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