Tracing family history online – to pay or not to pay?
There is nothing like sitting down in your pajamas in the house and discovering a new genealogy websites or database to explore for family connections.
Those online materials are available any time you have a few moments to fit in a little genealogical research. But unless you’re able to find what you need on free sites or those sponsored by genealogical groups or maintained by dedicated individuals, you’ll likely have to either: a) subscribe to a group of databases, or b) obtain a membership for special access to more sophisticated information. After all, someone has to bear the cost of putting all that information online.
So it’s confession time. How many databases do you pay for? I’ll bet that you subscribe to at least two; a web-based service like Ancestry.com and one sponsored by a non-profit group like the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS). Back in the old days of the Internet, when databases weren’t so plentiful, there wasn’t much overlap between memberships. Now, however, that’s a different story. Here are tips to help you find what you need without going broke.
FREE VS. FEE
Think about the information you’re looking for, then try to find a free source for that information. Before you spend a penny, explore free and fee-based online services.
VISIT THE LIBRARY
Another good source of no-cost or low-cost access is a library. Most public and private libraries subscribe to online resources that can be used by members onsite or from home. If you need to access a specific database sponsored by a bricks-and-mortar organization, ask about non-member usage. For instance, anyone can pay the day fee at the NEHGS and use all the online resources
on www.newenglandancestors.org while they are in the library. Need access to an academic resource? Try your local college library. They subscribe to special scholarly online sites for their students that aren’t available through individual membership. Ask the reference staff about their policies regarding visitor access.
COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE
Explore the databases offered by different organizations before you sign up. Some duplication may be unavoidable, but try not to subscribe to two services that offer the same material, unless you really require the unique resources that are also available.
LIMITED MEMBERSHIPS
Afew sites offer short term memberships or pay-per-view. For instance, you can sign up for a month with the Origins Network, www.originsnetwork.com.
BUY WHAT YOU NEED
Rather than subscribing to several networks all at once, use one for awhile, then add other memberships as your research warrants. Some sites will allow you to tailor your subscription. Since
