Rules for Good Documentation
of sources in family history research

1. Document as you go.
2. Enter sources and notes in a consistent format.
3. Enter a source description only once.
4. Use confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
5. List all sources found for each event.
6. Identify and document conflicting or missing information.
7. Avoid using abbreviations.
8. Specify additional research where needed.
9. Strive to obtain primary sources for each event.
10. Welcome input and constructive review of your documentation.
11. Identify all researchers by name for all contributions, including your own. Use your own name, not I or me.
12. Recognize that good documentation requires continuous refinement.

Documentation Guidelines overview

Source example

Tagged note example