Commissioning
Research
from
an APGI member
There are no strict rules for professional genealogists
to follow when it comes to the step by step process
of dealing with clients. Individual APGI members
all have their own preferred approach and their own
style of reporting. APGI is not legally entitled
to regulate process. However all APGI members should
state their hourly rate and terms on receipt
of a written request. The following are a few pointers
that may help those thinking about commissioning
research.
Choosing a genealogist.
Deciding on which genealogist or record agent to
engage based only on an advertisement in a genealogical
magazine or journal is quite a risk. You are always
best advised to approach someone who claims accreditation
from a professional body which controls membership
by assessment and regulates practice. As the majority
of genealogical records are held in repositories
in Dublin and /or Belfast, regional specialisation
is not a major factor in Irish research and most
APGI are in a position to conduct research on families
from any part of Ireland. However, some members
prefer to concentrate exclusively on certain
geographical
areas, while many have particular interest in,
and knowledge of, certain localities, record
types or
social or religious groups. It is best, therefore,
to carefully scan the APGI membership list before
approaching any individual. Because of variations
in methodology and differing hourly rates, it is
best to make initial enquiries with two or more
members.
Initial enquiry.
A brief letter or email is the best initial approach.
You should be able to summarise in a paragraph
the
relevant information on the generation you wish
to research.
This will allow the genealogist to broadly assess
the possibilities of research and to ask you
for more specific information if necessary. Attempting
to research a remote ancestor who may have been
born in Ireland sometime in the nineteenth century
is
pointless. You need specifics. If you don’t
have them, you need to get research done in your
own country before approaching someone in Ireland.
The very least you need to know is the name of
the ancestor born in Ireland, an approximate
date of
birth (or marriage if they married before emigrating),
the county of origin (unless their surname was
very unusual) and the name of one parent.
What to expect
Again, individual styles differ, but all APGI
members will provide a typescript report
detailing positive
and/or negative results. Source references
will be given in the body of the report and/or
in
an attached
list of sources consulted. Where possible
relevant photocopies are also provided, but it is
important
to remember that photocopying microfilm copies
of most church registers is not permitted.
