Re: Errors in Icelandic IGI records
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In reply to:
Errors in Icelandic IGI records
Fri Sk 8/13/03
Hi Fri?rik
You are entirely correct about the IGI in general. However the IGI is NOT a genealogy source, it is primarily (at least that was the original purpose) meant to be a resource guide. The trouble is, people look up info there and treat it as if they had actually done the genealogy. In fact they haven’t. The result is that practically all so-called genealogy on the internet has now became suspect because people do NOT do the genealogical research. For instance, with the IGI, once you find a listing, you are supposed to access the actual record. If its not an actual record, for instance, a submittal to the LDS, it is NOT a genealogical record. People do not seem to understand this.
I have the same problem with people who I exchange information with. Likely you do to. I will send them some compiled information, and they in turn treat it as primary sourced genealogical data. It is not. Too many people think genealogy is collecting names and dates. Not true. Genealogy is researching and documenting. I know I don’t have to tell you that, but perhaps some others reading this will gain some insight. I will continue to help people as asked and send information I have, but, even with the stipulations I try to remember to include (ie, it is up to the individual to collect the proper documentation) I find that too many do not follow up as required with acquiring documentation.
There is a problem with how to describe the IGI. It is actually one of the most powerful, usable, databases available anywheres. HOWEVER, without knowing how to use it (I honestly believe most people don’t know) and without the acquisition of the documents supporting the information it becomes almost as much a burden as a boon. For instance in the IGI you can find that my grandfather either lived in Lampton Township of Walsh County, or South Olga Township of Cavalier County, but you will find nothing indicating that he actually lived in Thingvalla Township of Pembina County in North Dakota!This, of course, is garbage, but once on the internet it keeps getting propogated. Anyways this was obviously submitted by an individual who cares little of genealogy.
The important thing to remember is that submitted records are generally very unreliable. Those transcribed by the LDS from the parish records (the hand written summaries available only on microfiche) in Iceland are generally very reliable. Those transcribed for the computer database (a secondary transcription) are obviously somewhat less reliable.
Fortunately (although my experience may not match others), the people in the LDS Family History Centers are extraordinarily gracious in helping people get their hands on copies of actual records. And, as far as I know, they never try to pass the IGI off as anything other than it is, a database put together to help the genealogist get to the actual records. Unfortunately, people, when first using the IGI, don’t understand the proper usage.
Submitted records (as Fri?rik says), watch out. LDS transcribed records from primary sources, absolutely invaluable, even though there do exist a few problems. Should also note that the example used was from submitted records.
Regards
Arlan
More Replies:
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Re: Errors in Icelandic IGI records?!
Steven Day 8/14/03
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Re: Errors in Icelandic IGI records?!
Arlan Steinolfson 8/14/03
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Re: Errors in Icelandic IGI records?!