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Archiver > APG > 2006-03 > 1141407757


From: "Michael Neill" <>
Subject: online concerns
Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 11:42:37 -0600


from an earlier post the following was noted:

"As Robert Young Clay, retired director of the Library of Virginia, once told
a family gathering in 2004 in Richmond, "The worst thing that has ever
happened to genealogy is the internet."

I find this highly ironic considering the wealth of material that LVA
has posted online (patents, Bible records, religious petitions to name
just a few). Digitization of these materials provides wonderful access
to those of us who are not within shouting distance of LVA.

Three mid-nineteenth century books on Missouri law and probate sit in
my office received via interlibrary loan because (via the Internet) I
was able to spend the time necessary to perform Worldcat searches to
locate specific materials relevant to a genealogical problem. My
librarian is very helpful, but he cannot spend hours on my needs
alone. And fortunately I have Worldcat access anywhere I can get
online.

Problems of accuracy in genealogy center on individuals with poorly
developed critical thinking, analytical, and reading skills who make
no attempt to improve those skills (knowing you are ignorant and
trying to remedy it is preferable to ignoring your ignorance). These
problems have been around long before the internet.

Kudos to those who have realized that their skills need to improve and
have made serious efforts to enhance those skills (we all have our own
areas of weakness). And kudos to those who mentor, guide, and assist
those who want to learn.

Michael


---------------
Michael John Neill
http://www.rootdig.com

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