Now is an excellent time to catch up on some of your family
history research while the library is closed. Romeo District Library and SLC
members can access the Library Edition of Ancestry from home.
Go to the Library Catalog and log in with your library card
number and pin: https://sbrb.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/rog/?
Once you are logged in, you will see the link for
Ancestry-Remote Access on the right side of the page. Click it, and you will automatically
be directed to Ancestry.com. That’s it—easy peasy!
It may also be an excellent time to consider
genealogy/family history software to keep all your found information organized
and easy to access. Many offer a free trial period so you can use it and decide
if it works for you. While the Archives doesn’t recommend any particular
software, there are some points you may want to consider.
Do you want web-based or downloaded software to your
computer? Web-based would offer easy access from any internet-connected device.
Alternately, some downloaded software packages also have an option where you
can load the program on a flash drive so you can carry it with you, and you
wouldn’t need internet access (only a computer) to add information. You will
need to consider what will work best for your individual needs.
What will you do with the software? Check if the program you
are considering will allow you to create family trees, add photos, and attach
other documents as well. Is it compatible with other sites such as Ancestry?
How easy is it to add and find information? Is it to navigate, search, and
retrieve your research? Program options can range from very user friendly to a
steep learning curve. How much time do you want to invest in learning the
program?
If a free trial period is too short for you, there may be
another option. Some companies may also offer a bare bone free software package
that you can use for as long as you like. If it works for you, but you find
yourself wanting more, you can upgrade to a higher-level software that is more
robust.
Other considerations:
Price
Do they offer free updates, or do you have to pay for each
update?
How long has the company been in business, and are they
reliable? You don’t want to end up having to purchase new software and
migrating your info to another program.
Check out well-known genealogy organizations (look for the
.org in the URL) and reputable computer sites for reviews and options.
Take your time and enjoy the process—you’ll likely be
spending a lot of time with your new software!
Do you have any comments or suggestions? We’d love to hear
them; you can reply below.
