Book digitization is having a huge affect on the world of genealogy. It makes the process of compiling one’s family history immensely more simple. Information can be accessed much faster than in the past. Another way the digitized book form is being used in genealogy is to create custom digital family books. These documents are sure to be treasured for generations to come.
Simplifying Genealogy Research
A vast number of genealogy records are now being digitized, making them readily available to people researching their family histories. One can easily access these digitized books online from a home computer or the local library, and the files may be downloaded in a matter of minutes. This greatly speeds up the process for genealogy buffs, completely transforming the nature of this pastime.
Because of book digitization, the days of digging through decades- and centuries-old paper records could soon come to an end. Genealogists no longer have to request that materials be sent to them and wait days or weeks for the information to arrive. Traveling to other states and even other countries in order to look up rare records is not necessary when they are in digitized book form.
Examples of the types of digitized books that are useful for genealogy research include city directories, reference books, published family histories, record indexes, and city, county, and state records. These are often difficult or nearly impossible to find in print. Libraries, government agencies, and other organizations are doing a great service by scanning every page of these books and publishing them online.
The websites that offer digitized books for genealogy research vary widely. Some are able to be accessed for free, while others require a paid subscription. On some sites, one can download a file of an entire book. Other places will only allow visitors to view, save, or print individual pages in HTML or PDF format. Though the content on many websites overlaps, none of them will have every document a dedicated genealogy buff is searching for. It is wise to keep checking different sources if the desired book isn’t found right away.
Creating Digitized Family Books
Another way that book digitization is having a great affect for genealogy buffs is that it allows them to digitize their own family histories. Digital family books are a growing trend due to their usefulness and opportunity for creativity. By compiling a digital book of the records and information they have found, they can easily share their family histories with relatives who may live across the country or around the globe.
Digital family books can present history in a way that is engaging to other relatives who aren’t interested enough to dig through old papers. Simple family trees and lists of dates might not intrigue the next generation. However, a digitized book complete with photos and mementos is sure to stir up fascination. These documents have become increasingly simple to create with new software. Individuals who take the time to create a digitized family book are doing a great service to their families.