This is a question of internal examination of myself and covers: Researcher, Author, Educator, Curator, Archivist, Librarian, Analyst, Marketer, and Retailer.
Researcher: The most traditional of genealogy careers. Defined as a
researcher is someone who conducts research, i.e., an organized and systematic
investigation into something.
Does this fit me?
It does. I research history of places, events which happened and many
of the other information that might help to find out and understand my
ancestors. Further, some of the online groups, friends, and relatives have all
been helped by my knowledge in various areas when discussion has happened.
Author: Someone who writes
about various aspects of genealogy and family history, from magazine articles
to books. Defined as a writer of a book, article, or document.
Does this fit me?
It does. I write articles for blogs, but this one is on family.
Further, I have 2 Facebook groups which discuss ancestors which I write tiny snippets
for. Finally, I’m in the process of writing up my grandmother’s story to hand
out one day.
Educator: With almost any
industry or field, people who are new will want to learn how to perform certain
tasks. Defined as a person who provides instruction or education; a teacher.
Does this fit me?
It does. Not only do I inform relatives about things happened within
timeframes and such, but I also have taught classes and lectured on genealogy
for the community.
Curator: Last year I spoke
of the power of the “curator” and the concept of a curator seems to have gained
traction. Defined as a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.
Does this fit me?
Not really. I am a collector of information on my ancestors, but I
would not term this as a true collection.
Archivist: Many repositories
have staff with a genealogy background who work to preserve artifacts,
documents and the like so that researchers can better understand them and have
access to them. Defined as a person who maintains and is in charge of archives.
Does this fit me?
It does. I have photos, documents, interviews and other information I
maintain and add to. I also give people permissions to view them.
Librarian: There are quite a
few genealogists with their library science degrees and backgrounds who work
for genealogical libraries as well as other types of libraries. Defined as a
person in charge of or assisting in a library.
Does this fit me?
It does and doesn’t. When I was growing up, I used to volunteer at
Libraries to work, assist and help with various jobs. However, since then, I
only visit every now and then as a customer and not as a worker. Overall, I
wouldn’t classify me as a Librarian.
Analyst: Defined as a person who analyzes or who is
skilled in analysis or a person who studies or analyzes something.
Does this fit me?
It does. Sometimes by looking at and determining pictures, facts based
upon paperwork, researching events, diseases and various other subject matter
you can give an overall picture of what history was like by putting
socioeconomic and society backgrounds to my ancestors, which puts “some life
into them” and it makes them feel like a real person.
Marketer: Another growth
area in the genealogy industry especially when it comes to social media. Defined
as a person whose duties include the identification of the goods
and services desired by a set of consumers.
Does this fit me?
This doesn’t fit me. Why? I can’t sell anything to save a life. I know
where people can go to get information and can provide them with it, but don’t
promote it to any level. I’m more than willing to help people find information
rather than promote anything. In fact, when I was in high school I had to sell
cookies at lunchtime to get money to go away to a conference. I really
struggled to sell anything because I can’t sell things very well. I did get to
go to the conference, but that was with help of many of my friends.
Retailer: Just look at any
genealogy conference or expo and you’ll see booksellers, craftspeople selling
their handmade goods related to family history, and more. Defined as a term describing businesses that sell goods directly to individuals.
Does this fit me?
It does not fit me. Why? See marketer comment which applies here.
Again, happy to help and point people in the direction of paperwork, but sell
something? Nope, they will probably run the other way if nothing else.
These question make me as - What
type of genealogist are you?
