Cross-Training with Historians, Archivists, and Librarians: Broadening the Genealogist’s Skillset

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Genealogy does not exist in a vacuum. At its core, it is a historical discipline that intersects with archives, libraries, and broader historical scholarship. Yet professional genealogists sometimes focus so narrowly on family reconstruction that they overlook the value of cross-training in adjacent fields. Learning from historians, archivists, and librarians not only expands technical skill but also strengthens analysis, writing, and professional credibility.

Why Cross-Training Matters

Genealogists often borrow methods from history—contextualizing evidence, analyzing social patterns, or interpreting legal documents. They rely heavily on archivists’ work in preserving, cataloging, and describing collections. And they navigate library systems daily to access published materials, whether local histories, scholarly articles, or specialized bibliographies.

By deliberately learning from these neighboring disciplines, genealogists can improve how they locate, interpret, and present evidence. Cross-training also exposes them to professional standards outside genealogy, broadening their perspective and raising the credibility of their work in interdisciplinary settings.

Lessons from Historians

Historians offer genealogists models of contextual analysis. Where genealogists often ask, “Who were this person’s parents?,” historians ask, “What larger forces shaped this person’s world?” Both questions are essential.

Studying historiography—the history of historical writing—helps genealogists situate their work within broader scholarly conversations. For instance, African American genealogy can be enriched by understanding the scholarship on slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction. Migration research benefits from familiarity with historical debates on push and pull factors.

Attending history conferences, reading academic journals, or even auditing a college-level history course can sharpen a genealogist’s ability to interpret records not just as isolated facts but as part of larger social, economic, and political systems.

Lessons from Archivists

Archivists manage the collections genealogists rely on every day. By understanding archival theory and practice, genealogists can better navigate repositories and appreciate how records are described and preserved.

For example, archivists apply the principle of provenance—the idea that records should be kept according to their creator, not by subject. Recognizing this principle helps genealogists track records in unfamiliar repositories. Likewise, archivists think in terms of “series” and “record groups,” concepts that explain why certain records are arranged the way they are.

Cross-training with archivists also highlights the challenges of digitization and access. Not all records can be digitized, and many are subject to privacy laws. By learning archival perspectives, genealogists can set realistic expectations for clients and develop creative strategies for locating materials.

Professional genealogists can benefit from taking part in archival training opportunities such as the Society of American Archivists’ workshops or local state-archivist conferences. These experiences build relationships and strengthen practical research skills.

Lessons from Librarians

Librarians are experts in information retrieval. Their mastery of cataloging systems, controlled vocabularies, and subject headings can transform how genealogists search for published materials. Too often, researchers rely on keyword searches in online catalogs, missing valuable items because they don’t understand Library of Congress Subject Headings or classification schemes.

By cross-training with librarians, genealogists learn to:

  • Navigate specialized catalogs and databases.
  • Use interlibrary loan effectively.
  • Build bibliographies systematically.
  • Evaluate information literacy and source credibility.

Many libraries also offer professional development workshops in digital humanities tools, metadata, and citation management. These skills directly benefit genealogists writing client reports or scholarly articles.

Practical Ways to Cross-Train

  • Attend conferences outside genealogy. State historical association meetings, archival institutes, or library workshops often welcome non-members.
  • Read interdisciplinary journals. Titles like The American Archivist, American Historical Review, or College & Research Libraries offer insight into professional debates.
  • Take online courses. Platforms such as Coursera and edX provide free or inexpensive courses in history, archival studies, and library science.
  • Volunteer or intern. Serving in a local archive or historical society offers hands-on exposure to how collections are processed and preserved.

Professional Benefits

Cross-training has multiple payoffs for genealogists:

  • Stronger analysis: Incorporating historical frameworks leads to more persuasive proof arguments.
  • Improved research efficiency: Understanding cataloging and archival organization saves time and uncovers hidden sources.
  • Enhanced credibility: Demonstrating awareness of interdisciplinary standards strengthens reports, especially in legal or academic contexts.
  • Networking: Building relationships with historians, archivists, and librarians creates collaborative opportunities and referral networks.

Conclusion

Cross-training with historians, archivists, and librarians enriches genealogical practice by broadening skills and perspectives. It helps genealogists see individuals within larger narratives, navigate repositories with confidence, and retrieve published sources more effectively. For professionals who want to elevate their craft, stepping outside the genealogy echo chamber and engaging with neighboring fields is one of the most valuable investments they can make.

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