RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Debbie in B.C. on Friday 29 December 06 19:32 GMT (UK)
-
I spent some time with my local LDS Family History Centre's library administrator the other week.
She gave me a show and tell lesson on the new software that is being used for the digitising project. It's very easy to use!
The transcription pages come in batches of 50 names, so they are easy to get through -- and you have a week to complete each batch.
The LDS is now accepting outside volunteers for the project - you can sign up at:
www.familysearchindexing.org
There are tutorials available on line for the software as well.
Some Genealogy societies have already jumped on board - Indiana, New England and Ohio -
When a society joins forces to help, they get to transcribe records with local interest.
So members here may want to bring this project to the attention of their own area Family History Societies?
I am not affiliated with the LDS Church, IMHO I think that this is a worthwile project to volunteer for. After all the LDS has done for the genealogy community over the years, this is a very nice way to give something back. :)
Current projects being transcribed are here -
http://www.familysearchindexing.org/fsi-admin/navctrl.jsf?pname=currentProjects
upcoming projects are here -
http://www.familysearchindexing.org/fsi-admin/navctrl.jsf?pname=upcomingProjects
Happy New Year everyone! And happy transcribing!
-
This is a really great project! They plan to digitalized and index all the microfilms. It is really easy to index--if you don't get your batch of 50 names done in the time limit (1 week) it goes to someone else to complete. Two people transcribe the same sheet and if there is a discrepancy another person will take a look.
Ultimately these records will be available for free. Here is a preview of the Familysearch Record Search site http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html?datestamp=1182688113734
Laverdiere
-
Please forgive this message if it is redundant--but I thought I would pass on the information for those who haven't heard.
The LDS church is in need of volunteers to transcribe (index) their microfilmed records--starting with the census. The plan is to index all the microfilmed records in their collection. Anyone can volunteer and the records will be put online for free.
Sites:
http://www.familysearchindexing.org
http://search.labs.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html?datestamp=1198421116187
This is a very user-friendly stress-free way to help. Individuals download batches of about 50 names which take approx. 30 minutes to index. It is then sent back to the server where someone else downloads the same batch to ensure accuracy. If there is a conflict between the two batches an arbitrator is called in.
What is you--like me--enthusiastically download a batch and don't get around to it? That's fine, since (usually) people have 7 days to complete a batch before it gets taken back and sent to someone else. At first I blanched at data-entry, but it's actually fun and addictive!
At the moment the 1871 Canadian census is in urgent need of completion. And I, personally, would like it completed as I have ancestors on that census. :)
Laverdiere
Moderator Comment: topics merged
-
Brilliant - Irish BMDs .....
Ta for the heads up :)
-
Good idea, I'll get on to it.
Dave
-
Hi all,
I had no idea where to post this, so here goes.
I saw a post last week (can't remember which section (*)) which really grabbed my attention.
The LDS Familysearch site are looking for volunteers to index the millions of records in their repository, so that we can all have access to them from home.
https://www.familysearchindexing.org
I volunteered because I can spare a little time to help...on a more selfish basis, as soon as I saw that the Irish BMDs were in the first group of records for indexing, I registeredlike a shot.
Each page (counting as a batch) has 375 names on it....I got 1888 marriages in the Ws to the end of the alphabet....none of mine in there.
My main reason for posting is to spur those Rootschatters with a little time to spare get transcribing....especially those, who like me, always bemoan the difficulty of getting information without taking out a second mortgage or travelling a lot (if one can).
Although the full indexes won't be published until complete, I had a thought that if those of us doing the transcriptions kept others inform of the years they were working on, we could help each other out.
Joe
(*) Moderator Comment: topics merged
-
I got Quebec, Canada, 1871.
Not sure of the district.
-
Hi
I have some spare time and I can type, but before I volunteer and embarrass myself as I'm not technically minded, could someone please explain how it's done in simple language.
thanks
Bee
-
Hi Bee
Like anything we try for the first time there are always a few reservations as to whether or not we can do it. To help you out http://www.familysearchindexing.org/en/index.jsp this site is where you can have a look at the tutorial , click on volunteers and then help button at the top. This will be easier for you to follow rather than I try to explain.
Having completed a few batches I have found that indexing is relatively easy, my problem is deciphering some of the handwriting......I'm sure I'm get better at it. But as mentioned earlier in this thread once you have completed a batch it is sent back to the server, someone else downloads the same batch and checks for accuracy and if there is any discrepancy an arbirtrator will recheck the batch and make the final call.
The software that you download is very user friendly........give it a go :)
Regards
lil growler
-
The software that you download is very user friendly........give it a go :)
Hi lil growler
It's things like downloading software that scare me, but I'll read the tutorial and give it a go, though I might have to enlist my daughter's help to get started,
Bee
:)
-
Hi Paul, you don't need to transcribe the disctrict.
I had a look at the Drouin collection at www.ancestry.ca but could not locate that place. Perhaps it's part of a larger city. Laverdiere
-
Paul,
Could it be Levis?
Regards,
Josephine
I got Quebec, Canada, 1871.
Not sure of the district.
-
Thanks all. I didnt realise you could pick any area you liked.
Paul
-
I signed up to help out also. The software is really easy to use and doesn't take too much time.
I completed my first transcription and had only 40 names to transcribe. Of course, the most difficult part was reading the writing. I started with Quebec census and not being familiar with french surnames I googled names that were difficult to read = some hits, some misses.
Hopefully we'll all work together and get this project completed fast.
Happy New Year to all - wishing everyone a safe and propserous 2008
Brenda
-
Does the transcribing include UK yet as names and districts would be recognisable?????
Allan
-
Hi again
Bee the software is very simple to down load, you'll have no problems at all, and you'll be ready straight away for your first batch if you like ;D
Like you Brendam I google for the names and places and as you say, some hits and some misses. But I do enjoy the challenge :)
Highland, my batches have all been for Canada migration so far, so I'm not sure when UK batches are being translated, maybe others who are indexing may already be working on UK names and districts.
Regards
lil growler
-
Hi Paul
I think Joesphine is correct with Levis... http://www.planetware.com/canada/levis-cdn-qu-qulv.htm
this is the best descrpition I could find.
Regards
Lil growler
-
There's a list of Quebec counties here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Quebec_counties
Levis looks right
-
You can choose which project to index by clicking the "Download From" button on the Familysearch indexing page.
To see a list of current/upcoming/completed projects click on the "Projects" tab on www.familysearchindexing.com
They do have some English content avaliable to browse on the Record Search page. www.labs.familysearch.org click Record Search.
Laverdiere
-
Hi Laverdiere
Thanks for the heads up on choose which projects to index, however I cannot find the "Download From" button. I have Volunteer, Install Now and Start Indexing and can't seem to find it anywhere else on the page. Am I on the right page? I've looked at the Projects as well. Can you please advise :)
Thanx
lil growler
-
Hi lil growler
If you open the software you will be using there are two buttons at the top, one is 'download from'.
have fun
Brenda
-
I looked at the webpage for indexing, but it said you should have broadband - I still only have dialup. And I have a Mac. Does anyone know whether I could do the indexing with a Mac and dialup?
MarieC
-
Hi Marie
I am on dial-up, takes longer to download a batch but can still be used, not sure about the Mac though.
regards
lil growler
-
Thanks, lil growler! I would like to give it a go, but know that LDS software often isn't compatible with Macs.
MarieC
-
Hi Marie
Have a look at this http://www.familysearchindexing.org/fsi-admin/navctrl.jsf?pname=computerRequirements
Hope it helps :)
lil growler
-
Thanks lg! :)
I'm wondering if anyone has actually done the indexing with a Mac? Think I saw that before and while I think my computer qualifies, I would like to hear someone's experience. (Not being a techie in any way, shape or form! ::) ::) )
MarieC
-
Can anyone that is transcribing tell me what is the average rate ie pages of 50 names that is being transcribed per day ????? ;) ;) ;)
Allan
-
I've done a few myself, mainly in Minnesota (I think). Its a bit repetitive, but very rewarding when you know it's going to help people with their family history.
Stephen :)
-
Can anyone that is transcribing tell me what is the average rate ie pages of 50 names that is being transcribed per day ????? ;) ;) ;)
Allan
Hi Allan,
haven't got a clue , but I can tell you how long I'm taking, I have 375 entries per page ( Irish deaths)- I'm up to 60 which has taken me about an hour to do, but that's me being slow, double checking that I've entered the correct volume and page number in etc .
You've a week to submit the form in, so you can do a little bit each day if you haven't much spare time.
Quote from your earlier post: " Does the transcribing include UK yet as names and districts would be recognisable" Most of the later Irish BMDs are typed very clearly so you shouldn't have any trouble deciphering place names that are unfamiliar to you, (unless you get one of the earlier ones which are handwritten of course )It's pretty easy to do if you want to give it a go
The Irish births may have been already completed (?) as there was no option to download them when I downloaded some deaths yesterday. There were only marriages and deaths, which suits me as I much prefer the deaths.
Kind Regards :)
-
I too have given it a go and found it quite straightforward.
I was hoping to do the Irish records (selfishly hoping that some of mine may appear!) but having tried for about a week and each time seeing a message that "...there is no work available on these at present" or similar wording, I decided to have a crack at the 1850 Census of Ohio - just for the practice.
It was as I've said quite easy - the names were all British, and my batch took about an hour or so. So I'll do some more until the ones I want happen along...
Leofric
-
I registered, but cant't see ANY UK projects yet