How to Cite Information from this Web Site

Because the words on my web site are my own, and I have diligently cited my sources of information, I suggest the following method of acknowledgement, in keeping with the guidelines of the National Genealogical Society and A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, by Mary Lynn Rampolla (published by Bedford/St. Martin's, 1998.)

Glenda Alexander, "The History of Eight North Carolina Families," (copyright 2001) http://home.earthlink.net/~glendaalex/index.htm, (Here you put the date you accessed the web site.)

You may want to cite the particular article you acessed, and the date it was updated, for example:

Glenda Alexander, "Family Bible of Margaret Stilwell Alexander," (copyright 2001, updated February 2006) http://home.earthlink.net/~glendaalex/lindsay.htm, (Date you accessed the file.)

Excellent help on research and sharing can be found at the National Genealogical Society's website, especially the article, "Standards For Sharing Information With Others."

Why is it important to show exactly where you got your family history information? If you quote from someone else's book, article, website, etc., you imply that the words are your own, unless you state the source. This is not only bad manners, it breaks federal copyright laws, and furthermore, it is poor research. You should make it possible for readers to check your facts or to cite you as the authority who vouches for the information.

The more we share about our history, the more all of us learn where we come from, and what we owe to our ancestors. Genealogy is a group effort. Here's to more and better sharing!

From Mecklenburg to Moore: Four North Carolina Families/How to Cite Information from this Web Page
© 2001 by Glenda Alexander, updated April 2007   Standard copyright restrictions apply.

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