Don't identify as a genealogist?

Question

I ran across a statement that struck me as odd, so I'm curious to learn about others' experiences and perspectives.

In this FamilySearch.org wiki article, there's a list of suggestions for breaking down brick walls. One of them reads:

7. Make friends with the librarians and archivists. Being nice to the staff at a library or archives often pays big dividends. CAUTION: It is not always to your advantage to be considered a genealogist.

I highlighted the last part, which sparked my question. 

It seems pretty difficult to chat up a librarian about where I might find obscure historical records from 150+ years ago about a random guy named John who lived in a county that used to be in one state but now it's in another state and I'm trying to determine if he was really married to a girl named Mary whose last name I don't know....and pretend I'm not a genealogist?  

What are the pros and cons of revealing your identity in this case? Has anyone had bad experiences with librarians or archivists who know you're a genealogist? Do you prefer to hide the fact, and if so...what's your cover story? 

Or do you think this line is more about approaching these professionals in a more realistic and down-to-earth way: "I'm researching my family tree" vs. "I am a genealogist" (implying "professional")?

Answer 1

There are genealogists and genealogists. Many librarians and archivists regularly deal with the ill prepared, newby genealogists who can become a time sink. What I've found is that if you are well prepared and know what you need, they can be quite helpful. Too many people want the librarian/archivist to do their research for them and those are the ones that proudly announce that they are genealogists.

Comments

Exactly. Unfortunately bad experiences stick to one's memory much easier that good experiences.

Answer 2

I tell my friends, and others, I am an amateur Draper family historian and genealogist.  I'm not licensed, and I guess I could take an on line course and become certified.  But for now I'm just having fun!

Comments

A friend once asked me to become a mail order minister to perform the ceremony to marry his daughter. In the words of Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday, I advised him," My hypocrisy only goes so far."  To be known as a genealogist is to identify w/ a master status. I was taught to be just another Smith kid. I let others pigeonhole me, that way I know where we stand, or at least how I am perceived.

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One of the problems with genealogy is there isn't a concept of licensing. Perhaps not really a problem but it leads to some confusion. Anyone can claim to be a genealogist. Now, there are several credentialing agencies. Some genealogists may have the Certified Genealogist (CG^®) and/or Accredited Genealogist (AG) credentials. They aren't required. 

Answer 3

Interesting Fun Question

Generally, I find library staff very helpful. Certainly when I was an assistant librarian I loved having other genealogical researchers come into the library. I even got a notice in the acknowledgements section of someone's book.

But, I probably wouldn't announce when walking in the door that I'm a genealogist, because you're right, if you're asking about some obscure ancestor what else would they think. I would probably say something to the effect that I'm researching so and so.

Answer 4

From a personal POV, I am more inclined to help someone who identifies as a hobbyist than a professional. If I'm helping you make $$, my palm is conditioned to point upwards. If I help you out of common interest, what's a little sweat if we both enjoy the pursuit.

Comments

Professionals tend to interact with archivists and librarians differently than hobbyists.