Get ready...Setting up OneNote for Active Research

The backbone of my research process is OneNote 2016. Unlike Evernote, it allows me to nest as many groups and pages as I like. I know this is possible with Evernote tags, and if it works for you, more power to you! For me, the visual of OneNote nesting works best.

There are three major sections in my Genealogy notebook:

• Inbox and Active Research
• 1. Research Goals
• 2. Data Sheets

Today, I'll focus most on the Inbox. This is where I record sources that I've found or received and process them for entry into my family tree software. Under the Inbox tab I have four pages:

• Ready to enter into RM (Rootsmagic)
• Needs transcription
• Needs image file
• Searches to record

How sources get into the Inbox differ. I may be responding to a specific hint in my Ancestry tree or Rootsmagic file, in which case I will create a Data Sheet immediately for the one source. If I'm recording the results of my own search, I'll create a data sheet for each positive result.

My data entry process is to enter all the citation information into my Data Sheet template, then link an image file if applicable, and finally enter the transcription. Once I'm done with transcription, I'm ready to enter the data into Rootsmagic. Consequently, my workflow in the OneNote Inbox reflects that process.

Each data sheet in the Inbox gets filed as a subpage under the page that fits what is still missing from it. If there is an image I can download and it isn't downloaded or linked yet, I'll file it under "Needs image file."  If I have the image linked but haven't translated it yet, it naturally gets filed under "Needs transcription." If I have all the identifying information, a transcription, and a linked image (if applicable), I'll move it under "Ready to enter..." You may need to tweak the page names or data entry order to fit your process better.

Next time, we'll delve more into data sheets!

Please, let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions!