To all:- I have not encouraged people to duplicate census work, but instead many are asking WHERE should finished transcription be sent. I would like answers from all provinces -- then will post the same. Muriel M. Davidson muriel_davidson@sympatico.ca Co-Chair, Canada Census Committee Brampton, ON ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon A. Watts" <gordon_watts@telus.net> To: <CAN-ONT-SIMCOE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 9:18 PM Subject: 1911 Census -- transcribing or indexing records Greetings All. On the various mail lists the past while there has been considerable discussion regarding indexing and/or transcribing of Census records -- in particular at this time those of the 1911 Census of Canada. It would seem that some feel that there is only one correct way to transcribe or index these valuable records, and that their way, or the way of their particular group or organization, is the only way it should be done. As genealogical researchers the last thing we need or want to see develop is an antagonistic confrontation over this. There is no one single correct way to do it. There are as many correct ways to do it as there are opinions out there. For any given subject, there are many different ways of doing things and, from the point of view of every individual, each of those different ways has their own benefits and detractions. Do a websearch of any subject. Can you name any subject that will result in only a single response to that search? I think it unlikely! The same would apply to a search for Census or Census Indexing or Transcription. The Alberta Family History Society and the Alberta Genealogical Society are to be commended for their efforts in transcribing and/or indexing the 1901 and 1906 Censuses for Alberta, and for the 1911 projects they have now initiated. Likewise, the Ontario Genealogical Society, and every other group who has had volunteers doing similar projects are worthy of commendation. In my view the various groups and organizations who have done, and are currently doing, indexing and/or transcriptions of Census records are not in competition with each other. The work of one group will frequently complement the work of another. What others may view as a duplication of effort I view as a means of multiple cross-checking to ensure the greatest possibility of a researcher finding the ancestors they are seeking in Census. The more sources there are on the Internet for this information, the greater the chance of that happening. There is room for everyone out there. Many researchers have confused the terms "transcribing" and "transcriptions" with "indexes" and "indexing". The impression I have is that many believe they are one and the same. Such is not the case. By definition, a "transcription" is a verbatim copy of all information contained in an original document. An "index", on the other hand, is an extract of partial information from an original document, presented in such a way as to identify and point the way to where the original document might be found. Each has their own specific purpose. I believe that in doing our research there is need, and room, for both. Many different groups have volunteers indexing or transcribing Census records for their own particular area of interest. Some are doing their own town, city, area or municipality. Others are doing it for an entire Province. To my knowledge, Automated Genealogy is the only place that indexing is likely to take place for the entire Census of Canada. In volunteering to do transcribing or indexing, regardless of which group or organization you volunteer to work with, your work will be both appreciated and worthwhile. Enjoy the Census! Gordon A. Watts gordon_watts@telus.net Co-chair, Canada Census Committee Port Coquitlam, BC http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census en francais http://www.globalgenealogy.com/Census/Index_f.htm Permission to forward without notice is granted ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ian Holmes" <holmcon@compusmart.ab.ca> To: <CANADA-CENSUS-CAMPAIGN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 10:13 PM Subject: 1901 and 1906 Census Finding Aids Muriel, Please be advised that AFHS comments refer to the 1906 census. AFHS (the Alberta Family Histories Society) has sponsored an effort to TRANSCRIBE the 1906 census for the prairie provinces and have reported their progress in a recent message to this forum. In an earlier effort the AGS (the Alberta Genealogical Society) volunteers did a very comprehensive job of INDEXING the 1901 census for that area of the Territories which became the prairie provinces in 1905. This work preceded the work of Automated Genealogy in this area and included extensive proof reading and cross checking of dubious data against other sources. The results of the AGS work are available free on the Internet at: http://www.agsedm.edmonton.ab.ca/1901census/ I think you will find both the information and the search engine used to find names is as good as any available elsewhere. Isn't it quite unnecessary to encourage volunteers to duplicate work done so thoroughly by others? Ian Holmes