Hello Ruth and all, I responded to Debra's question with how I've used it for negative research. Don't remember whether it automatically went to Debra only, or I overrode it. Anyway, my response to Debra was: Hi Debra, I haven't done it to track someone in the census. But, I have to record if I've checked a book for someone. I just entered the book title and info and then in the message area put that I found no Gaddis' in it. I had the same problem. I couldn't remember which books I checked and which ones I hadn't. I think I labeled the record as Bookneg for Book negative. Hope this helps. Patty I'm not sure that my response will help anyone, but at least it will show others that it is being used for negative findings also. Patty At 09:19 AM 11/30/00 -0700, Norb & Ruth wrote: >I'm waiting for a response about tricks to recording negative findings. Is >it possible someone responded directly to Debra and not to the list? I get >frustrated when questions are posed and never answered. I have received some >wonderful "private" responses and really believe others would benefit. >Anyone else care to comment on this. >Ruth