Record Searcher

Certified Saskatchewan Record Searcher

This course provides candidates with the background they need to conduct basic searches of Saskatchewan records such as homestead, cemetery, obituary, local history and Saskatchewan Residents Index records. It teaches candidates ethics, how to analyze a research problem, write a comprehensive report and make recommendations for further research.

The course consists of two day-long classroom sessions, a number of research projects and a final open book exam that serves as their own resource book. Successful candidates then meet with the Board of Certification to discuss an ethical question. If passed, the candidate is expected to sign the SGS Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. The first certificate is a two-year temporary certificate. At the end of that time, the candidate must submit a written report that covers the research and study they have done over the two years. Successful candidates then receive a permanent certificate that is to be renewed every five years.

This course is a prerequisite for the other certification classes.

See course description below..

Contact SGS office for further information or if you are interested in taking the course.

We are looking at offering another Record Searcher Course
and would like to know who is interested and when is the best time for you.

Course Description

Date: TBA

Purpose:

This course is intended to teach what the basic Saskatchewan Record Sources are, how to develop a research plan using these sources and how to document and write a research report
This course is a pre-requisite for the Saskatchewan Researcher Certificate Course and a compulsory component for the Saskatchewan Instructor Certificate Course

Prerequisite:

Must be a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society
Expect that you have done some genealogical research prior to the class
Strongly recommend that you have done some Saskatchewan research before taking the course

Objectives:

To develop a Code of Ethics for record searchers
To understand the basic record sources for genealogical research in Saskatchewan
To learn how to analyze a research problem and develop a research plan
To learn how to conduct the research, document the findings and write the report

Past Curriculum (may change):

1. Classroom Instruction: Session No. 1

establish a Code of Ethics for the record searcher
begin a dictionary of research terms
learn the basic Saskatchewan genealogical record sources
develop a research plan
learn how to document and write reports
analysis of some completed reports

1A. Assignment:

Complete four research assignments. Each assignment will contain an analysis and research plan. The research report is to be fully documented.

2. Classroom Instruction: Session No. 2

review and critique the research assignments
review the record sources and how to use them effectively
analyze and develop research plans for particular searches
learn how and when to make recommendations
review code of ethics with regard for keeping to time and financial restraints placed by client or record searcher’s service

2A. Assignment:

Complete four research assignments. Each assignment will contain an analysis and research plan. The research report is to be fully documented and contain recommendations for further research that could be completed by either the client or the record searcher.

3. Handbook

The handbook will have samples of all the documents listed in a basic search. These can serve as reference items in the future. The handbook will be your personal guide to Saskatchewan Records.

4. Exam - open book

Examination:

The final examination is to be an open book exam. It will be sent to the participants when the final research assignments are received. This exam will cover all aspects of the course. It will serve as a resource guide for the Saskatchewan record searcher.
There is a fee for the exam and Board of Certification which is a separate fee that is paid when the exam is completed.

Location:

Course Fee:

$150.00 - includes the classroom sessions and assignments (receive certification)
$100.00 - AUDIT - includes the classroom sessions only (no assignment, exam or certificate)

Texts:

Tracing Your Saskatchewan Ancestors: A Guide to the Records and How to Use Them, 3rd edition ... $23.40
Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian ... $27.00
The Records of the Department of the Interior and Research Concerning Canada’s Western Frontier of Settlement ... $28.80

Board of Certification:

The Board of Certification, which is made up of three people who have been Certified Saskatchewan Records Searchers for at least two years, meets with successful candidates once a year. Certificates will be presented to successful candidates at the Annual Meeting.
There is a fee for the exam and Board of Certification which is a separate fee that is paid when the exam is completed.

Certification Criteria:

Must have successfully completed all assignments
Must have completed the Open Book exam
Must be a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society
Must sign SGS Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Letter of Agreement

Contact the SGS Office or phone (306) 780-9207 for further details or for an application form.

There is an expectation that anyone who wishes to be an SGS Certified Record Searcher will continue to further their knowledge in the field of genealogy by reading current periodicals, continuing to do research, attending lectures and seminars and actively support the SGS.