Reexamining Technological Support for Genealogy Research, Collaboration, and Education

TL;DR

This paper provides a qualitative analysis of current technological support for genealogy research, collaboration, and education, highlighting practices, challenges, and the role of computer systems in a rapidly evolving field.

Contribution

It offers new insights into genealogy practices and emphasizes the importance of standardization, professionalization, and education in the context of technological advances.

Findings

Genealogists use diverse digital tools and methods.

Standardization and professionalization are emerging priorities.

Computer systems play a critical role in genealogy education.

Abstract

Genealogy, the study of family history and lineage, has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, fueled by technological advances such as home DNA testing and mass digitization of historical records. However, HCI research on genealogy practices is nascent, with the most recent major studies predating this transformation. In this paper, we present a qualitative study of the current state of technological support for genealogy research, collaboration, and education. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 genealogists with diverse expertise, we report on current practices, challenges, and success stories around how genealogists conduct research, collaborate, and learn skills. We contrast the experiences of amateurs and experts, describe the emerging importance of standardization and professionalization of the field, and stress the critical role of computer systems in genealogy education. We bridge studies of sensemaking and information literacy through this empirical study on genealogy research practices, and conclude by discussing how genealogy presents a unique perspective through which to study collective sensemaking and education in online communities.