Here are some reference books we recommend.

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Genealogy Standards is a short handbook published by the Board for Certification of Genealogists that all family researchers, whether certified or amateur, should read. When working on a collaborative family tree, it’s especially important to make sure your research is as accurate as possible. This handbook will help!

Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills is a recognized reference for citing historical records in your genealogy research.  Need a quick reminder of the fundamentals of citation and analysis?  This book delivers, plus it contains citation formats for footnotes and bibliographic entries of all record types.

Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, Third Edition

Red Book: American State, County & Town Sources by Alice Eichholz (Editor) gives information on the history and records available for each state, the dates vital records are available for each county in the state, and state maps with county boundary lines. For a quick reference, this book delivers.

Land & Property Research in the United States by E Wade Hone.  Puzzled by the different land records available in the United States?  Curious as to how land records can help you in your research, especially to break through brick walls?  This book contains loads of information including how to plat your ancestor’s land with a protractor and a ruler!

America’s Best Genealogy Resource Centers by William Dollarhide and Ronald A. Bremer first lists the top ten genealogy resource centers in America, then each state has it’s own section listing the best local libraries and archives.  A  map with the location of each genealogical resource center  helps you plan your state research trip.

The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America by George B. Everton contains extensive lists of record sources for each state, also lists information on numerous societies and repositories for each state and includes maps.  Similar to Red Book, The Handybook has more sources but less historical background for each state.

Mastering Genealogical Proof (National Genealogical Society Special Topics Series) by Tom Jones leads you through the five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard in his characteristically forthright style.  Complete with case studies and written exercises, the book will definitely help you to understand and use the GPS.