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learn the capabilities and limits of their equipment and software, and use them only when
they are the most appropriate tools for a purpose. |
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do not accept uncritically the ability of software to format, number, import, modify, check,
chart or report their data, and therefore carefully evaluate any resulting product. |
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treat compiled information from on-line sources or digital databases in the same way as
other published sources--useful primarily as a guide to locating original records, but not as
evidence for a conclusion or assertion. |
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accept digital images or enhancements of an original record as a satisfactory substitute for
the original only when there is reasonable assurance that the image accurately reproduces
the unaltered original. |
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cite sources for data obtained on-line or from digital media with the same care that is
appropriate for sources on paper and other traditional media, and enter data into a digital
database only when its source can remain associated with it. |
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always cite the sources for information or data posted on-line or sent to others, naming the
author of a digital file as its immediate source, while crediting original sources cited within
the file. |
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preserve the integrity of their own databases by evaluating the reliability of downloaded
data before incorporating it into their own files. |
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provide, whenever they alter data received in digital form, a description of the change that
will accompany the altered data whenever it is shared with others. |
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actively oppose the proliferation of error, rumor and fraud by personally verifying or
correcting information, or noting it as unverified, before passing it on to others. |
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treat people on-line as courteously and civilly as they would treat them face-to-face, not
separated by networks and anonymity. |
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accept that technology has not changed the principles of genealogical research, only some
of the procedures. |
