Choosing
a member to help you
For your guidance
There are three categories of member
| Genealogist | (g) |
| Researcher in Archives | (ra) |
| Specialist | (s) |
Some members do not have a letter after their name. They were accepted under the now obselete category of “Genealogist and Record Agent.”
The genealogist (g) will have a wide experience of research covering several centuries. He or she will also be able to demonstrate a proven ability to direct a comprehensive research programme and construct a pedigree. He or she will then report to the client and suggest possible lines of further research as appropriate.
The researcher in archives (ra) searches specified records for particular information that may be required by a genealogist, historian or biographer. He or she will have a detailed knowledge of a very wide variety of sources or concentrate on specific types of record within a limited time frame and/or geographical area. The researcher in archives will interpret and report on such records and may offer advice to clients whenever appropriate.
The Specialist (s) e.g. palaeographer, tracing missing persons, has an in-depth knowledge of a specific class of records.
Many members act as both genealogist and researcher in archives.
The letter references in the list have the following meanings:
(a) Record repositories which the member visits. The names of counties are those before the changes of 1974.
(b) Areas of work, and special interests.
(c) Languages which the member can translate into English or, in the case of modern languages, in which the member can correspond.
(d) Period limitations.
(e) Special qualifications relevant to work as a genealogist or researcher in archives, other than University degrees, public honours, etc., which are placed after the member’s name.
(f) Special services or research facilities.
The
letter/number in square brackets after each name is the membership reference and
is of no relevance to enquirers.
Approaching
a member
To employ a member you should refer to “Members’ Expertise” and select a member who offers research in the part of the country in which you want the research to be done or the subject you want researched e.g. military history. You should write, or email, to them, setting out what you want to be done, stating clearly the relevant known facts. For example, in genealogical cases, full names, dates and places of birth, marriage and death, addresses and occupations, etc.
You should enclose a stamped addressed envelope (if you live in the United Kingdom) or three International Reply Coupons if you live abroad.
Remember to mention AGRA when writing.
How
much will I have to pay?
Members’ fees vary, but are likely to be based upon an hourly rate for the time spent (including the giving of advice) to which must be added the cost of disbursements (photocopies, church and Government fees, etc.). Most researchers will be prepared to give an estimate for searching within a limited number of specific records, but in more open-ended cases the researcher will probably ask you to set an approximate limit upon the amount of money you wish to spend in the first instance (e.g. £50, £100, £200). In such cases you should be prepared to pay in advance. When the researcher has exhausted the amount he or she will report to you fully on the success of the case, giving details of any problems encountered, and will probably suggest further avenues of research for you to consider. You then decide whether or not to commission further research.
Once a genealogist or researcher in archives has agreed to carry out research it is in your own interest to ensure the member has all the relevant information possible, distinguishing between what is certain and provable and what is only traditional, thus ensuring that the researcher does not have to spend time establishing facts that you knew already.
Professional
competence
Members of AGRA, apart from having proved their professional competence upon application, agree to comply with the following Code of Practice, which stresses the need for a high standard of work as well as complete confidentiality.
A Complaints Procedure is also administered by the Association.