Get Indexers trained

JSFlinders

Require training before they get to index!

Melissa S Himes

As reviewers we must always keep in mind this is a total voluntary experience, just like most crowd sourcing projects. If it becomes too frustrating, then maybe go back to indexing for a while. I do this when I find projects that are consistently being incorrectly indexed or reviewed. Remember, just because you find errors doesn't always mean it is an indexer, you could also be the second reviewer.

JSFlinders

Of course it's voluntary, but training should be required before they are allowed on site!

All they would need is to be required to read the project instructions and actually look at the pictures of how to index a project.

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Back when we saw the reviewing results, I often found my indexing marked incorrect by a reviewer who had not read the instructions or couldn't decipher cursive. It's a two-way street.

Paul W

My main gripe has always concerned not-fit-for-purpose project instructions, which do not allow for the finished results of many projects to reflect the content of the original document.

Also, what is the point of indexing if it does not achieve its purpose as representing a finding aid for the original record? The end-results of FamilySearch indexing projects, added to problems created in the post-indexing process, make records much more difficult to find on FamilySearch than on other websites, in my experience.

So, maybe not just a "two-way street", but a three-way or four-way one when it comes to the accuracy and usefulness of FS indexed material.

Maile L

mod note - posts were edited due to violations of the Code of Conduct.