|
Getting started |
| How do I get started? First watch the
video because this will give you a good understanding of what is
involved and the type of commitment you will make to the project. Then
complete a registration form and the project leaders will contact you to
explain the next steps. |
| Do I have to be a member of FACHRS? No,
though to gain maximum benefit from the learning experience
opportunities, membership can be advantageous. |
| I am experienced at Family History, but I am
not an academic; will I be able to take part in the project? Yes,
the majority of FACHRS members are non academics. |
| I am interested in transcribing a log book but
not in the data collection, can I still take part? Yes, the
transcription of log books will be of huge interest to the wider
community of local and family historians. |
| I am interested in the data collection but not
in transcribing a log book, can I still take part? Yes, the research
project focus is on data, though as in any research you will need to
note specific examples to support your research. The database template
is designed to facilitate making a note of such entries. Your best bet
is to team up with another volunteer who is willing to transcribe a
book. See Topics Transcribing and
Local and Family History
Societies |
| Where can I find out more about the History of
Education? A reading list is provided to all registered project
volunteers. You can also visit the National Archives Website and search
the online catalogue. |
| Will you provide me with log books to
transcribe? Log books are archived at County Record Offices and are
not available for home loan. For some persons who are "housebound" we
are considering other possibilities of providing a photographed copy of
a log book. (See topic transcribing) The
majority of volunteers taking part in the project will need to visit the
County Record Office for the county in which there chosen school
is located. |
| Where are the County Record Offices? We
have provide a link to a list of all known County Record Offices on our
Project Home Page. |
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Return to Topic List
|
|
Data Collection |
| What data should I collect? This depends
upon how involved you wish to become. The analytical part of the project
to understand how a school interfaced with a community involves the
collection of pre-determined information. The data is collected within a
database, (see the software topic group). The data you collect can then
be analysed by yourself, or you can submit it to the project
administration for help. Help is available on how to go about
performing analysis and the interpretation of the collected data. (See
Support Topic Group).
The analytical part of the project is semi-academic in nature and is a
great way to move from family history into understanding the broader
picture of the community, especially during your selected period
of
research. The transcription phase is geared
towards copying the entries in a log book so that a copy of the log book
can be made available to the wider community of local and family
historians. The straightforward transcription can be done using any word
processor that can save in RTF format (see software).
If you take part in the analytical part of the project, the database
template that is supplied can also be used to transcribe a log book
entry. |
| What is involved in collecting analytical
data? When you collect the analytical data you can use the provided
database template. The design of the template permits simply confirming
the selection of data from inbuilt selection menus on a form. Names of
staff, pupils and visitors can be typed into prepared fields on inbuilt
forms. To see a sample of a form click
here. As part of the project
you are asked to provide a copy of your data to the project. |
| Can I work from home? See Topic group
Transcribing. |
| Where do I get the database template from?
FACHRS will provide to all those who register for the project a choice
of templates that can be used within the project. |
| Can I use other software? See Topic group
Software |
| What happens to the data? As a project
volunteer researcher you are asked to donate a copy of your own
data set to the project. The copy data set is retained by FACHRS to
facilitate future research undertaken by FACHRS members in social
history. You remain the owner of the original data set and are free to
use it as you see fit. |
| Is it legal to collect this data? This
research project is of a non commercial nature undertaken by private
individuals and is legal. Section 29(1) of the 1988
Copyright Act states that "Fair dealing with a
literary work, other than a database, or a dramatic, musical or artistic
work for the purposes of research or private study does not infringe
copyright in the work, or, in the case of a published edition, in the
typographic arrangement." The wording "research or private study"
clearly expresses the hitherto established [pre 2003] principle of UK
law that while study must be private, research is not so limited and may
be for commercial or for non-commercial purposes. (To
read the full explanation of copyright click
here.
(Opens in new window) A school log book, whilst
not a literary work is a public record and available to the public with
certain time restrictions applied. |
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Return to Topic List
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|
Results |
| What type of results are expected? The
project has two parts, the data collection phase that focuses on
gathering data from a log book, this part of the project is scheduled to
last for one year starting June 2009. The second phase is the
transcription phase and has no closure date. |
| Who collects the final results?
Information on how the data is collected is provided to all registered
project volunteers. |
| Where can I publish my results? FACHRS
provides two opportunities to publish the outcome of your research. The
FACHRS Journal "Family and Community History" is published two times a
year. This is a peer reviewed journal that has as its core publication
of historically based micro studies into communities. You can see more
about the Journal
here. You could also apply to present your findings at the 2010
Annual Conference, either in a poster presentation or as an oral
presentation. You can see information about prior conferences
here |
| How do I reference my school log book as a
source? A school log book, whilst not a literary work is a public
record and available to the public with certain time restrictions
applied. The citation should include the name of the School Log Book,
the CRO where the log book is archived and the CRO catalogue reference.
See also Topic Group Data Collection. |
|
Software |
| What software will I need? If you only
wish to transcribe the entries in a log book then all you need is a word
processor that can save a file in RTF format. If you wish to take part
in the analytical part of the project we prefer that you use a relational
database. The preferred application for the database is
Microsoft Access (TM)
that is supplied as part of the
Microsoft Office Professional Suite.
If you do not have
Microsoft Access (TM)
you can still take part in the project by transcribing the log
book entries into a Worksheet or Spreadsheet application. The
preferred spreadsheet application is Microsoft Excel that is supplied as
part of the
Microsoft Office Suite (Home and Student
Edition). We provide easy to use template files for both
Access and Excel. These are available as a download from the Project
Workspace. |
| Can I use Open Office? You can use Open
Office to transcribe a log book. The templates that FACHRS supply to
volunteers are not compatible with Open Office Base. If you use Open
Office we recommend that you use version 3 or higher. If you are
familiar with the Base module in Open Office, a list of tables, fields
and their relationships can be provided to registered project
volunteers. The Microsoft Office Excel file should be compatible with
the OPen Office spreadsheet application but it has not been verified. |
| Can I use Microsoft Works? The database in
Microsoft Works is not compatible with Microsoft Access so our supplied
templates will not work. The Microsoft Works Database is not a
relational database and is therefore unsuitable. |
| Can I use Ability Office? The database in
Ability Office is not compatible with Microsoft Access so our supplied
templates will not work. The Ability Office is a relational database and
if you are familiar with the Data-Base module in Ability Office, a list
of tables, fields and their relationships can be provided to registered
project volunteers. |
What templates are available? The
following templates are available to those persons who register for the
project.
- Microsoft Access 2000 - 2007
- Microsoft Excel 2000 - 2007
|
| I do not have Microsoft Office Professional is
there a cheaper way for me to purchase this suite? FACHRS members
have the opportunity to purchase appropriate software at a preferential
price. If you are a registered student the cheapest way is to purchase
the Student version of Microsoft Office Professional. |
|
Support |
| I have never used a database what support can
I get? On line video tutorials provide step by step help to
volunteer project researchers. There is also a free technical support
desk should you get into a "frazzle" |
| What internet resources can I use? School
Log Books are in the main located in a County Record Office, so there is
no avoiding the physical visit to the CRO of your choice. There is also
a wide variety of material on a special internet site available to
registered project volunteers. Other primary and secondary sources
provided by third parties may also be available on the internet. Some
material is available to registered volunteers in the Project Workspace. |
| How do I analyse the data I collect?
Registered volunteer researchers can sign up for subsidised and
sometimes free tutorial sessions and mini seminars. Tutorials provide
the opportunity for hands-on examples that can be applied to your own
work. |
| I am new to Social History, is there any
learning support? This project provides a good introduction to the
practical side of researching social history. Guidance and support is
available to all registered project volunteers; this can include an
explanation of methodology, the types of sources to investigate to
support your research, examples of reading material etc., details are
provided at the time of registration. Don't forget that underpinning the
learning experience are four very experienced professional academics. |
| I have never submitted a paper for publication
before, what help is there? FACHRS offers a specific seminar on
"Writing a paper for publication". This session is led by one of our
Academic Team. Details of the seminar will be made available in the
first quarter of 2010. |
| I have submitted papers in the past, but they
get rejected; how can I improve my chances of success? FACHRS offers
a specific seminar on "Writing a paper for publication". This session is
led by one of our Academic Team. Details of the seminar will be made
available in the first quarter of 2010. |
| I would like to speak at a conference, but I
am not experienced and/or nervous; can I get some help? Yes FACHRS
offers a specific practical "hands on" seminar on "Effective
Presentations for Historians". This session is led by one of our team
professional speakers. Details of the seminar will be made available in
the first quarter of 2010. |
|
Transcribing |
| What is the transcription phase? This is
where a volunteer commits to transcribe the page entries in a school log
book into a computer. For suitable software see the Group Topic
Software The "transcription only" phase does not
require the volunteer to collect analytical data. Transcribing a log
book is time intensive and a volunteer will need to effectively plan
their research to accommodate the transcription process. The resultant
transcription will be a valuable resource for other historians and will
reduce the "wear and tear" on the original book. The result has the
potential to be published on the internet thus making the data available
to everybody instead of just the few who can visit the CRO. |
Can I work from home? Log Books are
archived at County Record Offices and not available for home loan. During our pilot
program to validate the sources and methods, many volunteer researchers
obtained permission from their County Record Office to use a digital
camera to photograph the pages of the log book they were working with.
They then used the digital images at home to successfully transcribe
from. Be aware that some County Record Offices are not "photo friendly".
You can check if your CRO is "photo friendly" by clicking
here
FACHRS is however aware that there are reasons why
some persons are unable to visit a County Record Office and we are
constantly seeking ways to broaden the participation opportunity. If you
fall into this category please use the
registration application form and in the "message" area explain your
circumstance and we will see if we can find a solution. |
| Is transcribing a log book really necessary?
To get the best learning experience you will benefit most from
undertaking a transcription but if this is not for you then why not team
up with a fellow volunteer who is willing to transcribe a book and you
do the data entry. If you wish only to take part in the research project
and not do a full
transcription your data will still be considered valuable, and your
participation in the project is welcomed. Keep in mind though you will probably still
transcribe selected entries from a log book to support your research analysis. |
| What happens to the transcription?
Information on how a copy of the transcription is collected is provided
to all registered project volunteers. The objective is to share the
transcriptions amongst the project team members who are undertaking
academic research, and in due course to make the transcriptions
available on a free to view internet site. The project has applied for a
Heritage Lottery Grant to fund making the transcriptions freely
available to the local and family history community. You remain the
owner of the transcription, it is after all your work! If you take part
in the project, and if FACHRS is successful in securing a Heritage
Lottery grant, we shall request that you provide your consent to publish
the result of your transcription on a "free to view" basis. |
| Can I publish my copy of the log book? The
project would like to make available copies of transcribed log books to
other local and family historians through the County Record Office
system. Each transcriber is acknowledged as the volunteer who performed
the transcription. Of course as the person who undertook the
transcription you are at liberty to decide if you wish to commercially
publish your work. |
Are there different levels of volunteers?
Yes there are three possibilities. Volunteers can be either full
researchers, transcribers or take part in the data entry process.
(1)
Full researchers undertake to work with a school log book
completing both transcription and data extraction into either the Access
file template or the Excel file template that the project provides.
(2)
Transcribers undertake to work with a school log book
completing a transcription that is then shared with a fellow researcher
who undertakes to complete the data analysis and data extraction.
(3)
Data Entry volunteers who undertake to enter a previously
transcribed log book and to enter the transcription into either
the Access file template or the Excel file template that the project
provides. |
|
Local and Family History
Societies |
| Can either a Local History Society or a Family
History Society join the project? Yes most certainly. We have
considered this carefully and have the following solutions. Where a
FACHRS Society member is also a member of the Local or Family History
Society we offer the possibility of that person becoming a liaison
person between our Societies. Where there is no FACHRS member available
we ask that a member of the Local or Family History Society be nominated
to be the liaison person between our Societies. |
| How can Local History Society or a Family
History Societies help? The biggest challenge that we have in the
project is securing sufficient transcriptions of school log books. There
are three ways that a Local or Family History Society can help;
volunteers can be either full researchers, transcribers or take part in
the data entry. There are usually three of four log books that make up a
"set" for a school, and a Local or Family History Society, with its
close knit group of members, is ideally positioned to form teams who can
share the transcription of a log book series. Another member of the team
could then undertake the data entry from the transcription, using one of
our provided templates. If you represent a Local or Family History
Society that is interested in taking part on the project please contact
us using the
registration form and using the message section to explain what
opportunities there may be. |
If our Local or Family History members take
part, can they benefit from the seminars, training and conferences?
Yes - all of the opportunities will be available to all persons who have
volunteered to take part in the project. |