With the multitude of educational opportunities available
for genealogists it can be difficult to choose which to attend. While webinars,
conferences, and seminars each provide essential elements to your genealogical
education, an institute, such as the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)
offers a rich and unique experience for every genealogist.
First, the ability to spend an entire week immersed in a particular subject provides untold
benefits, as it enables us to focus on our research as we learn techniques and
skills from some of the world's leading instructors. Like a college
"short-course" week, SLIG provides an in-depth look a variety of
subjects, from Technology to Advanced Methodology. In addition, SLIG offers
evening courses in case you wanted to explore a topic not covered in your
chosen course. With courses for genealogists of all levels, SLIG can be a solid
foundation for beginning genealogists or an added skillset for advanced
researchers.
Second, the consistency of highly-skilled instructors in
your throughout the week. Not only do you truly get to know your course coordinator,
most courses include a set number of instructors that will be with you
throughout the week. This provides an opportunity to develop deeper questions,
and in some cases can literally tailor the course to your own research needs. Instructors
will provide their own personal knowledge to the course, enriching your
experience. Hearing one or two approaches to the same topic can provide you
with a deeper level of understanding and more ideas. SLIG is truly a place to
learn and expand your genealogical knowledge.
Third, the small course sizes (usually around 30) provide
an incredible opportunity to network with your fellow classmates. Take time to
learn about their research and experience, as they might even have some advice
for you, or you for them. SLIG certainly offers the ability to collaborate and
learn from another other, a unique offering in genealogical education. Most
meals are unscheduled, offering the chance to spend a few moments alone or join
some of your classmates for a quick bite. Ensure you make the most of this
networking opportunity; you might meet a few cousins as well as some lifelong
friends.
Fourth, an added benefit of SLIG is its location - only a
few blocks from the Family History Library. This means you have an immediate
opportunity to practice what you have been learning in the classroom. The
ability for this "hands-on" element of your week in Salt Lake City
often helps in retaining the information you are learning each day. Within a
few moments after each day ends you can easily find yourself wrapped up in the
sources and methods you discovered only moments ago in class.
Finally, SLIG can often solidify your research goals for
the New Year. After spending a week engrossed in family history it is difficult
to loose the momentum when you return home. SLIG provides the perfect setting
to create your genealogical goals for the year. Many participants leave SLIG
with their "to-do" lists ready and can quickly jump into their
research when they return home.
While it might seem a bit overwhelming, SLIG is a week not
to be missed for any genealogist. With constant learning and innovative new
research ideas, opportunities to network with others, and hands-on research in
the Family History Library, SLIG might well be considered heaven for
genealogists!
~ D. Joshua Taylor
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