This volume is replete with potential sources for exploring your family history. Some records will be easily accessed and have a reputation for yielding the kind of biographical information that is essential for building reliable accounts of individuals and families. Before focusing on any specific kinds of records to be searched, read Robert C. Anderson's introduction and scan the subject outlines that begin each chapter in this volume. Rank the available records according to priority in the search process. Records that are accessible and most likely to solve problems should be consulted first. From the beginning, decide exactly what you want to learn and which records are most likely to produce the desired results.