While I was out doing my holiday shopping this past Christmas season, I noticed that eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle were everywhere. It seemed like they were a very popular gift and many people that I know have them and love them. While I do not yet have a Kindle, I do know that they can be very useful for genealogists.
The first and most obvious thing that genealogists can do with a Kindle is to purchase and download genealogy books. Gone are the days of waiting until you can make a trip to the book store to get the genealogy book that you are looking for, as well as the days of waiting for the book to arrive at your door after you order it online. With an eBook reader, you purchase the content online and download it instantly.
Another thing that you can do is use your eBook reader to carry photos and other documents with you in digital form. For example, you can transfer PDF files to a Kindle and access them while you are out and about. Many kinds of files can be converted to PDF files, including pictures and spreadsheets or charts from some genealogy software programs. Now, when you go to the library, you do not need to lug a ton of paper with you for reference if you have it all stored in your eBook reader. In fact, if you carry your eBook reader with you in your purse, briefcase, or backpack, you can make impromptu stops at the library or other places where there are records, without having to run home to get your research materials.
Also, since eBook readers are so portable, it is easy to share your findings with your family when you go to visit them. With photographs, pedigree charts, and other documents at your fingertips you can show everyone your latest finds. Oh, and let’s not forget that if you create a family health history and download it to your eBook reader, you can bring it to your next doctor’s appointment and share it with your doctor. There are probably even more ways to use eBook readers for genealogy that I have not heard about. If I ever do get an eBook reader, I will be sure to put it to the test as a genealogist’s tool.