- I will keep confidential any personal
or genealogical information given to me,
unless I receive written consent to the
contrary.
- I will reveal to the consumer any personal
or financial interests that might compromise
my professional obligations.
- I will undertake paid research commissions
only after a clear agreement as to scope
and fee.
- I will, to the best of my abilities, address
my research to the issue raised by the consumer
and report to that question.
- I will seek from the consumer all prior
information and documentation related to
the research and will not knowingly repeat
the work, as billable hours, without explanation
as to good cause.
- I will furnish only facts I can substantiate
with adequate documentation; and I will
not withhold any data necessary for the
consumer's purpose.
- If the research question involves analysis
of data in order to establish a genealogical
relationship or identity, I will report
that the conclusions are based on the weight
of the available evidence and that absolute
proof of genealogical relationships is usually
not possible.
- If I cannot resolve a research problem
within the limitations of time or budget
established by contract, I will explain
the reasons why.
- If other feasible avenues are available,
I will suggest them; but I will not misrepresent
the possibilities of additional research.
- I will return any advance payment that
exceeds the hours and expenses incurred.
- I will not publish or circulate research
or reports to which the consumer has a proprietary
right, without prior written consent of
the consumer; I will observe these rights,
whether my report was made directly to the
consumer or to an employer or agent.
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- Promote a coherent, truthful approach to genealogy, family
history and local history.
- Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized
manner; fully and accurately cite references; and refrain
from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or
misinterpreting sources or data.
- Promote the trust and security of genealogical consumers.
- Advertise services and credentials honestly, avoiding
the use of misleading or exaggerated representations; explain
without concealment or misrepresentation all fees, charges,
and payment structures; abide by agreements regarding project
scope, number of hours, and deadlines and reporting schedules;
keep adequate, accessible records of financial and project-specific
contacts with the consumer; and refrain from knowingly violating
or encouraging others to violate laws and regulations concerning
copyright, right to privacy, business finances, or other
pertinent subjects.
- Support initiatives that preserve public records and access
to them.
- Be courteous to research facility personnel and treat
records with care and respect; support efforts to locate,
collect, and preserve the records by compiling, cataloging,
reproducing, and indexing documents; refrain from mutilating,
rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed,
original, microfilmed, or electronic records.
- Promote the welfare of the genealogical community.
- Give proper credit to those who supply information and
provide assistance; refrain from (or avoid) knowingly soliciting
established clients of another researcher; encourage applicable
education, accreditation, and certification; and refrain
from public behavior, oral remarks or written communications
that defame the profession, individual genealogists, or
the Association of Professional Genealogists.
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