How to Distinguish Versions and Branches of Genealogies with the Same Title

Compare the title, date, region, and genealogy prefaces together.

Guide to organization methods. The examples are fictional demonstrations, not historical cases; conclusions involving people, dates, and lineages should be checked against original materials.

Do Not Treat Collection Numbers as Version Numbers

Collection numbers are used to locate materials on this site and cannot replace the original genealogy’s compilation date, printing date, or branch description. When recording information, fill in “Site ID” and “Original Book Version Record” separately, and continue to mark unknown items as pending verification.

First Check Four Original Images

Review the cover or title page, the signature line at the end of the preface, the general notes, and the table of contents in order. The title page provides the name; the end of the preface may include the date and compilers; the general notes explain the scope of inclusion; and the table of contents helps determine whether the volumes are complete. Attach the image volume and page number to each record.

What to Do When Dates Are Inconsistent

A genealogy may preserve prefaces from different periods, and may also contain information on revisions, supplements, or later printings. Do not simply take the earliest or latest year as the conclusion. Excerpt each original passage separately, indicate whether it refers to genealogy compilation, preface writing, or printing, and then form a version note.

List the Differences First, Then Determine the Relationship

Compare the founding ancestor, branch location, hall name, generational sequence, and table-of-contents order of the two candidate genealogies side by side. Differences may come from different branches, or from missing volumes, transcription, or character-recognition issues. Merge individuals and relationships only when supported by evidence.

Reusable record sheet

书目 A / 书目 B：
原书名称：
修纂 / 序文 / 刻印时间：
支派所在地：
开基祖原文：
目录差异：
依据册次页码：
判断与保留意见：

Download blank record sheet