Links That Last: Managing and Understanding URLs

In the fast-evolving landscape of online genealogical research, navigating the world of links and URLs is a skill that can significantly boost research accuracy and efficiency. In her engaging webinar, Links That Last: Managing and Understanding URLs, Cyndi Ingle—founder of the renowned Cyndi’s List—delivers a practical and enlightening session on how genealogists can better understand, manage, and preserve digital links. With nearly three decades of experience cataloging online genealogy resources, Cyndi breaks down technical jargon, explains link behavior, and shares best practices to ensure your research stays connected, organized, and accessible over time.

• Understand the Structure and Behavior of URLs: Cyndi clarifies the anatomy of a URL, distinguishing between URLs and hyperlinks, and explains how changes in websites—such as domain shifts or folder renaming—can break links. She also introduces tools like redirects and URL shorteners, highlighting both their advantages and long-term risks.
• Link Smarter for Research Accuracy: Whether you're citing a record, saving a search result, or bookmarking a specific image, Cyndi emphasizes choosing the most stable and relevant URL. She walks through numerous examples using FamilySearch, Ancestry, and digital archives, offering insights into when to link to a homepage, dataset, or specific image—and how to tidy up messy URLs.
• Integrate Links into Your Research Workflow: Genealogists should record URLs in research plans, notes, and citations to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs. From clipping historical newspaper articles to citing YouTube tutorials or Facebook posts, Cyndi demonstrates how to capture and preserve links effectively across various platforms and file types.

To explore these strategies in greater depth and discover additional resources—including specific examples, tools, and URL management tips—be sure to watch the full webinar. Your future self—and your family history—will thank you. The accompanying syllabus contains valuable references and step-by-step instructions that are essential for any genealogist aiming to level up their digital documentation practices.