If you’re just starting out in family history, chances are you’ve already fallen down a few rabbit holes. One minute you’re searching for your great-grandfather’s birth record and the next thing you know, you’re 42 tabs deep, trying to figure out if a “John McWhirter” in Paisley is really your John McWhirter or someone else entirely.
This is where a genealogy research log becomes your best friend.
In this post, I’ll explain what a research log is, why it’s genuinely useful (especially for beginners), and how you can start using one today. I’ve even created a downloadable Google Sheets template to help you get started – scroll to the end to grab it!
What is a research log?
A research log is simply a place where you keep track of what you searched, where you searched it, what you found (or didn’t find), and what to do next.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. It could be a spreadsheet, a notebook, or a digital note, basically whatever works for you.
Here’s the key thing: it’s not just a list of sources. It’s a living, working tool that helps you avoid repeating searches, spot patterns, and stay focused on your goals.
Why beginners (especially) benefit from a research log
When you’re new to genealogy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of websites, record sets, and people with the same names. A research log helps you:
1. Stay organised
You’ll know exactly where you’ve already looked, which saves time and frustration. Nothing is more annoying than realising you’ve searched the same census page five times and still missed the person you were looking for.
2. Track negative searches
Finding nothing is still a finding. Logging those “no results” helps you rule things out and narrow your focus. It’s also incredibly useful if you revisit a search months later.
3. Spot mistakes and clues
Looking back over your log can highlight inconsistencies in your research, or even help you realise you were chasing the wrong person. (Ask me how I know.)
4. Build a research trail
If you ever want to share your research with family or pass it on to the next generation, a log helps others see how you reached your conclusions.
5. Focus your next steps
A good log doesn’t just document the past—it helps plan your next move. “What should I look at next?” becomes a much easier question to answer.
What should you include in a research log?
Here’s what I recommend as a beginner-friendly set of columns or notes:
- Date – When did you do the search?
- Person – Who were you looking for?
- Research Goal – What were you trying to find (birth record, census, etc.)?
- Source or website – Where did you search?
- Search terms or filters used – What exactly did you enter?
- Result – Did you find anything?
- Notes – Anything useful, confusing, or worth following up on.
Over time, your log becomes a kind of breadcrumb trail, one that helps you backtrack, regroup, and keep making progress.
Download my free Research Log template
To help you get started, I’ve created a simple and flexible Google Sheets Research Log. It’s completely free to download, and you can customise it however you like.
👉 Research Log (Google Sheets) download
It’s perfect for beginners but also handy for anyone who wants to add more structure to their genealogy work without getting bogged down.
A research log won’t magically find your ancestors for you, but it will help you stay organised, avoid repeated mistakes, and feel less overwhelmed.
Even five minutes of logging after a search can save you hours later. And if you’re anything like me, it also helps give you a bit of confidence. You’ll stop feeling like you’re fumbling around in the dark and start feeling like you’ve got a method.