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From:
Subject: Libre
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 16:47:53 EST


would like to know if the majority of you are using it in your citations,
instead of say, volume or book? I realize that Elizabeth uses it in her
citation
examples, but I have always felt uncomfortable about using it because I know

that the people I'm communicating with will not be familiar with the word.
Thank you for your input.>


Rondina, different regions use different terms. We would use liber for early
books in Maryland, but not Alabama.

Aside from the fact that a source citation should cite a courthouse record
book by the words that are actually on its cover, there are many good
reasons for researchers to use the terminology that prevails for each time,
place, and culture. If we think others who read our notes, reports, or
formal writings won't understand the word, then it's a simple matter to add
the explanation in square editorial brackets at first use.

Whatever County, Deeds, Liber [book] 3: 339.
Whatever County, Wills & Probates, Liber 2:123.

Of course, if I'm writing Aunt Exie a postcard to share my latest find, I
wouldn't say "You'll never guess what I just found in this Maryland deed
liber!" Given her M.B.A. and a lifetime in real estate, I suspect she knows
what a liber is. But, as you've observed, normal people don't normally go
around talking about "deed libers."

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,
If the term "libre" was in common usage in a region, I would use it. I
misunderstood your example to mean that it was preferred for citations for some
reason instead of book, volume, register, whatever. I have been using what
is on the binding or common for a specific courthouse or region, so I'm OK.
Thank you for straightening me out.

Rondina



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