1950 census schedules

By allenawilson on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 18:38

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 I understand that only the population schedules of the 1910-1940 U.S. census have survived, eliminating the need to specify the schedule as in prior censuses.  But the 1950 census does have other schedules.  Should we not specify that we are citing the "population schedule?"

Submitted byEEon Tue, 07/16/2024 - 09:45

allenawilson, the expectation for 20th century returns is that we are citing a population schedule. If a schedule exists other than the basic population schedule, we identify that schedule.

As researchers, we examine everything we use to determine whether it deviates from the norm or from expectations—as you've done in this case. If a significant issue exists, we choose the appropriate words to identify or discuss it.

No citation model can or could cover every variation of every record type. As researchers, we carry the responsibility of knowing our sources and identifying significant issues that affect the reliability of the record or the ability to relocate the record.