High profile social media gaffes surrounding Facebook and Twitter posts have led to increased diligence about sharing on those platforms.  However, users consistently and unwittingly reveal personal details on less publicized social media platforms that could prove to be just as troubling.  In an age of increased sharing, it is good practice for individuals to exercise discretion and always check their privacy settings.  From the researcher’s perspective, be aware that the public records playing field is constantly expanding.

The “Search Angels” used public records to bring a little peace of mind to many people searching for friends and loved ones in the aftermath of California’s devastating Camp Fire. The volunteers, which organized themselves through the Facebook Search Squad group, used their research skills to comb through social media posts, property, marriage and other public records to help friends and family find the displaced.

The importance of comprehensive, nationwide court searches when conducting due diligence research was underscored in a fascinating four-part series by Bloomberg News chronicling the increased use of “confessions of judgment” – an obscure legal filing used by merchant cash advance companies to force borrowers into payment without a court hearing.

The Library of Congress is allowing volunteers to transcribe historical documents using the Concordia software tool. In a fascinating experiment, volunteers can assist in the tagging of photos and in several transcription projects, including a project called “Letters to Lincoln” in which the goal is to transcribe 28,000 pages of letters written to the 16th president by well wishers, special pleaders and friends.