Published genealogical abstracts and records transcriptions often have a preface. The preface can include information about the condition of the records, their perceived accuracy, missing records, and other general background information.
It always pays to read the preface the first you use any printed compilation of records.
When using compiled indexes -- such as county marriage records, census records, cemetery records -- be sure to read any instructions for using these indexes. I've seen many people copying down numbers from such books with no idea what in the world they mean.
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