Using Genealogy CDs and USB Flash Drives to Preserve and Share Family History Research

Have you ever been tempted to buy those genealogical compilation CDs or USB flash drives you see on sites like eBay or Amazon? At first glance, they can seem like a bargain—packed with county histories, surname directories, vintage maps, and other historical resources. Many listings include enticing descriptions full of surnames, locations, and subjects, making it sound like you’re about to unlock a treasure trove of family history.

The idea is certainly appealing. Imagine having a single, convenient source of records you can browse anytime. But are these genealogy collections really worth your money?

What You Often Get vs. What You Expect

A few years ago, I purchased a genealogy CD focused on Pickaway County, Ohio, because it listed my family surname. It was inexpensive—around ten dollars—so it felt like a low-risk investment. Unfortunately, when the disc arrived, the contents were disappointing. Of all the files included, only five were truly relevant to Pickaway County or its residents. The rest were loosely connected to Ohio history, and many had little value for genealogy research.

While there were some county histories and documents about township formation and local political speeches, they didn’t provide the personal family details I’d been hoping for. If you’re looking for very specific ancestral records, these generic collections can be frustratingly hit-or-miss.

I had a similar experience with a USB flash drive purchased for Johnson County, Kentucky. Although USB drives tend to be more modern and durable than CDs, the quality of the content wasn’t any better. The scans were poorly done, making text difficult to read. Even worse, the files weren’t properly searchable. Despite an index listing several surnames, the search function didn’t work, forcing me to scroll through each page manually. Later, I discovered some of the exact same files appeared on a completely different USB drive marketed for another county—meaning I’d paid twice for duplicate material.

Pros and Cons of Genealogy CDs vs. USB Flash Drives

When it comes to choosing between genealogy CDs and USB flash drives, both have their strengths and weaknesses.

CDs were once the go-to format for sharing historical data. They’re inexpensive and can still be used on older computers with disc drives. However, CDs are fragile and easily scratched, which can make files inaccessible. Their storage capacity is also very limited—usually only around 700MB—which isn’t ideal for high-resolution scans or large collections. Adding to the challenge, many modern laptops no longer include CD drives, making them inconvenient. Even when the files are accessible, the quality is often disappointing. Many CDs contain poorly scanned documents with no OCR (optical character recognition), so you can’t easily search for names, dates, or locations.

USB flash drives, on the other hand, have become a far more practical option for today’s genealogists. They’re sturdier and less prone to physical damage, thanks to solid-state technology. USB drives also offer much more storage space—commonly between 8GB and 256GB—allowing for higher quality scans, a larger variety of files, and even multimedia like audio or video recordings. They’re compatible with most modern computers and tablets, and files can be quickly copied, backed up, or shared.

That said, a USB drive is only as good as the content provided. Poor scans, non-searchable PDFs, or repetitive material can still be issues. While USB drives typically cost more than CDs, they often deliver greater value if the seller provides unique, well-organized, and properly digitized material.

In summary, CDs are cheap and familiar but outdated and fragile, while USB drives are modern, durable, and hold significantly more data. For serious genealogists, a carefully curated USB drive is usually the better choice—just make sure you verify the contents before buying.

How to Get Your Money’s Worth

To avoid disappointment, follow these tips when purchasing genealogy collections on CDs or USB drives:

• Ask for detailed contents – Request a list of included titles and file names. Sellers should be transparent about what you’re getting.
• Check scan quality – Look for sample pages to confirm text clarity and ensure the files are OCR-enabled for easy searching.
• Avoid duplicates – Some sellers repackage free public domain content from sites like Google Books or Archive.org. Check online first to see if the material is already available at no cost.
• Use free and low-cost resources – Many libraries, state archives, and historical societies provide digital access to old county histories, census data, and maps.
• Back up your purchases – Whether you buy a CD or USB flash drive, save copies on your computer or cloud storage to prevent data loss.

Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?

The short answer is yes, but only under the right circumstances. USB flash drives are usually the better investment because they’re more durable, easier to use, and hold far more data than CDs. However, the true value lies in the quality and uniqueness of the content. If the files are high-resolution, searchable, and relevant to your research, a USB drive—or even a trustworthy digital download—can be worth the cost.

If not, you may find yourself paying for frustration instead of valuable genealogical discoveries.

When deciding between genealogy CDs and USB flash drives, always verify the content, check scan quality, and avoid duplicates. While CDs are outdated and fragile, USB drives offer modern storage, easier access, and greater value for genealogists—making them the preferred choice for building a reliable family history collection.