Fraser Dunford, the former executive director of the Ontario Genealogical Society, wrote a small yet delightful and very informative book a few years ago on what to do as a beginner genealogist. It is to be noted that the book, The Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, is written from the point of view of Ontario records.
In the "Introduction", he says, “This book starts with some of the
basic concepts used in genealogy, shows you how to start on your
family tree, then looks briefly at two huge topics, evidence and
ethics.”
In "How To Do the Basics", he discusses such topics as Family Tree (difference between Ancestor and Descendant trees - with examples),
Family Record, BMD, and Dates.
The section, “Where to Find It”, covers Maps, Census, Religious Records, Civil Registration,
Municipal Records, Land Records, Newspapers, Immigration/Emigration, and Wills.
Also included is a Glossary, and a Relationship Chart, in addition to other material not mentioned here.
You may also wish to read his companion book, Beginner's Guide to
Ontario Genealogy (Toronto: OGS, 2006).
Both books are available from the bookstore at www.ogs.on.ca.