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United States Basic Search Strategies (view source)
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*'''''Internet.''''' The number of genealogical resources accessible via computer is growing rapidly. If you have a computer with a modem, you can search the Internet, bulletin boards, and commercial on-line services for genealogical information (see the “[[United States Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” section of this article). Some of the records in the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp FamilySearch™] system are described in the “[[United States Genealogy|Genealogy]]” section. The [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp Family History Library Catalog] on computer is a key tool for selecting records. | *'''''Internet.''''' The number of genealogical resources accessible via computer is growing rapidly. If you have a computer with a modem, you can search the Internet, bulletin boards, and commercial on-line services for genealogical information (see the “[[United States Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” section of this article). Some of the records in the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp FamilySearch™] system are described in the “[[United States Genealogy|Genealogy]]” section. The [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp Family History Library Catalog] on computer is a key tool for selecting records. | ||
*'''''Family History Library.''''' You are welcome to visit and use the records at the [[ | *'''''Family History Library.''''' You are welcome to visit and use the records at the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]]. The library is open to the public, and there are no fees for using the records. Contact the library if you would like more information about its services. | ||
*'''''Family History Centers.''''' Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to our Family History Centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service. The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books that are not protected by copyright can be obtained on microfilm or microfiche. For more information see Family History Library and Family History Centers: Library Services and Resources (32957). For addresses and telephone numbers of centers near you, telephone Family History Center Support, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. mountain time, at 800-346- 6044. | *'''''Family History Centers.''''' Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to our Family History Centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service. The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books that are not protected by copyright can be obtained on microfilm or microfiche. For more information see [[Family History Library and Family History Centers: Library Services and Resources|Family History Library and Family History Centers: Library Services and Resources]] (32957). For addresses and telephone numbers of centers near you, [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp click here], or telephone Family History Center Support, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. mountain time, at 800-346- 6044. | ||
*'''''Local libraries and interlibrary loan.''''' Public and university libraries have many published sources as well as some records on microform. Most of these libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow many records from other libraries. Although books at the Family History Library cannot be loaned to a Family History Center or other libraries, copies of these same books can often be obtained through your nearest public library. | *'''''Local libraries and interlibrary loan.''''' Public and university libraries have many published sources as well as some records on microform. Most of these libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow many records from other libraries. Although books at the Family History Library cannot be loaned to a Family History Center or other libraries, copies of these same books can often be obtained through your nearest public library. | ||
*'''''Courthouses and archives.''''' Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the | *'''''Courthouses and archives.''''' Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the “[[United_States_Archives_and_Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” section of this article for further information.) | ||
*'''''Genealogical and Historical Societies.''''' Many counties and states have genealogical and historical societies that collect family and local histories, Bible records, cemetery records, genealogies, manuscripts, newspapers, and records of pioneers. Some societies are able to briefly search their records for you. (See also the | *'''''Genealogical and Historical Societies.''''' Many counties and states have genealogical and historical societies that collect family and local histories, Bible records, cemetery records, genealogies, manuscripts, newspapers, and records of pioneers. Some societies are able to briefly search their records for you. (See also the “[[United_States_Societies|Societies]]” section of this article.) | ||
*'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can employ private researchers to search the records for you. Lists of professional researchers are available from the | *'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can employ private researchers to search the records for you. Lists of professional researchers are available on the Internet from the • [http://www.icapgen.com/Programs/aglist.htm#SearchAG International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists], • [http://www.bcgcertification.org/associates/index.php Board for Certification of Genealogists], and the • [http://www.apgen.org/directory/search.html?type=geo_specialty&new_search=true Association of Professional Genealogists]. Local archives, libraries, and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. For more information about professional researchers see the [[Hiring_a_Professional_Researcher|Hiring a Professional Genealogist Resource Guide]] Wiki article. | ||
*'''''Photocopies.''''' The Family History Library and many other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. Most will provide a few photocopies, but only if you specify the exact pages you need. Many will also photocopy a few pages of an index or an alphabetical record (such as a city directory) for a specific surname. | *'''''Photocopies.''''' The Family History Library and many other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. Most will provide a few photocopies, but only if you specify the exact pages you need. Many will also photocopy a few pages of an index or an alphabetical record (such as a city directory) for a specific surname. | ||
*'''''Publishers.''''' You can purchase records from their publishers if the records are still in print. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is: | *'''''Publishers.''''' You can purchase records from their publishers if the records are still in print. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is: | ||