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''[[Principles of Family History Research| | ''[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Obtain and Search the Records|Step 4. Obtain and Search the Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Obtain_the_Records|Obtain the Records]]'' | ||
When you selected a record (in Step 3), you may have learned at which library or archives the record is located. | When you selected a record (in Step 3), you may have learned at which library or archives the record is located. | ||
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There are many resources on the internet that you can review from the comfort of your own home. Some are free and some charge for searching and viewing the images: | There are many resources on the internet that you can review from the comfort of your own home. Some are free and some charge for searching and viewing the images: | ||
[[Online Genealogy Records by Location|Online databases and images of | [[Online Genealogy Records by Location|Online databases and images of records]] | ||
*Once on the page, click on the country your ancestor lived in during the event. For example, if your ancestor died in England, choose England and review the links for death records. | *Once on the page, click on the country your ancestor lived in during the event. For example, if your ancestor died in England, choose England and review the links for death records. | ||
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== Family History Library == | == Family History Library == | ||
The [[Family History | The [[Family History Library]] in Salt Lake City has the largest collection of genealogical information in the world. Even if you did not use the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] to select your records, many of the records you select are likely available through the library and its branch centers. For more details about the library's services and resources see the FamilySearch Internet site, click [https://library.familysearch.org/centers/saltlakecity-library here.] | ||
If the microfilm or microfiche you wish to view at the Family History Library is located at the "vault," you can now order it into the library before you come to visit. Use the [https://film.familysearch.org/fhl FamilySearch Microfilm | If the microfilm or microfiche you wish to view at the Family History Library is located at the "vault," you can now order it into the library before you come to visit. Use the [https://film.familysearch.org/fhl FamilySearch Microfilm Ordering] website for the Family History Library. Instructions on how to order the films can be found on [[Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche from a Family History Center|Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche From a Family History Center]]. | ||
== FamilySearch Centers == | == FamilySearch Centers == | ||
There are over 4,500 family history centers around the world where researchers can use most of the records in the Family History Library. Most records are available on microfilm or microfiche and can be used for a small handling fee. You can order a microfilm into your local Family History Center by using the [https://film.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch Microfilm | There are over 4,500 family history centers around the world where researchers can use most of the records in the Family History Library. Most records are available on microfilm or microfiche and can be used for a small handling fee. You can order a microfilm into your local Family History Center by using the [https://film.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch Microfilm Ordering] website. For more information click on [[Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche from a Family History Center|Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche From a Family History Center]]. | ||
Most centers are small facilities and are located in meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These centers are sponsored by the Church for research. They are open to the public free of charge. The volunteer staff at the centers can help you use the collection, although they cannot do research for you. | Most centers are small facilities and are located in meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These centers are sponsored by the Church for research. They are open to the public free of charge. The volunteer staff at the centers can help you use the collection, although they cannot do research for you. | ||
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== Other Research Libraries == | == Other Research Libraries == | ||
Major research libraries with significant genealogical collections are found in every country. They include national libraries, such as the United States Library of Congress, or the British Library, private libraries such as the Society of Genealogists Library in London, and major public libraries such as the [[New York Public | Major research libraries with significant genealogical collections are found in every country. They include national libraries, such as the United States Library of Congress, or the British Library, private libraries such as the Society of Genealogists Library in London, and major public libraries such as the [[New York Public Library]]. | ||
Major libraries are identified in Wiki articles for most nations, each province in Canada, and each state of the United States. Most major cities have good private or public libraries. Libraries in the United States and Canada with genealogical collections are described in— | Major libraries are identified in Wiki articles for most nations, each province in Canada, and each state of the United States. Most major cities have good private or public libraries. Libraries in the United States and Canada with genealogical collections are described in— | ||
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Filby, P. William. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=578166&disp=Directory+of+American+libraries+with+gen%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Directory of American Libraries with Genealogy or Local History Collections'']. Wilmington, Del.: Scholarly Resources, 1988. (FHL book 973 A3fi) | Filby, P. William. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=578166&disp=Directory+of+American+libraries+with+gen%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Directory of American Libraries with Genealogy or Local History Collections'']. Wilmington, Del.: Scholarly Resources, 1988. (FHL book 973 A3fi) | ||
An Internet catalog for hundreds of U.S. and Canadian public and college libraries is available at [http://www.worldcat.org/ | An Internet catalog for hundreds of U.S. and Canadian public and college libraries is available at [http://www.worldcat.org/ WorldCat]. If you find a source in this catalog, you can see which libraries have a copy, and how far that library is from your zip code. | ||
Ask a librarian to help you use the library catalog, which is the key to the collection. Every research library has some collections not available elsewhere as well as records found in other repositories. Some libraries collect extensively for a specific area and may be the best source for that area. | Ask a librarian to help you use the library catalog, which is the key to the collection. Every research library has some collections not available elsewhere as well as records found in other repositories. Some libraries collect extensively for a specific area and may be the best source for that area. | ||
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Public and college libraries have many published and some microform records. They usually have a good family history collection for the town or county they serve. Most have a reference collection and can help you locate other records of interest. Small local libraries can offer invaluable information to the researcher. They often have copies of local newspapers which contain obituary information with much detail. Many of these newspapers have been microfilmed, and the only place to find them is at the local library. | Public and college libraries have many published and some microform records. They usually have a good family history collection for the town or county they serve. Most have a reference collection and can help you locate other records of interest. Small local libraries can offer invaluable information to the researcher. They often have copies of local newspapers which contain obituary information with much detail. Many of these newspapers have been microfilmed, and the only place to find them is at the local library. | ||
Directories of public libraries are available for most major countries, for example see [http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/ | Directories of public libraries are available for most major countries, for example see [http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/ Libweb]. | ||
Make friends with librarians and archivists. Being nice to the staff at a library or archives often pays big dividends. | Make friends with librarians and archivists. Being nice to the staff at a library or archives often pays big dividends. | ||
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Many libraries will ''not'' lend family histories. Some rental libraries (described below) include family histories in their circulating collection. One public library with an extensive collection of genealogical material that does make them available on inter-library loan is— | Many libraries will ''not'' lend family histories. Some rental libraries (described below) include family histories in their circulating collection. One public library with an extensive collection of genealogical material that does make them available on inter-library loan is— | ||
:[[Mid-Continent Public Library Midwest Genealogy Center|Midwest Genealogy | :[[Mid-Continent Public Library Midwest Genealogy Center|Midwest Genealogy Center]]<br> | ||
:Mid-Continent Public Library<br> | :Mid-Continent Public Library<br> | ||
:3440 S. Lee's Summit Road<br> | :3440 S. Lee's Summit Road<br> | ||
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Another option is to request a list of private researchers for hire at their archives. | Another option is to request a list of private researchers for hire at their archives. | ||
For a directory of archives arranged by state, province, or nation, see [http://www.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Other.Repositories.html Repositories of Primary | For a directory of archives arranged by state, province, or nation, see [http://www.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Other.Repositories.html Repositories of Primary Sources]. | ||
== Societies == | == Societies == | ||
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Many societies maintain small collections of records. Their collections may include membership information, local history, and query files that identify the interests of researchers. Many historical societies are open to the public. Others, sponsored by a genealogical society or a fraternal or ethnic group, may be restricted to members. Most are usually quite helpful to all researchers. Some surname organizations have extensive collections the names in which they are interested. | Many societies maintain small collections of records. Their collections may include membership information, local history, and query files that identify the interests of researchers. Many historical societies are open to the public. Others, sponsored by a genealogical society or a fraternal or ethnic group, may be restricted to members. Most are usually quite helpful to all researchers. Some surname organizations have extensive collections the names in which they are interested. | ||
Wiki articles identify major societies. For an Internet list of local United States genealogical societies see [http://www.obitlinkspage.com/hs/index.html Historical and Genealogical Societies of the United | Wiki articles identify major societies. For an Internet list of local United States genealogical societies see [http://www.obitlinkspage.com/hs/index.html Historical and Genealogical Societies of the United States]. Addresses and descriptions of professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, military, fraternal, nationality, cultural and religious organizations, veterans and lineage societies, fan clubs, and other groups of all types throughout the world are given in— | ||
''Encyclopedia of Associations'', published in three series: ''National Organizations of the U.S.'' (22,200), ''International Organizations'' (22,300), and ''Regional, States and Local Organizations'' (115,000). (Detroit: Gale Research, annual) Available on the Internet as part of [http://w3.nexis.com/sources/ | ''Encyclopedia of Associations'', published in three series: ''National Organizations of the U.S.'' (22,200), ''International Organizations'' (22,300), and ''Regional, States and Local Organizations'' (115,000). (Detroit: Gale Research, annual) Available on the Internet as part of [http://w3.nexis.com/sources/ LexisNexis]; {{WorldCat|1223579|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|125733|item|disp=FHL Book 973 E4gr}}. | ||
== Publishers and Booksellers == | == Publishers and Booksellers == | ||
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Dina C. Carson, ''Directory of Genealogical and Historical Society Periodicals in the US and Canada'' (Niwot, Colo.: Iron Gate Publishing, 2002). {{WorldCat|48937383|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1035251|item|disp=FHL Book 970 D25c}}. | Dina C. Carson, ''Directory of Genealogical and Historical Society Periodicals in the US and Canada'' (Niwot, Colo.: Iron Gate Publishing, 2002). {{WorldCat|48937383|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1035251|item|disp=FHL Book 970 D25c}}. | ||
Many journals have their own excellent indexes. English language (and French-Canadian) genealogical periodicals are also collectively indexed on the Internet in the [[Periodical Source Index (PERSI)|''Periodical Source Index'']] at [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/persi Heritage Quest | Many journals have their own excellent indexes. English language (and French-Canadian) genealogical periodicals are also collectively indexed on the Internet in the [[Periodical Source Index (PERSI)|''Periodical Source Index'']] at [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/persi Heritage Quest Online]. This is a subscription site, but many [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Centers]] and other genealogical libraries have a subscription and let visitors use it for free. | ||
=== '''E-mail and Correspondence''' === | === '''E-mail and Correspondence''' === | ||
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But, if you cannot visit a records repository, you may e-mail or write to archives or organizations to request a copy of the records you need. You may learn about other researchers who are willing to share their findings with you. For difficult problems, you may want to hire a professional researcher to help you. | But, if you cannot visit a records repository, you may e-mail or write to archives or organizations to request a copy of the records you need. You may learn about other researchers who are willing to share their findings with you. For difficult problems, you may want to hire a professional researcher to help you. | ||
When writing to request services, you will be more successful if your e-mail or letter is brief and specific. You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopy or search services, although some organizations will bill you later. The Family History Library has published brief "[[:Category:Letter Writing Guides|Letter-Writing | When writing to request services, you will be more successful if your e-mail or letter is brief and specific. You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopy or search services, although some organizations will bill you later. The Family History Library has published brief "[[:Category:Letter Writing Guides|Letter-Writing Guides]]" for some European countries. | ||
Keep the following in mind as you prepare your correspondence: | Keep the following in mind as you prepare your correspondence: | ||
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For more information about how to write for genealogical records see— | For more information about how to write for genealogical records see— | ||
"Correspondence 101" at Introduction to Genealogy [Internet | "Correspondence 101" at Introduction to Genealogy [Internet site] at http://genealogy.about.com/library/lessons/blintro3e.htm [accessed 6 April 2008]. | ||
Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan, "Guide to Genealogical Correspondence" at GSWC [Internet | Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County, Michigan, "Guide to Genealogical Correspondence" at GSWC [Internet site] at http://www.hvcn.org/info/gswc/bibliography/correspond.htm [accessed 6 April 2008]. | ||
Cache Genealogical Library, ''Handbook for Genealogical Correspondence'', Rev. ed. (Logan, Utah: Everton Publ., 1974). {{WorldCat|996459|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|195388|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27hk}}. | Cache Genealogical Library, ''Handbook for Genealogical Correspondence'', Rev. ed. (Logan, Utah: Everton Publ., 1974). {{WorldCat|996459|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|195388|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27hk}}. | ||
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"Libraries, Archives, and Museums Index" at Cyndi's List at http://www.cyndislist.com/libes.htm [accessed 8 April 2008]. | "Libraries, Archives, and Museums Index" at Cyndi's List at http://www.cyndislist.com/libes.htm [accessed 8 April 2008]. | ||
Historical and Genealogical Societies of the United States [Internet | Historical and Genealogical Societies of the United States [Internet site] at http://www.obitlinkspage.com/hs/ [accessed 6 April 2008]. | ||
Elizabeth Petty Bentley, ''Genealogist's Address Book: State and Local Resources, with Special Resources Including Ethnic and Religious Organizations'', 6th ed. (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Pub., 2009). {{WorldCat|317917451|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1619813|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D24ben 2009}}. | Elizabeth Petty Bentley, ''Genealogist's Address Book: State and Local Resources, with Special Resources Including Ethnic and Religious Organizations'', 6th ed. (Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Pub., 2009). {{WorldCat|317917451|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1619813|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D24ben 2009}}. | ||
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Similar lists are available from organizations in other countries. See Wiki articles or handbooks for specific addresses. Local libraries and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. | Similar lists are available from organizations in other countries. See Wiki articles or handbooks for specific addresses. Local libraries and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. | ||
For more information see [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|Hiring a Professional | For more information see [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|Hiring a Professional Researcher]]. | ||
'''''Photocopies.''''' The [[Family History | '''''Photocopies.''''' The [[Family History Library]] (see [[Photoduplication Services|Photoduplication Services]]) and many other libraries will make limited photocopies for a small fee. You will need to 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. | ||
If they provide any at all, most libraries offer only limited correspondence services, primarily to help patrons get access to the library's records. They do not offer extensive research services. Inquire about the services or fees before you send a request. Limit requests to one or two questions or topics. For detailed requests, you will need to hire a professional genealogist. | If they provide any at all, most libraries offer only limited correspondence services, primarily to help patrons get access to the library's records. They do not offer extensive research services. Inquire about the services or fees before you send a request. Limit requests to one or two questions or topics. For detailed requests, you will need to hire a professional genealogist. | ||
{{Principles}} | {{Principles}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Repositories]] [[Category:Obtain_and_Search_the_Records|Obtain_and_Search_the_Records]] | ||
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