A Guide to Research: Difference between revisions

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<h4> Family History Centers </h4>

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<h3> Research Process </h3>

</p><p>Each step is explained on the following pages. Staff members will be glad to help you complete these steps. It is helpful if you have already done steps 1 and 2 before coming.

</p><p>In addition to this booklet, the video presentation A Guide to Research is also available to introduce you to the research process.

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<h2> 1. Identify What You Know About Your Family </h2>

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<h3> Fill Out a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record </h3>

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<h2> 2. Decide What You Want to Learn About Your Family </h2>

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<h3> Select an Ancestor </h3>

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<h2> 3. Select Records to Search </h2>

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<h3> Identify a Record Category </h3>

<p>The International Genealogical Index contains millions of names of deceased persons from around the world, and new names are added periodically. It lists birth and marriage information and dates of ordinances performed in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also gives the sources of the information. Many of the names come from original birth and marriage records from the early 1500s to 1875. Other names were submitted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The index is available on computer as part of FamilySearch and on microfiche.

</p><p>The index identifies only the parents or spouse of a person. It does not show family members linked together in pedigrees or family groups as does Ancestral File.

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<h4> International Genealogical Index </h4>

</p><p>After you find catalog entries that contain your ancestor's surname, read the descriptions to see if the family history matches the time period and place in which your ancestor lived. The computer version of the catalog allows you to search for key words in the descriptions. This feature can save you time if many family histories contain your ancestor's surname.

</p><p>When you find a book or microfilm that you want to view, write the complete call number, author, and title in your research log (see the example). Then obtain the book or microfilm as explained in step 4.

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<h4> Family History Library Catalog Entry, Surname Section </h4>

<h4> Other Sources of Compiled Records </h4>

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<ul><li> Genealogies

</p><p>When you find the records for the place where your ancestor lived, read the descriptions to see if a record covers the time period you need. Indexes are often available for original records. If one is available, search the index first.

</p><p>If you do not find any records listed under a place, search for records of other jurisdictions, such as the state, county, or city. You can also look for records of nearby places. Do not hesitate to ask a staff member for assistance.

</p><p>Family History Library Catalog Entry, Locality Section

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<h2> 4. Obtain and Search the Record </h2>

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<h3> Obtain the Record </h3>

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<h2> 5. Use the Information </h2>

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<h3> Evaluate the Information </h3>

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<h4> Accredited Genealogist® Professionals </h4>

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<h4> Correspondence </h4>

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<p><span class="fck_mw_nowiki">*Outside the United States and Canada, see &quot;Civil Registration&quot; instead of &quot;Vital Records.&quot;</span>

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