Acronyms and Abbreviations: Difference between revisions

 

There are many acronymns and [[Abbreviations Found in Genealogy Records|abbreviated words]] unique to genealogy and family history research that may not be easily found in any other industry's terminology. Here are some of the more commonly used acronyms and abbreviations: <br>  

:[[American Genealogical Biographical Index (AGBI)|American Genealogical Biographical Index]]; A large name index of genealogies published by the [http://www.godfrey.org/ Godfrey Memorial Library]. The data also include unindexed and partially indexed genealogies and several specialized vital record collections and census data from 1790.

:Computer File Index, later known as the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list International Genealogical Index ](IGI).

:[[Family Group Records Collection|Family Group Records Archive]]. This file was maintained by the [[Genealogical Society of Utah|Genealogical Society of Utah]], a forerunner of the current FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch. The archive consists of Family Group sheets in two parts: a MAIN section containing patron submissions from 1942-1969; and a PATRON section containing patron submissions from 1962-1979.

:Submissions to the MAIN section were verified for accuracy and received additional processing when they were submitted. Both sections were microfilmed and made available to FamilySearch Centers.

:[https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/about FamilySearch center] (to find a FamilySearch center near you, '''[https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ click here]''')<br>

:[https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], largest genealogical library in the world. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<br>

:[[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]]; searchable catalog of microfilm, fiche, books and periodicals available through [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.org].<br>

:[[Gedcom|GEnealogical Data COMmunications]] (industry standard file format used by genealogy software programs to transfer data)

:[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list International Genealogical Index]

:[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]

:[https://www.loc.gov/ Library of Congress]; Research arm of the United States Congress. Digital collections include historic newspapers, photographs, family genealogies, biographies and other items of interest to family history researchers.

:[https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ National Genealogical Society]; provides education and training in genealogical research methods and works to promote access to and preservation of genealogical records.

:Personal Ancestral File; freeware genealogy software previously provided by [[FamilySearch]]; discontinued July 15, 2013.  

:Public Records Office; [https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/default.htm National Archives] repository for official public records (birth, marriage, death, census, etc.) for the United Kingdom.<br>

:[[Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Social Security Death Index]]; master file of US death records reported to the [https://www.ssa.gov/ Social Security Administration] available for free on-line through {{RecordSearch|1202535|Social Security Death Index}}, [https://www.ancestry.com/c/family-history-learning-hub/ssdi Ancestry], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank] and other websites.

*[https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~sam/abbr.html Abreviations found in Genealogy] at Rootsweb.

*[https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Glossary-of-genealogical-terms Glossary of Genealogical Terms] at Ancestry.

*[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/EmeryPaper.html#Abbreviations The A to Z of British Genealogical Research (The Emery Paper): Abbreviations] at GENUKI.

*[https://www.geni.com/projects/Abbreviations-Acronyms-for-Genealogy-The-Accepted/3096 Abbreviations & Acronyms for Genealogy - The Accepted] at GENi.

*[http://www.genealogyintime.com/dictionaries/list-of-occupation-abbreviations-page-a.html List of occupation abbreviations] at GenealogyInTime.

*[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Abbreviations_for_English_given_names Abbreviations for English given names] at Wiktionary.

==== FamilySearch Library Resources  ====

*There are also books which give the definitions of many abbreviated words. One such book is "'''{{FSC|1123166|title-id|disp=''Abbreviations &amp; Acronyms: a guide for family historians''}}'''" compiled by Kip Sperry (FS Library book US/Can 929.103Sp37a.)

*Use a [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog Title search] for "abbreviations" in the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] found on the '''www.familysearch.org''' website for other books which define abbreviations and acronyms such as: '''{{FSC|981218|title-id|disp=''Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations Dictionary: a guide to acronyms, abbreviations, contractions, alphabetic symbols, and similar condensed appellations''}}''' by Jennifer Mossman (FS Library book US/Can 428.1 M855a v.1 pt.1 1995.)