Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:FHL Catgalog search options.jpg|thumb|right|400px]]The Family History Library Catalog describes the records in the collection at the [[Family History Library]]. It is a guide to family histories; birth, marriage, and death records; census records; church registers; and many other records that may contain genealogical information. These records may be in a book, on microfiche or microfilm, or in a computer file. Most microfilm and microfiche records can be sent to your nearest [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Center]]. | [[Image:FHL Catgalog search options.jpg|thumb|right|400px]]The Family History Library Catalog describes the records in the collection at the [[Family History Library]]. It is a guide to family histories; birth, marriage, and death records; census records; church registers; and many other records that may contain genealogical information. These records may be in a book, on microfiche or microfilm, or in a computer file. Most microfilm and microfiche records can be sent to your nearest [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Center]]. | ||
The | The [https://familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog] is available for free on the Internet as part of FamilySearch.org, on compact disc, and on microfiche. | ||
Before you use the Family History Library Catalog, [[Guessing the Easiest to Research Person and Event|choose a person about whom you want to find more information]], and decide what you want to learn about him or her. For example, you may want to find your great-grandmother's death date and place. To do this, you need to [[Guessing a Record Type to Use|decide what types of records are likely to contain that information]]. | Before you use the Family History Library Catalog, [[Guessing the Easiest to Research Person and Event|choose a person about whom you want to find more information]], and decide what you want to learn about him or her. For example, you may want to find your great-grandmother's death date and place. To do this, you need to [[Guessing a Record Type to Use|decide what types of records are likely to contain that information]]. | ||
== Which Catalog Search Should I Try? == | == Which Catalog Search Should I Try? == | ||
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'''Do This Type of Search:''' | '''Do This Type of Search:''' | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
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'''To Find the Following Types of Catalog Entries:''' | '''To Find the Following Types of Catalog Entries:''' | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Place Search|Place Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Place Search|Place Search]]''' | ||
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Look for a record by the name of a place (locality) where an ancestor lived. | Look for a record by the name of a place (locality) where an ancestor lived. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Surname Search|Surname Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Surname Search|Surname Search]]''' | ||
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Find family histories (and more) by a particular family name. | Find family histories (and more) by a particular family name. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Keyword Search|Keyword Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Keyword Search|Keyword Search]]''' | ||
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Get a record using any words or phrases in significant parts of its catalog entry. | Get a record using any words or phrases in significant parts of its catalog entry. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Title Search|Title Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Title Search|Title Search]]''' | ||
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Find a record by its title. | Find a record by its title. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Film or Fiche Search|Film/Fiche Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Film or Fiche Search|Film/Fiche Search]]''' | ||
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See catalog details by finding the Library's microfilm or microfiche number. | See catalog details by finding the Library's microfilm or microfiche number. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Author Search|Author Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Author Search|Author Search]]''' | ||
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To find the works of an author by his name (individual or corporate). | To find the works of an author by his name (individual or corporate). | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Subject Search|Subject Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Subject Search|Subject Search]]''' | ||
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To discover works based on the topics they cover. | To discover works based on the topics they cover. | ||
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'''[[Family History Library Catalog Call Number Search|Call Number Search]]''' | '''[[Family History Library Catalog Call Number Search|Call Number Search]]''' | ||
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See catalog entries by finding their book, compact disc, or pedigree call number. | See catalog entries by finding their book, compact disc, or pedigree call number. | ||
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'''Before concluding it is not in the Family History Library Catalog''' try the following strategies: | '''Before concluding it is not in the Family History Library Catalog''' try the following strategies: | ||
*Look again in Surname Search for [[Guessing a Name Variation|variations of the family name]].<br> | *Look again in Surname Search for [[Guessing a Name Variation|variations of the family name]].<br> | ||
*Change the jurisdiction in Place Search. For example, if it is not at the county level, try again under the town, state, or national levels, or in neighboring counties and towns.<br> | *Change the jurisdiction in Place Search. For example, if it is not at the county level, try again under the town, state, or national levels, or in neighboring counties and towns.<br> | ||
*Try a variety of searches. Use a Keyword Search, Subject Search, Author Search, or Title Search. | *Try a variety of searches. Use a Keyword Search, Subject Search, Author Search, or Title Search. | ||
*Try again later. The Family History Library is constantly acquiring new materials. | *Try again later. The Family History Library is constantly acquiring new materials. | ||
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<br> ''[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Introduction_to_the_Family_History_Library_Catalog Top of page] < Previous | Next > [[Family History Library Catalog Place Search|Place Search]]'' | <br> ''[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Introduction_to_the_Family_History_Library_Catalog Top of page] < Previous | Next > [[Family History Library Catalog Place Search|Place Search]]'' | ||
[[Category:Family_History_Library_Catalog|Family_History_Library_Catalog]] [[Category:Online_library_catalogs|Online_library_catalogs]] [[Category: | [[Category:Family_History_Library_Catalog|Family_History_Library_Catalog]] [[Category:Online_library_catalogs|Online_library_catalogs]] [[Category:FamilySearch_Research_Classes_Online]] | ||
Revision as of 19:25, 24 May 2011
What Is the Family History Library Catalog?[edit | edit source]
The Family History Library Catalog describes the records in the collection at the Family History Library. It is a guide to family histories; birth, marriage, and death records; census records; church registers; and many other records that may contain genealogical information. These records may be in a book, on microfiche or microfilm, or in a computer file. Most microfilm and microfiche records can be sent to your nearest Family History Center.
The Family History Library Catalog is available for free on the Internet as part of FamilySearch.org, on compact disc, and on microfiche.
Before you use the Family History Library Catalog, choose a person about whom you want to find more information, and decide what you want to learn about him or her. For example, you may want to find your great-grandmother's death date and place. To do this, you need to decide what types of records are likely to contain that information.
Which Catalog Search Should I Try?[edit | edit source]
The type of search you should do is determined by the kind of catalog entries or records you want to find. Click on the name of each search to learn more.
Use the following table to determine what type of search to do:
Do This Type of Search: |
To Find the Following Types of Catalog Entries: |
|
Look for a record by the name of a place (locality) where an ancestor lived. | |
|
Find family histories (and more) by a particular family name. | |
|
Get a record using any words or phrases in significant parts of its catalog entry. | |
|
Find a record by its title. | |
|
See catalog details by finding the Library's microfilm or microfiche number. | |
|
To find the works of an author by his name (individual or corporate). | |
|
To discover works based on the topics they cover. | |
|
See catalog entries by finding their book, compact disc, or pedigree call number. |
When It's Not in the Catalog[edit | edit source]
Before concluding it is not in the Family History Library Catalog try the following strategies:
- Look again in Surname Search for variations of the family name.
- Change the jurisdiction in Place Search. For example, if it is not at the county level, try again under the town, state, or national levels, or in neighboring counties and towns.
- Try a variety of searches. Use a Keyword Search, Subject Search, Author Search, or Title Search.
- Try again later. The Family History Library is constantly acquiring new materials.
Try other repositories. Many other libraries and archives have information about ancestors. Try their online catalogs to see if they have what you need. For example, try catalogs like the WorldCat (world's largest network of online content and services), or the Daughters of the American Revolution Online Library Catalog.
If a repository's catalog is not online, try contacting them by phone or mail to learn if they have records about an ancestor. For a directory of U.S. historical genealogical societies see http://www.obitlinkspage.com/hs/index.html For a list of various kinds of libraries and archives try dir.yahoo.com/Reference/Libraries/
Search the Internet. Many records are being digitized and put on the Internet. Search engines like Google, or Yahoo can help locate information. Also the Family History Library Internet Favorites can help find useful genealogical Internet sites.
Related Content[edit | edit source]
- Abbreviations in the Family History Library Catalog
- Deciphering Family History Library Catalog Entries
- Family History Library Catalog Locality Subject Subdivisons
- Family History Library Catalog Overview (11 minute online video)
Top of page < Previous | Next > Place Search