A Guide to Research: Difference between revisions

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== Purpose of the Guide  ==
== Purpose of the Guide  ==


The purpose of this guide is to help you discover your ancestry using the records available in the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or one of the more than two thousand family history centers located throughout the world.  
The purpose of this guide is to help you discover your ancestry using the records available in the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or one of the more than two thousand FamilySearch centers located throughout the world.  


== FamilySearch Library and Related Services  ==
== FamilySearch Library and Related Services  ==
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Since it was established in 1894, the FamilySearch Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become the largest of its kind in the world. The library has collected millions of microfilms, thousands of microfiche and books, and many other records. Most of the microfilms have been acquired through an extensive microfilming program that began in 1938. Microfilmers are presently filming original documents in churches, courthouses, and other archives in many countries. The originals of these microfilms are preserved in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. The telephone number is 1-866-406-1830; Email address fhl@familysearch.org.<br>  
Since it was established in 1894, the FamilySearch Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become the largest of its kind in the world. The library has collected millions of microfilms, thousands of microfiche and books, and many other records. Most of the microfilms have been acquired through an extensive microfilming program that began in 1938. Microfilmers are presently filming original documents in churches, courthouses, and other archives in many countries. The originals of these microfilms are preserved in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. The telephone number is 1-866-406-1830; Email address fhl@familysearch.org.<br>  


Copies of the microfilms are available for use at the FamilySearch Library and in some [[Introduction to Family History Centers|family history centers]]. The FamilySearch Library is designed to help individuals who need help in learning and searching records to extend their family lines. Some information collected by the library is available on the Internet at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch].<br>
Copies of the microfilms are available for use at the FamilySearch Library and in some [[Introduction to FamilySearch Centers|FamilySearch centers]]. The FamilySearch Library is designed to help individuals who need help in learning and searching records to extend their family lines. Some information collected by the library is available on the Internet at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch].<br>


==== Family History Centers  ====
==== FamilySearch Centers  ====


[[Introduction to Family History Centers|Family History Centers]] are located throughout the world. Each has a basic collection of records and research publications to assist researchers. Each center has computers with Internet access.<br>
[[Introduction to FamilySearch Centers|FamilySearch Centers]] are located throughout the world. Each has a basic collection of records and research publications to assist researchers. Each center has computers with Internet access.<br>


==== Services and Resources  ====
==== Services and Resources  ====
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== Research Process  ==
== Research Process  ==


Family History research involves five basic steps. Each step is explained below. Staff members in the FamilySearch Library or family history centers will be glad to help you complete these steps. A Research Overview is available as a [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/lessons/switzerland-online-gazetteer-ortsnamenvideo presentation] to introduce you to the research process.  
Family History research involves five basic steps. Each step is explained below. Staff members in the FamilySearch Library or FamilySearch centers will be glad to help you complete these steps. A Research Overview is available as a [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/lessons/switzerland-online-gazetteer-ortsnamenvideo presentation] to introduce you to the research process.  


[[Image:Research Guide1.jpg|Research Guide1]]  
[[Image:Research Guide1.jpg|Research Guide1]]  
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==== Identify a Record Category  ====
==== Identify a Record Category  ====


The FamilySearch Library and family history centers have the following basic categories of records.  
The FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch centers have the following basic categories of records.  


*Compiled Records  
*Compiled Records  
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These are records of previous research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. Though compiled records are very helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. The information is submitted by library patrons and is not verified by the FamilySearch Library. Always carefully evaluate the information you find.  
These are records of previous research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. Though compiled records are very helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. The information is submitted by library patrons and is not verified by the FamilySearch Library. Always carefully evaluate the information you find.  


It can be helpful to search compiled records first. You can save a lot of time by seeing what information others have already found about your family. Compiled records can usually be searched quickly and easily. The following compiled records are available at the FamilySearch Library or family history centers.  
It can be helpful to search compiled records first. You can save a lot of time by seeing what information others have already found about your family. Compiled records can usually be searched quickly and easily. The following compiled records are available at the FamilySearch Library or FamilySearch centers.  


'''Ancestral File'''  
'''Ancestral File'''  
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'''Family Histories'''  
'''Family Histories'''  


The library has thousands of family histories. In a family history, you may find genealogical information, photographs, biographical sketches, and stories about the family. Books are usually available only in the FamilySearch Library. However, most histories are also available on microfilm or microfiche and can be viewed at the FamilySearch Library or some family history centers.  
The library has thousands of family histories. In a family history, you may find genealogical information, photographs, biographical sketches, and stories about the family. Books are usually available only in the FamilySearch Library. However, most histories are also available on microfilm or microfiche and can be viewed at the FamilySearch Library or some FamilySearch centers.  


To find a family history, you will need to use the "Surname" section of the FamilySearch Catalog (if using the microfiche edition) or the "Surname" search in FamilySearch. The catalog does not list every name found in a family history. Only major families found in a history are listed. Look for your ancestor's surname (last name).  
To find a family history, you will need to use the "Surname" section of the FamilySearch Catalog (if using the microfiche edition) or the "Surname" search in FamilySearch. The catalog does not list every name found in a family history. Only major families found in a history are listed. Look for your ancestor's surname (last name).  
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Passenger lists or other immigration records may provide the date or ship on which an immigrant ancestor arrived or the name of the port to which he came.  
Passenger lists or other immigration records may provide the date or ship on which an immigrant ancestor arrived or the name of the port to which he came.  


Note: To find the records of an immigrant's place of origin, you usually need to know the exact city, town, or county where he lived. If you do not know this, search the records of the country to which he migrated. For more information, see the publication Tracing Immigrant Origins, available at the library or family history centers.  
Note: To find the records of an immigrant's place of origin, you usually need to know the exact city, town, or county where he lived. If you do not know this, search the records of the country to which he migrated. For more information, see the publication Tracing Immigrant Origins, available at the library or FamilySearch centers.  


===== Other Original Documents  =====
===== Other Original Documents  =====
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Copy centers are located on each floor of the FamilySearch Library and the FamilySearch Center. Machines are available to copy books, microfilm, and microfiche.  
Copy centers are located on each floor of the FamilySearch Library and the FamilySearch Center. Machines are available to copy books, microfilm, and microfiche.  


Many family history centers have equipment for photocopying books, microfilm, and microfiche.
Many FamilySearch centers have equipment for photocopying books, microfilm, and microfiche.


Please be aware that many of the books, microfilms, and microfiche in the library are copyrighted. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.  
Please be aware that many of the books, microfilms, and microfiche in the library are copyrighted. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.  
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*Notes, research logs, and copies of documents behind the related family group record
*Notes, research logs, and copies of documents behind the related family group record


A number of computer programs can help you organize your records on your home computer. For information about programs that are compatible with FamilySearch (meaning they can share data easily with any FamilySearch file), see a staff member. One of these programs, Personal Ancestral File, is available for use at the FamilySearch Library and at most family history centers.  
A number of computer programs can help you organize your records on your home computer. For information about programs that are compatible with FamilySearch (meaning they can share data easily with any FamilySearch file), see a staff member. One of these programs, Personal Ancestral File, is available for use at the FamilySearch Library and at most FamilySearch centers.  


==== Share Information  ====
==== Share Information  ====
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*Another ancestor to learn about.
*Another ancestor to learn about.


You can learn more about how to do research in the and at family history centers.  
You can learn more about how to do research in the and at FamilySearch centers.  


We hope this brief introduction will help you develop a lifelong interest in your family history. We invite you to return to the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or a family history center as often as you would like. Please let us know if we can be of any further help.
We hope this brief introduction will help you develop a lifelong interest in your family history. We invite you to return to the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or a family history center as often as you would like. Please let us know if we can be of any further help.
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==== Orientation  ====
==== Orientation  ====


A brief orientation program is available at the FamilySearch Library. To preserve the quiet research environment of the library, guided tours are not provided. Family history centers may provide orientation programs, including guided tours. Ask a staff member.  
A brief orientation program is available at the FamilySearch Library. To preserve the quiet research environment of the library, guided tours are not provided. FamilySearch centers may provide orientation programs, including guided tours. Ask a staff member.  


An orientation to FamilySearch and the FamilySearch Center is available on each FamilySearch computer in the center.  
An orientation to FamilySearch and the FamilySearch Center is available on each FamilySearch computer in the center.  
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==== Group Visits  ====
==== Group Visits  ====


For group visits, please contact the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or a family history center in advance for a list of services, hours, holiday schedules, and other information that can make your visit more successful. Basic services are listed in the publication FamilySearch Library and Family History Centers Services and Resources. This publication is updated annually. Ensure that your group is prepared to use the facility. In the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Center, you can request a room for classes or meetings. The FamilySearch Center has rooms available with FamilySearch computers for group activities.  
For group visits, please contact the FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, or a family history center in advance for a list of services, hours, holiday schedules, and other information that can make your visit more successful. Basic services are listed in the publication FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Centers Services and Resources. This publication is updated annually. Ensure that your group is prepared to use the facility. In the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Center, you can request a room for classes or meetings. The FamilySearch Center has rooms available with FamilySearch computers for group activities.  


When you are in the research areas of the FamilySearch Library, please separate into groups of no more than five, with a leader for each group.  
When you are in the research areas of the FamilySearch Library, please separate into groups of no more than five, with a leader for each group.  
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The FamilySearch Library will respond to any questions that can be answered briefly but does not provide a research service. Ask a staff member for a Reference Questionnaire form on which to send your question.  
The FamilySearch Library will respond to any questions that can be answered briefly but does not provide a research service. Ask a staff member for a Reference Questionnaire form on which to send your question.  


==== Family History Centers  ====
==== FamilySearch Centers  ====


Family History Centers are located throughout the world. Some of them have copies of the FamilySearch Library's microfilms. Go to the following [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ website] to find the nearest Family History Center. Call ahead to see if films are available.
FamilySearch Centers are located throughout the world. Some of them have copies of the FamilySearch Library's microfilms. Go to the following [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ website] to find the nearest Family History Center. Call ahead to see if films are available.


==== Other Libraries and Archives  ====
==== Other Libraries and Archives  ====
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==  Library Rules  ==
==  Library Rules  ==


The FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, and family history centers offer their services to the public with the understanding that those who use the collection will abide by the guidelines governing such use. Please observe the following rules so that all patrons can successfully use the facilities:  
The FamilySearch Library, the FamilySearch Center, and FamilySearch centers offer their services to the public with the understanding that those who use the collection will abide by the guidelines governing such use. Please observe the following rules so that all patrons can successfully use the facilities:  


*Please handle the equipment, books, and other materials carefully.  
*Please handle the equipment, books, and other materials carefully.