FamilySearch Wiki

FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style

Current Version

  • The FamilySearch Wiki Manual of Style is undergoing major revisions as standardization is developed. Please "watch this page" to be aware of changes and additions.

FamilySearch Wiki Manual of Style - Published June 29, 2024

The Wiki Manual of Style (or style guide) is a set of standards for the design and writing of FamilySearch Research Wiki articles. The guide provides direction for visual and technical aspects as well as prose style, grammar, punctuation, formatting, spelling, and Wiki etiquette. The consistent use of style guidelines provides uniformity in style and formatting of Wiki articles, making them easier for readers to understand and utilize.

General Principles

Style Guide: The Chicago Manual of Style is the approved writing style of the FamilySearch Research Wiki.

Respectful interactions: Comments and edits should be made with respect for other users and contributors. FamilySearch Wiki:Etiquette Guidelines

Appropriate content: Content and images must be appropriate to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. Inappropriate content or links will be deleted. All images must be submitted and approved by FamilySearch before it appears in the Wiki.

Neutrality: Articles should be written in a neutral point of view representing fair and without bias all significant views of family history and related topics that have been published by credible sources.

Simplicity: Writing should be clear and simple. When a term is used that may be unfamiliar to readers (for example, "gazetteer"), it should be defined the first time it appears in the body of an article. Avoid using specialized terms or acronyms when a common term is available. As much as possible, the information should be understandable by every reader, even when English is not the user's first language.

Books and Formatting Books

  • Add books to the appropriate type of page according to what the book covers.
    • Example: General and regional histories of a locality relating to a country should only be found on country history topic pages and not a lower jurisdiction such as a state/regional or county/parish page.
    • Example: History of military regiments for a particular war and country should only go on the country military topic page and not lower jurisdictions pages such as a state/regional history page or county page.
    • Example: County histories should only be on the corresponding county page under the heading, Local Histories. It should not be on a state or country history topic page.

Books Allowed in the Wiki

  • Histories of Localities:
    • Histories of localities can include information about when the area was established, early settlers, information about church congregations and local leaders, and information about industry and occupations that may influence the settlement of the area.
    • Histories of localities assist in determining possible records created in the area.
    • Many local histories include biographical sketches with genealogical information about early settlers and local leaders in the area.
    • Examples: County, town, or parish histories
  • Biography Compilations:
    • These books contain short biographies about prominent people of the area including early settlers, prominent families, local leaders of government or private companies, and other local heroes at the time the book was published.
    • Information about family members and immigration information is often included.
  • Reference Books:
    • Reference books of genealogical nature are used to source information found on the Wiki.
    • These books include subjects about record types, research processes, and other information to help provide perspective and understanding of a location, event, or time period. Listing these reference books can lead the researcher to more information regarding a genealogical subject.
    • Some examples of Reference books are (but are not limited to)[1]:
      • Gazetteers or geographical dictionaries
      • Atlases and maps
      • Guides to research in a specific location
      • Government publications or finding aids
      • Archives and other repository finding aids
      • Guides to record types and genealogy handbooks
  • For Further Reading:
    • Books related to a genealogical subject to help assist a researcher locate more detailed information about the subject at hand.
    • Some examples of these books include:
      • Histories describing settlement of a location and other historical events
      • Histories of regiments and other military information from different conflicts
      • Histories on migration patterns in different locations
      • Discussions and resources for:
        • Religions and their records
        • Cultural Groups
        • Occupations
  • Published Indexes:
    • Published indexes can give access to records that are not available in any other way
    • Examples:
      • Record types for a specific locality
      • Prominent indexes in the genealogical field
      • Smaller locations such as county, town, or parish
      • Lesser-known record types

Books Not Allowed in the Wiki

  • Because the Wiki is not a catalog of all known and possible books, only the most applicable and relevant books are allowed on the Wiki. The inclusion of all known books overwhelms Wiki pages. Instead, link to catalogs that may list a book that may be helpful to a user.
  • Books with a narrow scope of including only relatives of one surname or individual limits the potential of finding related ancestors for the general population. Because of this, these types of are not allowed:
    • Biographies: history devoted to one person
    • Autobiographies: an account of a person's life written by that person
    • Surname books: covering a specific surname and follows generations of the family
    • Family histories: publications about ancestors, descendants, and other relatives

List Catalogs to Access Books

  • Direct users to find resources and add them to topic pages
  • Example: Country Compiled Genealogies Wiki pages can list links to: WorldCat, JSTOR, HathiTrust, PERSI, FamilySearch Catalog
  • Exception: For the lowest jurisdiction locality pages, under the correct heading, link back to topic pages that list information about suggested catalogs available to search instead of repeating the information again on the page.

Book Format

  • Title First: All books listed in the body of a Wiki page will give the title first in the format. If you are citing a footnote or bibliographic entry found in References at the bottom of a Wiki page, go to References section.
  • Required Information: The minimum amount of information needed to list a book citation on a Wiki page is the title, author and publication information for a book.
  • Templates: Additional templates and links may be added to the book citation to assist in accessing the book. Instructions.
  • Online Books: Books that are online can be added to the book citation and should follow the proper format. Instructions.
  • Books Published in Non-English Roman Languages: Books published in in Non-English Roman languages will be formatted with the title in the original language, but including an English translation of the title in parentheses immediately following the language title. Example:
  • Titles in Non-Roman Alphabets: Books published in a non-Roman alphabet will be cited with all publication information (including the title) translated into English. A sub-bullet containing an in-language/in-alphabet citation is allowed below the English citation. Because this is the English instance of the FamilySearch Wiki, English is the standard language for Wiki content, and the Roman alphabet is the standard alphabet. To assist users in locating books published in other languages/alphabets, including the original publication information in-language should be included in these circumstances. Example:
    • The Names of People in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (in Arabic), by Abu Aws Ibrahim Al-Shamsan. Riyadh: Al-Rushd Library, 2005. Online at: Archive.org; contains common Saudi personal and family names, including descriptions of how their pronunciation has changed due to Saudi Arabic dialects
      • أسماء الناس في المملكة العربية السعودية, أبو أوس إبراهيم الشمسان. الرياض: مكتبة الرشد, 2005.

Title First Book Format

  • To improve readability for scanning lists on Wiki pages, the title of the book is first in the citation.
  • If you are citing a footnote or bibliographic entry found in References at the bottom of a Wiki page, go to References section.

Instructions:

  • Use the format found below:
*''BOOKTITLE,'' by AUTHOR. PUBLISHINGPLACE:PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE.
  • Replace, BOOKTITLE with the title of the book.
  • Replace, AUTHOR with the first, middle and last name of the author.
  • Replace, PULISHINGPLACE with the city and state the book was published in.
  • Replace, PUBLISHER with the publisher's name.
  • Replace, PUBLISHDATE with the year the book was published.


Example:

  • Monroe County, Ohio: A History, by Theresa A. and Stanley B. Maienknecht. Mt. Vernon, Indiana: Windmill Publications, 1989.



Example wikitext code:

*''Monroe County, Ohio: A History,'' by Theresa A. and Stanley B. Maienknecht. Mt. Vernon, Indiana: Windmill Publications, 1989.



Additional Title First Formatting Guidelines

  • Capitalize the complete title.
  • If the book is a particular volume, add it to the citation.
  • If the title is really long, give the first portion of the title and shorten the title.


Example:

  • Books Are Cool, by John Brown, Peter A. Smith, and Sarah R. White. San Diego, California: Books, Inc., 2002.


Missing Publication Information

  • If there is ever information missing use the following guidelines:
    • Missing author: leave it blank and move on to the publisher information.
    • Missing publication place: use n.p.
    • Missing publisher: use n.p.
    • Missing publication date: use n.d.


Example of no author, no place of publication, no publisher information, and no date of publication,:

  • Niobrara Centennial 1856-1956. n.p: n.p., n.d.


Adding Volume Numbers - Title First
Format:
 *''BOOKTITLE,'' vol. #, by AUTHOR. PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE.

More Than One Author - Title First:
Examples:

  • A Cool Book, by John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. Online at: Website.
  • Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889, vol. 1, ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)


Examples in wikitext: 

*''A Cool Book,'' by John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.websitename.com Website].
*''Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889,'' vol. 1, ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. {{FSC|153083|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 D36ap 1887-89 v. 1}}; {{WorldCat|85802439|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61360/images/47194_54729-00009?ssrc=&backlabel=Return Ancestry] ($)

Title First Formatting Guidelines for Article in a Book

Format - Listing Title First:

  • "ARTICLE TITLE," by FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, in BOOKTITLE, ed. FIRSTNAME LASTNAME. PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, DATE, PAGE. Online at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]



Example - Article in a Book:

  • "Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records," by Johni Cerny, in The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy. eds. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997, 66-67.



Example in wikitext:

*"Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records," by Johni Cerny, in ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy.'' Rev. Ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, Eds. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997, 66-67.


Title First Formatting Guidelines for Journal/Periodical


Format - Listing Title First:



Example 1 - Listing Title First:

  • "Genealogical Research in Missouri," by Pamela Boyer Porter and Ann Carter Fleming, National Genealogical Society Quarterly, v. 87, no. 3, June 1999: 85-116. FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2



Example 1 in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*"Genealogical Research in Missouri," by Pamela Boyer Porter and Ann Carter Fleming, ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly,'' v. 87, no. 3, June 1999: 85-116. {{FSC|850767|item|disp=FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2}}



Example 2 - Listing Title First:


Example 2 in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*"Black Civil War Soldiers, Allegheny County Pennsylvania," by Henry Hively. ''Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly,'' Vol. 17, No. 1. (Summer 1990):39. {{FSC|1270067|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.B2wg}}; {{WorldCat|865947100|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [https://cdn.rootsandcode.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/20210858/Volume-17-Number-01-Membership-Year-1990-1991_members.pdf Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society]

Title First Formatting Guidelines for Newspaper

  • Add the applicable information regarding date of article, pages, and column numbers. You do not need to include them all.
  • If you are citing a footnote or bibliographic entry found in References at the bottom of a Wiki page, go to References section.
  • If the newspaper is online or referenced in the FamilySearch Catalog, use the instructions:
  • Use the examples below to determine how to include the identifying information.


Format - Listing Title First:

  • "NEWSPAPER ARTICLE TITLE," by FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, NEWSPAPER TITLE, DAY MONTH YEAR, PAGE#, COLUMN#. Online at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]



Example - Newspaper Article Listing Title First:

  • "Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," by Bob Jones, Salt Lake Telegram, 21 June 1932, p. 9, cols. 2-3. Online at: Utah Digital Newspapers



Example - Newspaper Article Listing Title First - in wikitext:'

*"Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," by Bob Jones, ''Salt Lake Telegram,'' 21 June 1932, p. 9, cols. 2-3. '''''Online at:''''' [https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6cc27nw/15854744 Utah Digital Newspapers]

Templates Linking to Catalogs

  • Purpose: These templates link users to catalogs and digital copies of books to provide better access and are located at the end of a citation (both Title First and Footnote citations).


Example including FamilySearch Catalog Template and WorldCat Catalog template:

FamilySearch Catalog (FSC) Template

  • Purpose: Provide a link to the book found in the FamilySearch Catalog. Information may include:
    • Publication and other information
    • Call number or microfilm number
    • Link to FamilySearch Digital Library for online version of the book
  • When to Use: Add to book citation
  • Placement: Placed after the book citation (both Title First format and footnote/references citations) and before the WorldCat template.

Instructions:

  • Use the FSC template format found below:
{{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FS Catalog book BOOKCALLNUMBER}};
  • Go to the FamilySearch Catalog
  • Select title or author and make a search for the book. Try both if there is difficulty finding the book.
  • Review each entry to see if one of them lists the call number. Use the best entry, preferably listing both the book call number and the digital book version.
  • On the book entry in the catalog, locate and copy the title number from the URL.
  • Replace TITLENUMBER with the title number found in the URL.
  • From the book entry in the catalog, locate and copy the book call number.
  • Add "FS Catalog book" directly after the disp=
  • Follow that by replacing BOOKCALLNUMBER with the call number you copied.
    • Sometimes a book is only available on microfilm. Change the word, "book" and replace it with, "microfilm."


Example:
FS Catalog book 974.6 H2cw v. 1;

Example in wikitext

 {{FSC|227810|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.6 H2cw v. 1}};


WorldCat Template

  • Purpose: WorldCat catalog assists users in locating a local library that has a copy of the book that can be viewed
  • When to Use: Add to book citation
  • Placement: Placed after the FamilySearch Catalog template and before "Online at:"

Instructions:

  • Use the WorldCat template format found below:
{{WorldCat|TITLENUMBER|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};
  • Find the book in Worldcat.org using the search field.
    • Note: If there is more than one entry for a book in the results list, choose the book that has the most libraries listed as places to obtain a copy of the book.
  • Click on the book entry and review the URL to locate a number. This is the title number.
  • Replace TITLENUMBER with the title number found in the URL for the book entry.


Example:
At various libraries (WorldCat);

Example in wikitext:

{{WorldCat|866175697|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}};

Links to Online Books

FamilySearch Digital Library (FSDL) Template

  • Purpose: Provide a link to the digital images (free) of the book found in the FamilySearch Digital Library.
  • When to Use: Add to any book citation - including Title First format and footnote/references citations
  • Placement: Placed after the WorldCat template and other links to online books. It should be the first link after Online at:

Instructions:

  • Use the FSDL template format found below:
'''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|BOOKID}},
  • Go to the FamilySearch Digital Library
  • Type in the title or author and make a search for the book. Try both if there is difficulty finding the book.
  • Review the results to get the correct book and click on the, "View inside" button.
  • While viewing the digital book, locate and copy the book ID number from the URL.
  • Replace BOOKID with the book ID number found in the URL.


Example:
Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library,

Example in wikitext:

'''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|573810}},


FamilySearch Catalog (FSC) Template to Books Online (Not FSDL)

  • Purpose: Provide a link to the online images of a book found in the FamilySearch Catalog but not in the FamilySearch Digital Library. Note that there may be limitations to accessibility of these images. This link is not necessary if there is a link to the FS Digital Library.
  • When to Use: Add to any book citation - including Title First format and footnote/references citations when it is not on FamilySearch Digital Library.
  • Placement: Placed after the WorldCat template and other links to online books. It should be the first link after Online at:

Instructions:

  • Use the FSC template format found below:
'''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}(*),
  • Used when there is no FS Digital Library link in the FS Catalog entry but the book is available in digital images.
  • Go to the FamilySearch Catalog
  • Select title or author and make a search for the book. Try both if there is difficulty finding the book.
  • Review each entry to find the one with digital images of the book. This template should not be used if there is a link to the FamilySearch Digital Library. Only books on digital images (indicated with a camera icon).
  • On the book entry in the catalog, locate and copy the title number from the URL.
  • Replace TITLENUMBER with the title number found in the URL.
  • If there are other online books available, add a comma directly after the (*)

Example:
Online at: FamilySearch Catalog(*),

Example in wikitext:

'''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|226924|item|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}(*),


Online Book Links (Not FamilySearch)

  • Purpose: Provide a link to the digital images found on free or subscription websites
  • When to Use: Add to any book citation - including Title First format and footnote/references citations
  • Placement: Placed after the Online at: and FamilySearch Digital Library template

Instructions:

  • Search several online book websites to locate the digital images of the book.
  • List up to 3 links (including FSDL template).
  • List free websites first and follow with subscription websites in alphabetical order.
  • Use the format below for any websites located:
[URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] ($)
  • Replace URL with the URL of the website with the digital images of the book.
  • Replace, NAMEOFWEBSITE with the website the digital book is located.
  • Add a dollar sign - ($) - after the link if it is a subscription website.
  • Separate the links using a comma.


Example:
Internet Archive, Ancestry ($)

Example in wikitext:

[https://archive.org/details/historyofancient02coth/page/n3/mode/2up Internet Archive], [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48650/ Ancestry] ($)


Example: Book With All Templates and Links - Title First

Format Listing Title First including FamilySearch Catalog Template, WorldCat Catalog template, FamilySearch Digital Library (FSDL) Template, FS Catalog Template (for online images) and other online book links:

*''BOOKTITLE,'' by AUTHOR. PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FS Catalog book BOOKCALLNUMBER}}; {{WorldCat|TITLENUMBER|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDB|BOOKID}}, {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}(*), [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE], [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] ($)


Example Listing Title First including FamilySearch Catalog Template, WorldCat Catalog template, FamilySearch Digital Library (FSDL) Template, FS Catalog Template (for online images) and other online book links:

*''History of Washington County, Iowa: From the First White Settlements to 1908,'' vol. 1, by Howard A. Burrell. Chicago, IL: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1909. {{FSC|192343|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.792 H2b v. 1}}; {{WorldCat|6782853|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|379978}}, {{FSC|6782853|item|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}(*), [https://archive.org/details/historyofwashing01burr Internet Archive], [https://en.geneanet.org/library/livre/48386/colgnln48386?nom=&page=1&with_variantes=0 Geneanet] ($)


Example Listing Title First including FamilySearch Catalog Template, WorldCat Catalog template, FamilySearch Digital Library (FSDL) Template, FS Catalog Template (for online images) and other online book links:



Dates Listed on Online Book Link - Title First

  • Dates: Book titles that include a date/date range may be formatted with the dates in bold in front of the link to maintain uniformity with other collection links. In all other instances, dates are not included at the beginning of an online book link.


Format - Listing Title First:

*'''DATES''' ''BOOKTITLE,'' by AUTHOR. PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE.  '''''Online at:''''' [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]

Examples - Listing Title First:

  • 1600-1850 Mayflower Deeds and Probates, 1600-1850 by Susan E. Roser. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1984. Online at: Ancestry ($)
  • 1635-1750 A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records, vols. 1-4, by Charles William Manwaring. Hartford, [Connecticut]: R.S. Peck & Company, 1904-1906. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Books, vols. 1-4


Examples in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*'''1600-1850''' ''Mayflower Deeds and Probates, 1600-1850'' by Susan E. Roser. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1984. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3223/ Ancestry] ($)
*'''1635-1750''' ''A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records,'' vols. 1-4, by Charles William Manwaring. Hartford, [Connecticut]: R.S. Peck & Company, 1904-1906. '''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|209438|item|disp=FamilySearch Digital Books, vols. 1-4}}


Multiple Volumes - Title First

When there is more than one volume, use the following instructions to create the online book link:

  • FSC Template: When the book is in the FamilySearch Digital Library and there is more than one volume, you may choose to use the FSC template instead of FSDL template. Use instructions from FamilySearch Catalog (FSC) Template section to learn how to use the template.
  • Dates: Dates can be included in each volume link to help the user find the correct volume.
  • Other Websites: When there is more than three volumes, try finding the results list page listing each of the volumes. If one cannot be found, add the URL to each volume number.
  • Multiple Volumes on One Website: When on online book is only on one website, to save space and improve readability cite the website name in the first volume link only. It will be assumed all subsequent links are to the same website.


Books Online - One Volume

Format - Listing Title First:

*''BOOKTITLE,'' vol. #, by AUTHOR.  PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FS Catalog book BOOKCALLNUMBER}}; {{WorldCat|TITLENUMBER|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|BOOKID|disp=, vol. #}}, [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE, vol. #]



Example - Listing Title First:



Example in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*''Encyclopedia of Connecticut Biography, Genealogical-Memorial: Representative Citizens,'' vol. 5, by Samuel Hart. Boston, Massachusetts: American Historical Society, 1917-1923. '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|176293|disp=, vol. 5}}, [https://archive.org/details/ency05unse/page/n7/mode/2up Internet Archive, vol. 5]


Books Online - More than One Volume

Example 1 Format - Listing Title First:

*''BOOKTITLE,'' vols. 1-13, by AUTHOR.  PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FS Catalog book BOOKCALLNUMBER}}; {{WorldCat|TITLENUMBER|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=NAMEOFLINK, vols. #-#}}, [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE, vols. #-#]



Example 1 - Listing Title First:



Example 1 in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*''Encyclopedia of Connecticut Biography, Genealogical-Memorial: Representative Citizens,'' vols. 1-13, by Samuel Hart. Boston, Massachusetts: American Historical Society, 1917-1923. {{FSC|205500|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.6 D3e vols. 1-13}};  {{WorldCat|865638854|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' {{FSC|205500|item|disp=FamilySearch Digital Library, vols. 1-8, 11, 13}}, [https://archive.org/search.php?query=Encyclopedia+of+Connecticut+biography%2C+genealogical-memorial+%3A+representative+citizens Internet Archive, vols. 1-13]


Example 2 Format - Listing Title First:
*''BOOKTITLE,'' vols. #-#, by AUTHOR. PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. {{FSC|TITLENUMBER|item|disp=FS Catalog book BOOKCALLNUMBER}}; {{WorldCat|TITLENUMBER|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE, YEAR-YEAR, vol. 1]; [URL YEAR-YEAR, vol. 2]; [URL YEAR-YEAR, vol. 3]; [URL YEAR-YEAR, vol. 4]

Example 2 - Listing Title First:



Example 2 in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*'''1850-1866''' ''Greenwood Plantation Accounts,'' vols. 1-3, 6-14 by Green Wood. Greenwood Plantation, Montgomery County, Texas: Weld & Co., n.d. '''''Online at:''''' [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611884/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1850-1851, vol. 1]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611852/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1851-1852, vol. 2]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611906/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1852-1853, vol. 3]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611857/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1855-1856, vol. 6]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611889/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1856-1857, vol. 7]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611811/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1857-1858, vol. 8]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611821/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1858-1859, vol. 9]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611870/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1859-1860, vol. 10]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth612238/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1860-1861, vol. 11]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth611853/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1861-1862, vol. 12]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth612239/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1862-1863, vol. 13]; [https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth636776/?q=Greenwood%20Plantation 1863-1866, vol. 14]


Example 3 - Listing Title First:

  • Handbook of North American Indians, vols. 1-15, 17, by Sturtevant, William C. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1978–.

Example 3 in wikitext - Listing Title First:

*''Handbook of North American Indians,'' vols. 1-15, 17, by Sturtevant, William C. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1978–. 
{| style="vertical-align:top;"
|-
<ul class="column-spacing-halfscreen" style="padding-right:5px;">
  <li>Vol. 1 Introduction: {{WorldCat|1367351147|disp=WorldCat}} </li> 
  <li>Vol. 2 Indians in Contemporary Society: {{WorldCat|234303751|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 3 Environment, Origins, and Population: {{WorldCat|540643739|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 4 History of Indian-White Relations: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|19331914|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 5 Arctic: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|756972392|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 6 Subarctic: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|165739933|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 7 Northwest Coast: {{WorldCat|1101220173|disp=WorldCat}}</li>
  <li>Vol. 8 California: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|1006104590|disp=WorldCat}}</li>
  <li>Vol. 9 Southwest: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|1365087204|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 10 Southwest: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|1037260529|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 11 Great Basin: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|230050277|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 12 Plateau: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|1037246651|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 13 Plains: {{WorldCat|5974801567|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 14 Southeast: {{WorldCat|1037267936|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 15 Northeast: {{FSC|248632|title-id|disp=FS Catalog}}, {{WorldCat|940203521|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 16 Not Published</li>
  <li>Vol. 17 Languages: {{WorldCat|43957746|disp=WorldCat}}</li> 
  <li>Vol. 18-20 Not Published</li> 
</ul>
|}

Misc. Book Formatting

Yearbooks

  • Yearbooks are prolific and many are found online.
  • Listing all yearbooks online by year for a county or town would be overwhelming and detrimental to the Wiki page
  • Yearbooks will not be individually added and instead must go to a general search for the website containing the online yearbooks.
  • Dates: List the dates that generally cover the years of the yearbooks online on the website
  • Search URL: Perform a search of the high school and yearbook name and use the results URL as the link
  • Name: List the name of the yearbook and the name of the high school as a part of the link
  • City: Add city of high school at the end of the link



Example Format:

  • YEAR-YEAR [SEARCHRESULTSURL YEARBOOK NAME, HIGH SCHOOL NAME], CITY



Example:



Example in wikitext:

*'''1935-1951''' [https://archive.org/search?query=York+Chronicle+Poquoson+High+School York Chronicle, Poquoson High School], Poquoson

Buttons Used in the Wiki

  • The use of colored buttons as links to other Wiki pages are limited to prevent distracting users.
  • Only FamilySearch branded colors will be used for buttons in the Wiki.
  • Buttons cannot be created by contributors for their own purposes. All buttons must be approved by Wiki Administration.
  • Go to Help:Wiki Buttons for more information on the use of buttons on Wiki pages.

Bylines

The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a collaborative resource with numerous authors. The original author of a page may see work expanded and changed by others. All content added to the Wiki by a contributor is under the Creative Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International. Bylines are not appropriate to add to Wiki pages and will be removed by Wiki Administration. If information is added to the Wiki from a specific published work, it is appropriate to cite the work in a footnote.

  • Individual contact information is only permitted on User pages, or within an uploaded Class Handout.
  • Contact information for repositories is permitted as per the Manual of Style.

Categories

Categorization of Wiki pages:

  • Identifies Wiki pages regarding a location or a topic
  • Helps classify page relationships
  • Helps users navigate to related subject locations
  • Should be found on all Wiki pages
  • Defaults to the bottom of a Wiki page
  • Note: Do not create categories. Instead contact Wiki Administration.
  • More information.

Databases - Formatting Links

Databases/Collections Allowed in the Wiki

  • The terms databases and collections are often used interchangeably in the FamilySearch Wiki, and both refer to any online data compiled into a searchable dataset with either an index or searchable images. See Standardized Wiki Pages for more information on what is included on a locality Wiki page.
  • Online databases allowed on the Wiki should be related to genealogical subjects that pertain to the discovery of vital information about individuals, defining relationships, and differentiating individuals with the same name. Collections of historical nature should only be included when the previously listed objectives are met.
  • Online databases should have a substantial amount of information for a location. Collections with too few records will not be added. This decision is made at the discretion of Wiki Administration.
  • When linking to resources found on other websites, such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, Findmypast, etc., links must go directly to the record collection search page. Links are not to go to an online tree search, website landing page, or website-wide search pages. Wiki Administration may make an exception on condition of the nature of the website. Wiki Administration may allow linking to a repository catalog on a case by case basis.
  • Specific types of Wiki pages may have a definition of the type of databases allowed to be listed on the page. See Standardized Wiki Pages for more information.
    • Online Genealogy Records Wiki pages: Only country/statewide collections are added to the page. To save on space, the formatting is different than what is listed below. Example: *'''YEAR-YEAR''' [URL NAMEOFCOLLECTIONWITHOUTYEARS] at WEBSITE; index & images
    • Country/state pages are for navigational purposes to Wiki pages related to the locality and will not list database links of any kind.

Elements of a Database Link

The following are guidelines to provide a more user-friendly experience when listing databases on a Wiki page.
Summary of elements in a database link:

  1. Bullet list: Start each database link with a bullet.
  2. List Dates: See Listing Dates in Database Links.
  3. Chronological order: In the list of databases on a Wiki page, list databases with dates in chronological order. Those without dates, should be at the bottom of the list in alphabetical order.
  4. Hyphen and bold: Use a hyphen between the dates and bold the dates.
  5. Exact title: When it is possible, list the exact title of the database in the clickable link to the database. Titles that contain non-Roman characters will be replaced by English titles.
  6. Adjust title: Sometimes a title misrepresents what is in a collection. You can add additional information using () in the title to convey the content of the collection. Example: Ohio, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms, 1765-1947 (includes civil deaths, church marriages, and cemetery records)
  7. List website: To indicate the website/company providing the database, put "at" before the name of the website. To increase readability, do not link the name of the website to a general search page or main page. The only time a link should be added is when the websites are found in a database link listing multiple websites. Include a link directly to the database for that website. See Identical Collection Databases on Multiple Websites section.
  8. (*) Because many digitized records in the FamilySearch Catalog are only viewable at a FamilySearch center or affiliate library, a (*) should be added after the title of the record to let users know that the images may not readily be available. Use "(*)" regardless if the collection is currently unrestricted as contracts regarding access change. See FamilySearch Collections With Limited Access section.
  9. Index/Images: Add whether the database contains an index, images, or both. Place "index & images" after an m-dash (preferred, but not required). See Guidelines for "Index & Images" Phrases section.
  10. ($): If the database is housed on a subscription website, indicate it by putting a dollar sign in parenthesis, like this, ($) at the end of the database link. This indicates this is a subscription website. Do not use other currency symbols. See Free and Subscription Websites section.
  11. Coverage May Vary/Incomplete Coverage: If the database being added to a Wiki page is incomplete and more images/index information may be added in the future, use "coverage may vary" at the end of the database link after Index & Images. The statement, "coverage may vary" brings up more information using the Terminology Wiki page. Use a semi-colon after the information listed (i.e., Index & Images) and before the statement.
  12. Additional info: Add any additional notes that would be helpful for users to know about this database. This can include information about locality coverage or any other important information. Separate this information with a semi-colon.
  13. Identical Databases on Multiple Websites See Identical Collection Databases on Multiple Websites section for instructions.


Database Format

  • Use the format listed below:


Format:

*'''DATE-DATE''' [URL DATABASENAME] at WEBSITENAME — index & images ($); ADDITIONALINFO


Examples:


Examples in wikitext:

*'''1880-1920''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10180/sweden-household-examination-books-1860-1947?s=218489221 Sweden Household Examination Books, 1880-1920] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)

*'''1850-1939''' {{RecordSearch|2527591|Iowa, Delayed Birth Records, 1850-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Delayed Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images



Listing Dates (Years) in Database Links

  • Dates listed before the database. If dates are known regarding the database, repeat the dates in bold directly after the bullet and before the database link.
  • Years only. The only dates listed at the beginning of a database link should be years. Do not include a month or full date. Instead, add this at the end of the database link, after "index & images."
  • No Hyphens. Do not use a hyphen after the dates or before the database link.
  • Dates are Estimates. Listed dates are used to estimate the coverage of the collection and are not to be taken as verified information. The user will need to verify the date coverage with the database/website. If database covers a century, use the year with an "s". For example: 1800s-1900s.
  • One Date. If only one date applies to the collection, list the one year.
  • Span of Years. Because databases can cover different spans of years with gaps in between (i.e., 1854-1858, 1890-1929), use the first date and the last date the database covers. The user can get clarification in the title of the database. Do not list more than 2 dates at the beginning of the collection link.
  • Index and Image Dates. When a database or collection in the FamilySearch Catalog includes different dates for the index & images of records, the first date of either the index or images should be the first date and the second date should be the latest date of either the index or images.
  • Current - Rolling Dates. If the years of availability for a database change automatically each year, whether for a rolling privacy date or to the current year, use "Current" as the last date available.
  • Unknown Beginning Date. If the beginning year for the database cannot be determined, use "Pre" as the first date available.
  • Unknown End Date. If the ending year for the database cannot be determined, use "Onward" as the last date available.
  • No Circa. Do not use circa or ca. to identify about dates. The dates we list at the beginning of the database link are suggestions to what the database may cover and are not verified for accuracy on their websites. Thus, all database links are "about" dates and do not need to be marked as "about", "circa", or "ca.". Circa is only to be used as it appears as part of a collection's official title. Circa should not appear in the bolded dates in front of a collection link.
  • Dates Vary. When a database gives no indication on the dates included or records are continuously added to the database, use "Dates Vary" as the dates at the beginning of the database link.
  • Coverage may vary. Some database collections are not complete when they are published for public use. There is no indication when the completion of the index or adding images will occur given in the description of the collection. When "coverage may vary" is added to a database link, it is indicating that users should verify which locations and dates are included in this collection at the time they are searching it. This also means the collection title may not match the dates found in the collection.
  • Chronological order: In the list of databases on a Wiki page, list databases with dates in chronological order. Those without dates, should be at the bottom of the list in alphabetical order. For databases that have "Pre" for a year, list those before all databases with dates.


Examples:


Examples in wikitext:

*'''Pre-1907''' [https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15307 Pre-1907 Wisconsin Vital Records Index] at Wisconsin Historical Society - free index & images ($)
*'''Pre-1909''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9089/ New York, New York, U.S., Extracted Birth Index, Pre-1909] at Ancestry - index ($); ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10735/new-york-city-birth-index-1878-1909?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=supersearch&tr_funnel=supersearch&tr_country=US&tr_creative=sep19historicalrecords&utm_content=sep19historicalrecords MyHeritage]'' index ($)
*'''1636-1692''' {{FSC|40003|item|disp=Court Records, 1638-1692; Court Papers, 1655-1666; and Court Paper Index, 1636-1671}}(*) Essex County Courts at FamilySearch Catalog - images
*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50084/ Wisconsin, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1809-1985''' {{RecordSearch|1925446|Alabama Probate Records, 1809-1985}}(*) at FamilySearch - [[Alabama Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images; coverage may vary   
*'''1866-1909''' [https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/ New York City Births, 1866-1909] at NYC Dept of Records - index & images; has some earlier dates starting in 1760s
*'''1866-Onward''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61779/ New York, New York, U.S., Index to Birth Certificates, 1866-Onward] at Ancestry - index ($)
*'''1876-1965''' {{RecordSearch|2240282|New York, New York City Births, 1876-1965}} at FamilySearch - [[New York, New York City Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1890''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20270/idaho-reconstructed-census-1890?s=275764761 Idaho, Reconstructed Census, 1890] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1899-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20274/ohio-lucas-county-obituaries?s=275764761 Ohio, Lucas County Obituaries] at MyHeritage - index ($)
*'''1901-1929''' {{RecordSearch|2843410|New Jersey, Death Index, 1901-1903; 1916-1929}} at FamilySearch — [[New Jersey, Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1906-Current''' [http://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Birth-Indices.aspx Birth Index, 1906-Current] at Pennsylvania State Archives - index 
*'''1910-1965''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61457 New York, New York, U.S., Birth Index, 1910-1965] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*'''Dates Vary''' [https://publicindex.sccourts.org/Abebeville/PublicIndex/PISearch.aspx Abbeville County, Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Public Index] – index; courts include Circuit Court, Summary Court and Masters-in-Equity; records added periodically



Guidelines for "Index & Images" Phrases

Give information about what is included in the collection regarding indexes and images by using an m-dash (preferred, but not required) and one of the following phrases:

  • "index & images" or "index & images": used for collections that have indexes with images attached or browsable images available
  • "index": used for databases that are only an index and no images
  • "images": used for databases that only have browsable images available
  • Exception: if it is a FamilySearch historical records collection, add the index & images after the How to Use this Collection link separating it with a semi-colon (instead of a m-dash as the dash is already used in the link)


Examples:



Identical Collection Databases on Multiple Websites

  • Some databases are shared on more than one genealogical website.
  • The first website listed should be formatted as found above.
  • Subsequent websites with the same database should be listed adding the relevant link to the website name.
  • FamilySearch databases should be listed first, when applicable; any other websites should be listed alphabetically
  • The phrase, Also at: should be added before the list of additional websites.
  • Below is an example of the preferred way to list a database available on multiple websites:

Format:

*'''DATE-DATE''' [URL DATABASENAME] at WEBSITENAME — index & images ($); ADDITIONAL INFO; ''Also at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] ($), [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]''


Example:


Example wikitext:

*'''1849-1940''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60361/ Sweden, Select Baptisms, 1611-1909] at Ancestry — index & images ($); ''Also at:  ($), [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/sweden-baptisms-1611-1920 Findmypast] ($), [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30098/sweden-baptisms-1611-1920 MyHeritage] ($)''


FamilySearch Format:

*'''DATE-DATE'''{{RecordSearch|TITLENUMBER|DATABASENAME}} at FamilySearch— [[TITLEOFPAGE|How to Use this Collection]], [[TITLEOFCOVERAGETABLEPAGE|Coverage Table]], [[TITLEOFINVENTORYPAGE|Inventory]]; index & images; coverage may vary; ''Also at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] ($), [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] ($)''


FamilySearch Example:


Example wikitext:

*'''1849-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1520594|Sweden Baptisms}} at FamilySearch — [[Sweden Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; coverage may vary; ''Also at: [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60361/ Ancestry] ($), [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/sweden-baptisms-1611-1920 Findmypast] ($), [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30098/sweden-baptisms-1611-1920 MyHeritage] ($)''



Free and Subscription Websites

Free Websites

  • Websites that are free and do not require a payment to view their information, do not require any indication in the link.
  • It can be assumed that databases without a "($)" are free.


Subscription Websites

  • If you refer to a subscription website or one which has a charge to obtain information, use the "($)" to indicate that there may be a fee for the site.


Examples:



Examples in wikitext:

*'''1840-2004''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60061 Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1840-2004] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1880-1920''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10180/sweden-household-examination-books-1860-1947?s=218489221 Sweden Household Examination Books, 1880-1920] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)


Free Collections on Subscription Websites

  • When a collection is free to the public but housed on a subscription website, you can use the phrase, (free collection) to make this indication.
  • NOTE: Websites that are free do not require any indication in the link. It can be assumed by the user that any database listed without a ($) is free.

Example:

Example in wikitext:

*'''1849-1985''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/70800/ Web: Minnesota, Naturalization Index, 1849-1985] at Ancestry - index (free collection)



Free Indexes and Images for Pay

  • When a website offers free access to their index, but requires payment to access the records, use, "free index, images ($)" at the end of the link.

Example:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1900-1934''' [https://www.mnhs.org/search/people Minnesota Births, 1900-1934] at Minnesota Historical Society — free index, images ($)



FamilySearch Historical Records Collections - Using Templates

Historical Records Collections With Indexes

  • RecordSearch Template: For FamilySearch Historical Records collections, use the RecordSearch template instead of an external link for any FamilySearch Historical Records databases.
  • Titles in Roman Charactors: Even if the official title of a Historical Record collection has both Roman and non-Roman characters in the title, the Wiki article will only include Roman characters.
    • Example:
      • Original Historical Records Collection Title: HR title.png
      • Wiki Article Title: Palestine, Nablus, Population Registers, 1881-1917
    • Note: Except for census collections, dates are generally not included in Historical Records Collection article title.
  • "How to Use this Collection" link: Add a link titled, "How to Use this Collection" to the corresponding Historical Records collection Wiki page.
    • From the collection details page, click the link that says "How to Use this Collection".
    • Use the format below to create the internal link.
      How to use.JPG

[[TITLEOFPAGE|How to Use this Collection]]
    • Copy the title of the page and paste it to replace TITLEOFPAGE in the code use above.
  • Coverage Table and Inventory: If the How to Use this Collection Wiki page also contains a link to a coverage table and/or an inventory, add these links as well.
    • From the How to Use this Collection link, review the table of contents for the words "coverage table" or "inventory." They may link to another Wiki page or may have the coverage table or inventory on the page. Sometimes "Coverage Map" is used in substitution for "Coverage Table." Just replace the word, "Table," for "Map" and link to the section on the Wiki page.
    • Link to the Wiki page or to the section of the How to Use this Collection Wiki page using the example below.
    • If both coverage table and inventory are available for the collection, list coverage table first and directly after How to Use this Collection. See example below.
    • Put a semi-colon between the last link to "coverage table" or "inventory" and "index" or "Images." See example below.
  • Coverage May Vary: Most FamilySearch Historical Records collections are published without all images included or indexing complete. Instead the images are added as they become available. This leads to a title of a collection that is misleading to the current information in the collection. To avoid confusion for the users, the phrase, "coverage may vary" is added to remind the user to check the completeness of the collection. Separate this phrase from other information with a semi-colon. See the example below.
  • Add additional info: Add any additional information as shown in the examples above after the "How to Use this Collection" link if other comments should be made about the collection. Use a semi-colon to separate the information.


Format:

*'''DATE-DATE''' {{RecordSearch|COLLECTIONID|TITLEOFCOLLECTION}} at FamilySearch — [[TITLEOFPAGE|How to Use this Collection]], [[TITLEOFCOVERAGETABLEPAGE|Coverage Table]], [[TITLEOFINVENTORYPAGE|Inventory]]; index & images; coverage may vary


NOTE: COLLECTIONID stands for Collection ID number found in the URL of the Collection

Examples:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1574-1925''' {{RecordSearch|2094247|Argentina, Córdoba, Miscellaneous Records, 1574-1925}} at FamilySearch — [[Argentina, Córdoba, Miscellaneous Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images; includes census records, catalogs and indexes at Historical Provincial Archive of Córdoba
*'''1863-1866''' {{RecordSearch|2442776|Mississippi, Freedmen's Department (Pre-Bureau Records)}} at FamilySearch — [[Mississippi, Freedmen's Department, Pre-Bureau Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], [[Freedmen’s Bureau Mississippi Field Office Personnel Coverage Table|Coverage Table]], [[Mississippi, Freedmen's Department, Pre-Bureau Records, Inventory|Inventory]]; images
*'''1884-1910''' {{RecordSearch|4324902|Arizona, Yuma, Prison Records, 1884-1910}} at FamilySearch — [[Arizona, Yuma, Prison Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; coverage may vary


Historical Records Collections Browse Only (Waypoint) Images


Format:

'''DATE-DATE''' {{RecordSearch|COLLECTION NUMBER|NAME OF DATABASE|access=browse}} at FamilySearch - [[HISTORICAL RECORDS COLLECTION WIKI PAGE|How to Use this Collection]]; images


Example:


Example in wikitext: 

*'''1817-1979''' {{RecordSearch|2061549|Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979|access=browse}} at FamilySearch - [[Arkansas Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images


FamilySearch Collections With Limited Access

  • Some FamilySearch Historical Collections that have limited access online and instead must be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch affiliate library. Collections that have this limitation, will be indicated by the following: (*)
  • This applies to FamilySearch Historical Records collections and FamilySearch Catalog records.
  • Hover over the "(*)", to display the following: Due to contractual agreements, some images and/or databases on FamilySearch.org may only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.


Example:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1884-1910''' {{RecordSearch|4233297|England, Nottinghamshire, Church Records, 1578-1937}}(*) at FamilySearch — [[England, Nottinghamshire, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images



FamilySearch International Genealogical Index (IGI) Batch Links

  • International Genealogical Index (IGI) contains batches for specific locations, record types, and years. When a link to an IGI batch is added to a Wiki page, the link should use the following format:


Format: 

*'''DATE-DATE''' {{IGI|BATCH#|disp=NAMEOFRECORDSANDLOCATIONANDYEAR, Batch BATCH#}} in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch — index


Example:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1840-1875'''  {{IGI|C505471|disp=Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, York Springs, Baptism Index, 1840-1875, Batch C505471}} in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch - index


Links to the FamilySearch Catalog

  • Links are created to go to the FamilySearch Catalog to help users locate digital records and online books. Examples are:

Links to Digital Images in the Catalog - Using Templates

  • FSC Templates. It is possible to use the FSC template to an entry where books are listed online but not in the FamilySearch Digital Library. It can also be used when there is more than 1 volume and links to the online books are all listed on the catalog entry.
  • Capitalize Title. Capitalize the title of the record if the collection is in English. For other languages, you may keep the capitalization as is.
  • Author. Add the first author listed in the catalog to help the user understand what collection they are viewing.
  • Higher Jurisdiction. Remove the higher jurisdiction from the author portion of the link if two are listed. For example: if the author is listed as, Fresno County (California) Recorder, the (California) should be removed.
  • Years Covered. If two dates are listed in a link (one for the record and one for the index), combine the two to list the earliest date and the latest date. Actual coverage must be determined by the user.
  • (*) Because many digitized records in the FamilySearch Catalog are only viewable at a FamilySearch center or affiliate library, a (*) should be added after the title of the record to let users know that the images may not readily be available. Use "(*)" regardless if the collection is currently unrestricted as contracts regarding access change frequently.
  • Note: "Images" should only be used in this link. "Index" leads users to believe they can search an index by typing in a name into search fields. Even though images of the physical index may be digitized, list only the word, "images" in the database link.

Format - without author:

*'''DATE-DATE''' {{FSC|ID#|item|disp=NAMEOFCOLLECTION}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images


Example - without author:

Example in wikitext - without author:

*'''1642-1905''' {{FSC|123968|item|disp=Deeds, 1642-1904; index to deeds, 1647-1905}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images



Format - with author:

*'''DATE-DATE''' {{FSC|ID#|item|disp=NAMEOFCOLLECTION}}(*); AUTHOR at FamilySearch Catalog - images


Example - with author:

Example in wikitext - with author:'
 

*'''1856-1929''' {{FSC|1022056|item|disp=Nevada County, California, Leases, 1856-1929; Index, 1856-1921}}(*); Nevada County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — images


FamilySearch Catalog Entry to Place and Subject Number Results

  • This is used to provide a list of catalog entries for a specific Place (Example: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) or a Subject Number (Example: Probate Records for Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) in the catalog.

Example Format:

*{{FSC|SUBJECTID|subject_id|disp=NAMEOFSUBJECTID}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - DESCRIPTION

Example:

Example wikitext code:

*{{FSC|484151|subject_id|disp=Westmoreland County Probate Records}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - list of all will abstracts and records


FamilySearch Catalog vs. FamilySearch Historical Records Links

  • Add Both Links. Many Historical Records collections are currently found in the FamilySearch Catalog. Historical Records collections may or may not be completely indexed at the time it is released. Because of that fact, the catalog entry for these digital images should be added as a database link in addition to the Historical Records collections to assist in accessing the records.
  • Titles May Vary. Historical Records collections often encompass more than just one jurisdiction of a record, i.e., a California Marriage Historical Records collection includes all counties. Thus, the titles of the same record may differ in the two different links.


Example 1 - Different titles for FamilySearch Historical Records Link and FamilySearch Catalog link:


Example 1 - wikitext code:
*'''1640-1955''' {{RecordSearch|2448941|Connecticut Deaths, 1640-1955}} at FamilySearch — [[Connecticut, Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1684-1849''' {{FSC|707359|item|disp=Records of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1684-1849}}(*) Hebron Town Clerk at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images


Example 2 - Exact Title Example for FamilySearch Historical Records Link and FamilySearch Catalog Link:


Example 2 - wikitext code:
*'''1870-1916''' {{FSC|4092053|item|disp=Alabama, Jefferson County, Circuit Court Papers, 1870-1916}}(*) Jefferson County Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
*'''1870-1916''' {{RecordSearch|1548510|Alabama, Jefferson County Circuit Court Papers, 1870-1916}} at FamilySearch - [[Alabama, Jefferson County, Circuit Court Papers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images

DGS Numbers/FS Explore Images - FSHI Template

  • This template uses FamilySearch DGS numbers to link to FamilySearch online images, such as Explore Images
  • There are three ways to link to images:
    • Link to a list of all images in DGS collection
    • Link to the first image in an item
    • Link to specific image in a DGS collection


Format - DGS Collection:

*{{FSHI|DGS=DGSNUMBER}}

Example:


Example in Wikitext:

*{{FSHI|DGS=8417008}}



Format - DGS Item Number:

*{{FSHI|DGS=DGSNUMBER |ID=IDNUMBER |Item=ITEMNUMBER}}

Example:


Example in Wikitext:

*{{FSHI|DGS=8417008 |ID=M9DP-VQB |Item=2}}



Example Format - DGS Image Number:

*{{FSHI|DGS=DGSNUMBER |ID=IDNUMBER |Image=IMAGENUMBER}}

Example:


Example in Wikitext: 

*{{FSHI|DGS=8417008 |ID=M9DP-VQB |Image=6}}

FamilySearch Explore Images - Links to Digital Images

FamilySearch Explore Images is a part of the FamilySearch website giving access to all online images on the website. (Some restrictions apply to viewing the images at a local FamilySearch center.) To access these records in a reasonable way, a link to the results list for locality and record type may be provided in the Wiki.

  • Dates: If dates to the results list could be ascertained quickly, an estimated range can be added to the beginning of the link as seen used by other online collection database links on the Wiki.
  • Limited Scope: It is suggested a narrow search should be made to provide a reasonable set of results easily reviewed by the user.



Format:

*'''DATE-DATE''' [EXPLOREIMAGESURL NAMEOFCOLLECTION](*) at FamilySearch Explore Images

Examples:


Examples in wikitext:

*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://www.familysearch.org/records/images/beta/search-results?place=70&recordType)Ids=103979&page=1&pageSize=100 Latvia Birth Records](*) at FamilySearch Explore Images

*'''1900s''' [https://www.familysearch.org/records/images/beta/search-results?place=70&recordTypeIds=105027&page=1&pageSize=100 Latvia Civil Registration Records](*) at FamilySearch Explore Images



FamilySearch Cemeteries Search - Links to List of Cemeteries in a Locality

  • The FamilySearch Cemeteries search provides links to cemeteries, list of those buried in the cemeteries, and a list of all cemeteries in a location.
  • This template only provides a link to list of cemeteries in the cemetery place id.



Format:

*{{FSCemeteries|CEMETERYPLACEID|cemetery|disp=LOCATION Cemeteries}} at FamilySearch Cemeteries


Example:


Example in wikitext:

*{{FSCemeteries|395830|cemetery|disp=Washington, Mississippi Cemeteries}} at FamilySearch Cemeteries


Elements of a Wiki Page

Breadcrumbs or Breadcrumb Trails

  • Purpose:
    • Breadcrumbs or breadcrumb trails are located at the very top of each Wiki page to help with navigation.
    • Prevents dead end and orphan Wiki pages.
    • Gives a string of internal links that represent the logical hierarchy of Wiki pages.
  • Guidelines: Use these guidelines when creating or correcting a breadcrumb:
    • To ensure consistency throughout the Wiki, the template, Breadcrumb is used.
    • Each Wiki page link is separated by a green arrow.
    • All links in a breadcrumb trail are internal links. Never include an external website link in the breadcrumb.
    • For each link, copy and paste the title of the article before the pipe, then list the title of the page to be displayed after the pipe removing "Genealogy" when necessary. Example: [[Benewah County, Idaho Genealogy|Benewah County, Idaho]]
    • Do not include any underscores between words of the title of the page to be displayed in the link.
    • Link5 must be used for the last breadcrumb. If you do not use Link5 a random arrow will appear.
    • Link5 should contain the title of the page or an abbreviation of the title of the page to be displayed in the link.
    • Do not use the PAGETITLE template in the breadcrumb.
    • The Breadcrumb template should be the only template used for all Wiki pages and all other breadcrumbs should be converted to using this template.
    • Use the instructions on the Wiki University to properly implement the breadcrumb template.
  • Format of Breadcrumbs
    • For country pages, include the region Wiki page as Link1 in the template.
    • For all other subsequent locality pages, do not include the region Wiki page as Link1; instead use the country as Link1.
    • Some Level 1 localities may have two breadcrumbs on a topic page. For instance, Ohio Probate records would have two breadcrumbs:
Ohio probate.JPG





    • Some localities can have two breadcrumbs because the locality was a part of more than one jurisdiction.
2 breadcrumbs.JPG





    • Some breadcrumbs have a date included with particular links to indicate when the locality was a part of the jurisdiction listed.

Headings on Wiki Pages

  • Purpose: Headings are used to organize content and keep similar information together.
  • Guidelines:
    • Headings should be short and to the point to improve readability.
    • Standard headings and sub-headings have been created for different types of Wiki pages and should be used without variation. More information.
    • Do not change the format of a heading (bold, italics, font) of the text.
    • Do not put footnotes in headings.
    • Do not make a heading a link to internal Wiki pages or external website.
    • Do not use a heading 1 on a Wiki page (one equal sign).

Histories on Locality Wiki Pages

  • Purpose: Historical background about a location is essential in determining record types to search.
  • Guidelines:
    • Country-level histories: Add information about a country to the country history Wiki page.
      • Headings: This should include a History heading and a Timeline heading.
      • Relevant Content: Only significant event information impacting and relating to genealogical research should be included.
    • Sub-jurisdictions or localities history headings: History information is listed under the History heading on the sub-jurisdiction Wiki page.
      • Paragraph form: Should not be longer than 10 lines of text
      • Bullet list: Should not be longer than 6 bullet points.
      • Concise: History information should be brief and concise to help users quickly understand key historical events relevant to their research without having to spend excessive time reading text.

Infoboxes

  • Purpose: Display jurisdiction information for an individual locality such as a parish, U.S. County or municipality page.
  • Guidelines:
    • Unique to a country, but the purpose and general information are the same.
    • May vary stylistically per country.
    • Must be edited in wikitext
  • Approved Infoboxes by Country:

Online Resources Heading

  • Purpose: To bring important online collections and websites to the top of locality topic pages for easy reference.
  • Guidelines:
    • Required as a level 2 heading at the top of a Wiki page
    • Located under the sidebar and breadcrumb on the Wiki page and one of the first things on the Wiki page
    • Contains links to online records, online publications and other online references, summaries or tools specifically relevant
      • Online Resources headings are to be composed of online websites, record collections, or other sources that provide users access to pertinent genealogy records. Exceptions may be made to include links to websites/online sources that provide a researcher with significant information about a record type or strategy, even if they don't contain record access.
  • Exception: Locality or jurisdiction pages instead follow the outlined structure found on Standarized Wiki pages

See...More...

Sidebars

  • Purpose: Created for navigational purposes between country topic pages
  • Guidelines:
    • Used on country pages and country topic pages
    • Can be used on Level 1 localities that have individual topic pages for the locality; i.e., states of the U.S., England counties, Canada provinces, Mexico states, Germany states
    • Used for some territories and islands topic Wiki pages were created for the locality
    • Template:CountrySidebar is dynamic in that links to the country topic page will appear when the country topic Wiki page exists
    • Article titles listed in the sidebar has been determined by the Wiki Executive Council
  • Format of Sidebars: Items to be Standardized on Country Sidebars
    • Flag
    • Standardized Headings
      • Beginning Research
      • Record Types
      • Background
      • Cultural Groups, when applicable
      • Genealogical Word Lists, when applicable
      • Local Research Resources

Images Online

FamilySearch Historical Records Images Online

  • Use this when linking to the first image of a browsable collection found in a FamilySearch Historical Records Collection.
  • Format: Use the same instructions from FamilySearch Historical Records Collections - Using Templates to fill out the format and templates.
  • URL: Replace URL with the url to the first image for the collection.
  • Description: Replace DESCRIPTIONOFRECORDSINCLUDINGDATES with the location, type of record, and dates covered for this group of browsable images.
  • Collection ID: Replace COLLECTIONID with the collection ID number for the Historical Records Collection.
  • HR Collection Title: The Historical Records Collection name that the images come from, should be in the RecordSearch template, replacing TITLEOFCOLLECTION.


Format:
*'''DATE-DATE''' [URL DESCRIPTIONOFRECORDSINCLUDINGDATES](*) part of {{RecordSearch|COLLECTIONID|TITLEOFCOLLECTION}} at FamilySearch images

Example:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1779-1793''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DBBQ-L65 Munshausen Births, Marriages, Deaths, 1779-1793](*) part of {{RecordSearch|1709358|Luxembourg, Civil Registration, 1796-1941}} at FamilySearch - images


FamilySearch Catalog Images Online

  • Use this when linking to the first image of a browsable collection found in a FamilySearch Catalog Collection.
  • Format: Use the same instructions from Links to the FamilySearch Catalog to fill out the format and templates.
  • URL: Replace URL with the url to the first image for the collection.
  • Description: Replace DESCRIPTIONOFRECORDSINCLUDINGDATES with the location, type of record, and dates covered for this group of browsable images.
  • Title ID: Replace TITLEID with the title ID number for the catalog entry.
  • FamilySearch Catalog Collection Title: The Historical Records Collection name that the images come from, should be in the RecordSearch template, replacing TITLEOFCOLLECTION.


Format:
*'''DATE-DATE''' [URL DESCRIPTIONOFRECORDSINCLUDINGDATES](*) part of {{FSC|TITLEID|item|disp=TITLEOFCOLLECTION}} at FamilySearch Catalog - images

Example:


Example in wikitext:

*'''1779-1793''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DBBQ-L65 Munshausen Births, Marriages, Deaths, 1779-1793](*) part of {{FSC|1709358|item|disp=Luxemburg, zivilstandsregister, 1796-1941}} at FamilySearch Catalog - images



Images and PDFs on the Wiki

Types of Images Allowed

  • Images of churches, archives, libraries, courthouses, or other government buildings
  • Maps of places, including those with jurisdiction boundaries
  • Flags of countries and other localities
  • Images relating to historical events, genealogy records, or documents
  • Handouts for FamilySearch classes
  • Logos of societies and other organizations
  • Document images to illustrate examples of record types for different locations

Types of Images Not Allowed

  • Collection of images related to indexed records. These images are found in other parts of the FamilySearch website.
  • Images of personal ancestors. Photos and memories for specific individuals should be uploaded to the Memories section of Family Tree on the FamilySearch website
  • Images that span the entire width or length of the Wiki page are not allowed. Select images are allowed as they are historically and genealogically relevant to the page topic, and are a small size to not impede the rest of the content.
  • Scenic pictures of places
  • Any images not related to genealogy
    • Only images that are realistically useful for an educational purpose and historically accurate are allowed.
  • Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) images are not allowed.

Image Restrictions and Requirements

All images must:

  • Have an appropriate license being either in the public domain or a creative common license.
  • Relevant to genealogy
  • Comply with Wiki Purpose, Policies and Procedures
  • Be noncommercial and not advertise or promote productions
  • Be Legal and not infringe on intellectual property
  • Uploaded images must have a category
  • More information about Image Use
  • Note: Final decisions as to the appropriateness of an image is left to the discretion of Wiki administration.

Image Licenses Allowed:

  • Images with Creative Commons licenses
  • Images released to public domain
  • Images not covered by copyright, such as government-created images/documents
  • Non-copyrighted images, such as documents or maps
  • List of all Wiki Licenses

Images with Copyright License Exceptions:

Process for Uploading Images:

Adding Images to Wiki Pages:

Linking to PDF Located in the Wiki

Using Media Tag


Example Format:

*[[Media:NAMEOFFILE.pdf|NAMEOFLINK]] - PDF file


Example:


Examples in wikitext code:

*[[Media:How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf|How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet]] - PDF file

Using File or Image Tag

  • If "File:" or "Image:" is part of the PDF code, the PDF image will appear on the Wiki page.


Example Format:

[[File:NAMEOFFILE.pdf|thumb|SIZEpx]]


Example:

How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf








Examples in wikitext code:

[[File:How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf|100px|left]]


Links

  • Links Allowed on the Wiki: Links to free and subscription websites regarding genealogy databases, records, images, websites, research strategies, repositories, archives, government agencies, finding aids to other collections, or anything else helpful to a user to locate their ancestors
    • Archived Versions of Links: Sometimes the information on a defunct website is not available on any other website. If the information is not available in any other way, if the website has been archived by the Wayback Machine found on Internet Archive, the link can replace the broken URL. Any free digital archive of the internet can be used. Use the following as a guide to create the link:
    • When an archived page's content is broken down/linked off to in different sub-pages, and those sub-page links are not archived, do not link to the archived page.

Types of Links

  • Links with a small arrow icon at the end indicate it is an external link.
  • Links without that arrow icon indicate it is an internal link.

Linking to FamilySearch Wiki Articles

Linking to Headings

Linking to Other Websites

Exposed or Displayed URLs

For readability's sake, the exposed or displayed portion of the link should not include the full URL of the destination page. It should only be used in creating references and citations.

Example 1: a link by itself

Correct: FamilySearch

Incorrect: www.familysearch.org/

Example 2: a link in context

Correct: Order United States military records online.

Incorrect: Go to https://eservices.archives.gov/orderonline/start.swe?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEView=GPEA+Product+Detail+-+Features+View+FFO&SWEHo=eservices.archives.gov&SWETS=1199728061&SWEPostnApplet=GPEA+Product+Form

Linking to Language Wiki Pages

  • It is possible to link a page in one language wiki to another language wiki using special coding in a link. The code for the desired language Wiki with the title of the corresponding language Wiki page is used.
  • de = German; example: [[de:Deutschland Kirchenbücher]]
  • es = Spanish; example: [[es:Registro Civil de Guatemala]]
  • fr = French; example: [[fr:France - Héraldique]]
  • it = Italian; example: [[it:Archivio Storico di Torino]]
  • pt = Portuguese; example: [[pt:Brasil - Emigração e Imigração]]
  • ru = Russian; example: [[ru:Россия Церковные записи]]
  • sv = Swedish; example: [[sv:Ministerialböcker]]

Aggregator Websites

Definition: The definition of an aggregator website is one that gathers information from other online sources to present on their own website for reuse. The goal of the Wiki is to connect patrons directly to online databases and images as opposed to another website that contains a link to the database, such as an aggregator website. Links to aggregator websites that are a duplication of content already in the Wiki will not be allowed. Aggregator websites with minimal information for a locality will also not be allowed. Final decisions regarding the inclusion of aggregator websites will be at the discretion of the Wiki Administration.

Pedigree Charts

  • When formatting pedigree charts, publication and author information may be scarce.
  • If the pedigree chart is listed in the FamilySearch catalog, use a FSC template.
  • If the pedigree chart is not online, list the entry under the heading, Print Publications and use the example below.
  • If the pedigree chart is online, list the entry under the heading, Online Resources and use the example below as a guideline.


Not Online

Format, if in FamilySearch Catalog:



Example, if in FamilySearch Catalog:



Examples in wikitext, if in FamilySearch Catalog:

*{{FSC|1284780|item|disp=Aid Sarhan Rihani Pedigree Chart}} at FamilySearch Catalog - pedigree chart



References

  • Purpose:
    • Quoting a source
    • Paraphrasing information
    • Referencing other sources that have more information on a subject/topic.
  • Guidelines:
    • References such as footnotes and bibliography citations should be found in the Reference section of the Wiki page and not in the body of the article.
    • References must always be in ref tags, i.e., <ref></ref>
    • If a book is listed as a possible source and not a citation, use Title first format listed above, Title First Book Format.
    • Use The Chicago Manual of Style.
    • Instructions for Historical Records articles

References Heading

  • Purpose:
    • Before a citation or footnote can be added to a Wiki page, a References heading must be added. See below.
    • All citations under a Reference heading should follow the formatting instructions below of either a footnote or bibliographic format. It should never be a Title first format.
  • Instructions:
    • Add a heading 2 or heading 3 (whichever is more appropriate for the page) named References as the last header on the page; i.e. at the bottom of the page before the Category templates.
    • Add the template reflist under the References heading in the following format:
== References ==

{{reflist}}

Adding Reference Tags

  • To create a reference that will appear at the bottom of the page under the References heading, add the ref tags before and after the reference.
    • Add a beginning ref tag: a lesser than sign, the word “ref” and a greater than sign. Example: <ref>
    • Add a closing ref tag: a lesser than sign, with a forward slash between the lesser than sign and the r, and a greater than sign at the end. Example: </ref>


Example:
Reference tag number 1 is seen in red:

Reference.JPG

Example in wikitext:
<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Chile," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 4 March 2024.</ref>

Book Footnote/Bibliographic Format - Author First

  • Use either a footnote or bibliographic citation under the Reference heading of a Wiki page.
  • Additional information, such as, FS Library template, WorldCat reference, and links to online books can be added to a footnote or a bibliographic entry but are not required.


Instructions - Footnote Citation:

  • Use the format found below:
<ref>FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, ''BOOKTITLE'' (PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE), PAGE#. (Accessed DATE ACCESSED).</ref>
  • Replace, FIRSTNAME and LASTNAME with the name of the author.
  • Replace, BOOKTITLE with the title of the book. Capitalize the book title.
  • Replace, PULISHINGPLACE with the city and state the book was published in.
  • Replace, PUBLISHER with the publisher's name.
  • Replace, PUBLISHDATE with the year the book was published.
  • Replace, PAGE# with the page number if provided
  • Replace, DATE ACCESSED with the date the book was accessed - optional


Example - Book Footnote:

Kenneth Hawkins, Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office: Record Group 49, Reference Information Paper, 114 (Washington, DC: National archives and Records Administration, 2007.) (Accessed 20 January 2024).

Example in wikitext - Book Footnote with ref tags:

<ref>Kenneth Hawkins, ''Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office: Record Group 49, Reference Information Paper, 114'' (Washington, DC: National archives and Records Administration, 2007.) (Accessed 20 January 2024).</ref>


Instructions - Bibliography Reference:

  • Use the format found below:
<ref>LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. ''BOOKTITLE.'' PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. (Accessed DATE ACCESSED).</ref>
  • Replace, LASTNAME and FIRSTNAME with the name of the author.
  • Replace, BOOKTITLE with the title of the book. Capitalize the book title.
  • Replace, PULISHINGPLACE with the city and state the book was published in.
  • Replace, PUBLISHER with the publisher's name.
  • Replace, PUBLISHDATE with the year the book was published.
  • Replace, DATE ACCESSED with the date the book was accessed - optional


Example - Bibliographic Citation:

Hawkins, Kenneth. Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office: Record Group 49, Reference Information Paper, 114. Washington, DC: National archives and Records Administration, 2007. (Accessed 20 January 2024).

Example in wikitext - Bibliographic Citation with ref tags:

<ref>Hawkins, Kenneth. ''Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office: Record Group 49, Reference Information Paper, 114.'' Washington, DC: National archives and Records Administration, 2007. (Accessed 20 January 2024).</ref>


Additional Footnote/Bibliographic Formatting Guidelines

  • Capitalize the complete title.
  • If the book is a particular volume, add it to the citation.
  • If the title is really long, give the first portion of the title and shorten the title.


Missing Publication Information

  • If there is ever information missing use the following guidelines:
    • Missing author: leave it blank and move on to the publisher information.
    • Missing publication date: use n.d.
    • Missing publication place: use n.p.
    • Missing publisher: use n.p.



Adding Volume Numbers - Footnote Citation

FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, ''BOOKTITLE'' (PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE) VOLUME#, PAGE#. (Accessed DATE ACCESSED).


Adding Volume Numbers - Bibliographic Citation

LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. ''BOOKTITLE.'' Vol. #.  PUBLISHINGPLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISHDATE. (Accessed DATE ACCESSED).


More Than One Author - Footnote:

Example 1:
John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. A Cool Book. (New York: Book Publishing, 2019), 34. (Accessed 1 January 2021). Online at: Website.

Example 2:
James Grant Wilson and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888), 1:167. (Accessed 12 January 2024). FS Catalog book 973 D36ap 1887-89 v. 1; At various libraries (WorldCat); Online at: Ancestry ($)

Example in wikitext - with ref tags:

Example 1:

<ref>John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. ''A Cool Book.'' (New York: Book Publishing, 2019), 34. (Accessed 1 January 2021). '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.websitename.com Website].</ref>




Example 2:

<ref>James Grant Wilson and John Fiske, eds. ''Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889.'' (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888), 1:167. (Accessed 12 January 2024). {{FSC|153083|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 D36ap 1887-89 v. 1}}; {{WorldCat|85802439|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61360/images/47194_54729-00009?ssrc=&backlabel=Return Ancestry] ($)</ref>


More Than One Author - Bibliography Reference:

Example 1:
Jones, John, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. A Cool Book. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. (Accessed 1 January 2021). Online at: Website.

Example 2:
Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. Vol. 1. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. (Accessed 12 January 2024). FS Catalog book 973 D36ap 1887-89 v. 1; At various libraries (WorldCat); Online at: Ancestry ($)

Example in wikitext - with ref tags:

Example 1:

<ref>Jones, John, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. ''A Cool Book.'' New York: Book Publishing, 2019. (Accessed 1 January 2021). '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.websitename.com Website].</ref>




Example 2:

<ref>Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. ''Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889.'' Vol. 1. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. (Accessed 12 January 2024). {{FSC|153083|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 D36ap 1887-89 v. 1}}; {{WorldCat|85802439|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61360/images/47194_54729-00009?ssrc=&backlabel=Return Ancestry] ($) ($)</ref>


Article in a Book Footnote and Bibliographic Citations

Footnote

Format with Page - Article in Book Footnote:
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, "ARTICLE TITLE," in BOOKTITLE, ed. FIRSTNAME LASTNAME (PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, DATE), #.

Format with URL - Article in Book Footnote:
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, "ARTICLE TITLE," in BOOKTITLE, ed. FIRSTNAME LASTNAME (PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, DATE), URL.

Example with Page - Article in a Book Footnote:
Johni Cerny, "Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records" in The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy. eds. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking (Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997), 66-67.

Example with Page in wikitext - Article in Book Footnote with ref tags:

<ref>Johni Cerny, "Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records," in ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy.'' Rev. Ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, Eds. (Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997), 66-67.</ref>


Bibliography Reference

Format - Article in Book Bibliography Refernce:
LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. "ARTICLE TITLE." In BOOKTITLE, ed. FIRSTNAME LASTNAME. PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, DATE.

Format with URL - Article in Book Bibliography Refernce:
LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. "ARTICLE TITLE." In BOOKTITLE, ed. FIRSTNAME LASTNAME. PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, DATE, URL.

Example with Page - Article in Book Bibliography Refernce:
Cerny, Johni. "Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records." In The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy, eds. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997.

Example with Page in wikitext - Article in Book Bibliography Refernce with ref tags:

<ref>Cerny, Johni. "Research in Birth, Death, and Cemetery Records." In ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy,'' Rev. Ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, Eds. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Inc., 1997.</ref>



Article in Journal/Periodical Footnote and Bibliographic Citations


Footnote

Format:
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, "ARTICLE TITLE," JOURNAL TITLE VOLUME#, no. ISSUE (MONTH, YEAR): PAGE#.

Example - Article in a Journal Footnote:

  • Pamela Boyer Porter and Ann Carter Fleming, "Genealogical Research in Missouri," National Genealogical Society Quarterly V. 87, no. 3 (June 1999): 85-116. FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2



Example - Article in a Journal Footnote in wikitext - with ref tags:

<ref>*Pamela Boyer Porter and Ann Carter Fleming, "Genealogical Research in Missouri," ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly'' V. 87, no. 3 (June 1999), 85-116. {{FSC|850767|item|disp=FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2}}</ref>



Bibliography Reference

Format:
LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. "ARTICLE TITLE," JOURNAL TITLE VOLUME#, no. ISSUE (MONTH, YEAR).

Example - Article in a Journal Bibliography Reference:

  • Porter, Pamela Boyer and Ann Carter Fleming, "Genealogical Research in Missouri," National Genealogical Society Quarterly V. 87, no. 3 (June 1999). FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2



Example - Article in a Journal Bibliography Reference in wikitext - with ref tags:

<ref>*Porter, Pamela Boyer and Ann Carter Fleming, "Genealogical Research in Missouri," ''National Genealogical Society Quarterly'' V. 87, no. 3 (June 1999). {{FSC|850767|item|disp=FS catalog 973 B2ng v. 87 no. 2}}</ref>

Article in Newspaper Footnote and Bibliographic Citations

  • Add the applicable information regarding volume number, date of newspaper article, pages, and column numbers. You do not need to include all of them.
  • If the Newspaper is online or referenced in the FamilySearch Catalog, use the instructions Links to Online Books and Book Citation Templates Linking to Catalogs
  • Use the examples to help determine how the identification information can be included.


Footnote

Format - Newspaper Article in a Footnote Citation:
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, "ARTICLE TITLE," COLUMNNAME NEWSPAPER TITLE, DAY MONTH YEAR, PAGE#, COLUMN#.

Example - Newspaper Article in a Footnote Citation:
Bob Jones, "Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," Salt Lake Telegram, 21 June 1932, p. 9, cols. 2-3. Online at: Utah Digital Newspapers

Example - in wikitext - with ref tags:'

<ref>Bob Jones, "Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," ''Salt Lake Telegram,'' 21 June 1932, p. 9, cols. 2-3. '''''Online at:''''' [https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6cc27nw/15854744 Utah Digital Newspapers]</ref>

Bibliography Reference

Format - Article in Newspaper Bibliography Reference:
LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. "ARTICLE TITLE," NEWSPAPER TITLE, DAY MONTH YEAR.

Example - Article in Newspaper Bibliography Reference:
Jones, Bob. "Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," Salt Lake Telegram, 21 June 1932. Online at: Utah Digital Newspapers

Example in wikitext - Article in Newspaper Bibliography Reference with ref tags:

<ref>Jones, Bob. "Supplementary System of Street Numbering Urges as Aid to Citizens," ''Salt Lake Telegram,'' 21 June 1932. '''''Online at:''''' [https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6cc27nw/15854744 Utah Digital Newspapers]</ref>



Syllabus Footnote and Bibliographic Citations

  • Genealogy conferences do not always have course numbers. In those cases, skip COURSE NUMBER.
  • When citing the syllabus and not a section of the syllabus, skip COURSE NAME.


Footnote

Format - Syllabus Footnote:
INSTRUCTOR FIRST AND LAST NAME. "TITLE OF SYLLABUS SECTION OR COURSE NAME." (syllabus, COURSE NUMBER: COURSE NAME, CONFERENCE OR UNIVERSITY NAME, LOCATION, DATE).

Example - Syllabus Footnote:

  • Ruth Ellen Maness. "Advanced Swedish and Finnish Research." (syllabus, FamilySearch Library, National Genealogical Society Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010).



Example in wikitext - - Syllabus Footnote with ref tags:

<ref>*Ruth Ellen Maness. "Advanced Swedish and Finnish Research." (syllabus, FamilySearch Library, National Genealogical Society Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010).</ref>




Bibliography Reference

Format - Syllabus Bibliography Reference:
INSTRUCTOR LAST, FIRST NAME. "TITLE OF SYLLABUS SECTION OR COURSE NAME." Syllabus, COURSE NUMBER: COURSE NAME, CONFERENCE OR UNIVERSITY NAME, LOCATION, DATE.

Example - Syllabus Bibliography Reference:

  • Maness, Ruth Ellen. "Advanced Swedish and Finnish Research." Syllabus, FamilySearch Library, National Genealogical Society Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010.


Example in wikitext - Bibliography Reference with ref tags:

<ref>*Maness, Ruth Ellen. "Advanced Swedish and Finnish Research." Syllabus, FamilySearch Library, National Genealogical Society Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010.</ref>



Website Footnote and and Bibliographic Citations

  • Use the The Chicago Manual of Style when creating references.
  • The website address in a footnote should contain an exposed URL.
  • When adding a footnote that will appear in the reference section, use the following format:


Instructions for Footnote:

  • Use the format found below:
<ref>FIRSTNAME LASTNAME, "ARTICLE TITLE," ''REPOSITORY,'' URL, accessed DATE ACCESSED.</ref>
  • Replace, FIRSTNAME AND LASTNAME with the name of the article author.
  • Replace, ARTICLE TITLE with the title of the article.
  • Replace, REPOSITORY with the name of the website it was published on in italics.
  • Replace, URL with the website address.
  • Replace, DATE ACCESSED with the date the website was accessed.



Example 1 - Website Footnote:
Wikipedia contributors, "Chile," Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 24 March 2016.

Example 2 - Website Footnote:
Arlene H. Eakle, "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" Genealogy Blog, https://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ accessed 8 January 2011.

Example 1 in Wikitext - Website Footnote with ref tags:

<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Chile," ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 24 March 2016.</ref>


Example 2 in Wikitext - Website Footnote with ref tags:

<ref>Arlene H. Eakle, "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" ''Genealogy Blog,'' https://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ accessed 8 January 2011.</ref>


Instructions for Bibliography Reference

  • Use the format found below:
<ref>LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. "ARTICLE TITLE." ''REPOSITORY.'' URL, accessed DATE ACCESSED.</ref>
  • Replace, LASTNAME and FIRSTNAME with the name of the article author.
  • Replace, ARTICLE TITLE with the title of the article.
  • Replace, REPOSITORY with the name of the website it was published on in italics.
  • Replace, URL with the website address.
  • Replace, DATE ACCESSED with the date the website was accessed.



Example 1 - Website Bibliography Reference:
Wikipedia contributors, "Chile," Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 24 March 2016.

Example 2 - Website Bibliography Reference:
Eakle, Arlene H. "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" Genealogy Blog. https://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ accessed 8 January 2011.

Example 1 in Wikitext - Website Bibliography Reference with ref tags:

<ref>Wikipedia contributors. "Chile." ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia.'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 24 March 2016.</ref>


Example 2 in Wikitext - Website Bibliography Reference with ref tags:

<ref>Eakle, Arlene H. "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" ''Genealogy Blog.'' https://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ accessed 8 January 2011.</ref>


References to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In compliance to the Style Guide released 5 March 2019 regarding the usage of the official name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the unofficial references, such as, "LDS" and "Mormon" have been removed from the FamilySearch Research Wiki except in the following instances:

  • Historical References: The term "Mormon" will remain when used in proper names, such as, the Mormon Battalion or when used as an adjective in such historical expressions as "Mormon Trail."
  • References to the "Mormon Church": To clarify to the general public that “Mormon Church” is referring to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a parenthetical reference will be made. Example, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).
  • Published Sources: References to books, articles, databases, and collections that include "LDS" or "Mormon" in the title will remain in the Wiki. For example, Journals, Diaries, Biographies, Autobiographies and Letters of Some Early Mormons and Others Who Knew Joseph Smith, Jr. and/or His Contemporaries and LDS Family History Suite 2.
  • Organizations and Websites: Organizations and websites that are not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that continue to use "Mormon" or "LDS" in their title, will remain in the Wiki. For example, Mormon History Association and LDS Genealogy website.
  • Classes and Handouts: Wiki pages, including Wiki article titles, that are previously presented classes or published handouts before the 5 March 2019 announcement that include "Mormon" or "LDS," will remain intact.
  • Wiki Meetings and Projects: Agendas and minutes taken during a Wiki meeting and Wiki projects completed previously will remain as is to preserve the context on the Wiki pages.
  • Article Redirects: Articles containing "Mormon" or "LDS" will be redirected to correctly titled Wiki articles. This will assist users in locating previously visited pages.
  • Questions?: Any comments or questions should be directed to wikisupport@familysearch.org

Reviewed Wiki Articles

  • The MormonLDSRemoval template will be placed on Wiki pages containing any of the above instances to clarify that the content on the Wiki page has been reviewed and approved by FamilySearch.

Supporting Documents

The following are resources support the change in the Wiki regarding proper reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:


Repositories - Contact Information

  • Information desired on a Wiki page regarding a repository is listed below.
  • Do not include hours or specific employee contact information as this information changes frequently.
  • The website link for the repository must be included to ensure users can verify the information listed.
  • Additional information about databases and collections relative to genealogical research that are available at the repository can be listed under the contact information. Indent the bullets before listing the information.
  • The name of the repository can be in the original language with the English translation directly underneath in prenthesis.

Contact Information Desired: 

REPOSITORYNAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Telephone: #######
Email: [mailto:address@email.com address@email.com] or [URL Contact Form]
[URL Website]
[[REPOSITORYWIKIPAGE|Research Wiki Article]]
[URL Facebook]
**(Optional: indent using a colon and an asterisk and list additional repository info such as collections or other helpful information. Use a bullet for each piece of information)


Example:
Seychelles National Archives
5th June Avenue
P.O. Box 720
Victoria, Mahe
Seychelles
Telephone: +248 4 321 333
Email: archives@seychelles.net
Website
Research Wiki Article
Facebook

    • Genealogical Research at the National Archives has a fee.


Example wikitext code:

'''Seychelles National Archives'''<br>
5th June Avenue<br>
P.O. Box 720<br
Victoria, Mahe<br>
Seychelles<br>
Telephone: +248 4 321 333<br>
Email: [mailto:archives@seychelles.net archives@seychelles.net]<br>
[http://www.sna.gov.sc/ Website]<br><br>
[[Seychelles National Archives|Research Wiki Article]]
[https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1437064109845935 Facebook]<br>
**Genealogical Research at the National Archives has a fee.<br>


Societies - Contact Information

  • Information desired on a Wiki page regarding a society is listed below.
  • Do not include hours or specific employee contact information as this information changes frequently.
  • The website or Facebook link for the society must be included to ensure users can verify the information listed.
  • Additional information about databases and collections relative to genealogical research that are available at the society can be listed under the contact information. Indent the bullets before listing the information.
  • If the society is for a non-English speaking country, list the title in the original language and underneath in italics list the society name in English.


Contact Information Desired: 

SOCIETYNAME
ENGLISHVERSIONOFNAMEIFAPPLICABLE
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Telephone: #######
Email: [mailto:address@email.com address@email.com] or [URL Contact Form]
[URL Website]
[[SOCIETYWIKIPAGE|Research Wiki Article]]
[URL Facebook]
**(Optional: indent using a colon and an asterisk and list additional society info such as collections or other helpful information. Use a bullet for each piece of information)


Example:
Familiekunde Vlaanderen
Family Studies in Flanders
Van Heybeeckstraat 3
2170 Merksem
Belgium
Telephone: 0410.941.587
Email: info@familiekunde-vlaanderen.be
Website
Facebook

    • Supported by Flemish and Brussels governments, this society focuses in Flemish family history and genealogy
    • List of Databases


Example wikitext code:

'''Familiekunde Vlaanderen'''<br>
''Family Studies in Flanders''<br>
Van Heybeeckstraat 3<br>
2170 Merksem<br>
Belgium<br>
Telephone: 0410.941.587<br>
Email: [mailto:info@familiekunde-vlaanderen.be info@familiekunde-vlaanderen.be]<br>
[https://familiekunde-vlaanderen.be// Website]<br>
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/familiekunde Facebook]<br>
**Supported by Flemish and Brussels governments, this society focuses in Flemish family history and genealogy 
**[https://familiekunde-vlaanderen.be/indices List of Databases]

Standardization of Wiki Pages


Tables - Format

WCAG 2.1 AA

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA is the standard for FamilySearch websites. This requires Wiki pages to adhere to strict guidelines to improve accessibility for all those with disabilities.

  • Guidelines for WCAG 2.1
  • All new content created in the Wiki will be examined and altered to pass guidelines before publishing to the public
  • All pages in the language Wikis are currently archived and projects are used to fix these pages created before the European Union deadline of June 28, 2025.
  • All wiki pages will be compliant and accessible by 2030.

Manual of Style Instructions for WCAG

Writing, Grammar, and Special Characters

Abbreviations

  • Do: The first time you use a term that can be abbreviated, write it out and put the acronym in parentheses.

Example:
The International Genealogical Index (IGI) was a computer file created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • Don't: Abbreviations, including US postal codes, should not be used in article titles or text because abbreviations can mean different things in different parts of the world. For example, the abbreviation CA could mean either California or Canada, depending on the reader's nationality.

For more information about naming conventions, see also Help:Naming Conventions.

Acronyms


African American Vocabulary

Appropriate vocabulary regarding African American research:

  • Use "slaveholder" not "enslaver" or "slave owner"
  • Use "enslaved" not "slaves"


Bullet Lists

  • Bullet lists are essential to Wiki pages as they clearly list information to the user. Any list of information that has 6 or more items should use a bullet or a sub-bullet.
  • A list of 6 or more items of information, such as links to other Wiki pages, should use the "ul class" as described below. This class will automatically create columns of bullets and keep the amount of bullets even for each column.

Instructions for creating "ul class" bullet lists:
1. Add the following wikitext code above the list of bullets:

{| style="width:70%; vertical-align:top;"
|-
|
<ul class="column-spacing-fullscreen" style="padding-right:5px;">

2. In front of each item you wish to list, use the wikitext code, "<li>" before the item and "</li>" immediately after the item. This code adds a bullet (asterisk) before the item.
3. List as many items as you need to.
4. After the last item, add the following closing code to the table:

</ul>
|}


Things you can change with the above coding:

  • Change the "width:70%"; as needed. This controls how far across the screen the bullets will go. To utilize the whole page, change the 70% to 100%.
  • Change the "column-spacing-fullscreen" to "halfscreen". This indicates that the columns will only show on half of the page instead of across the whole screen.



Currencies

Listing costs of services. When referring users to a site or institution that charges for its services, use ($). Do not list the exact cost of the services.

Correct: There is a fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application.

Incorrect: There is a US$27-$29 fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application.

Identifying the currency listed. If it is important to indicate an amount of money and the currency used, indicate both the amount and which currency is listed.

Correct: In 1800, a private in the British infantry was paid 1 shilling a day.

Correct: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France $15,000,000.

Incorrect: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France almost $190 million in today’s money.

Diacritics and Quotation Marks

In article titles, you may use words with diacritics (symbols used in other languages) or letters that do not appear in the English alphabet. However, the search engine may not display the article if users search for the English version of the word. Quotation marks should be avoided in article titles.

Grammar and Style

  • Accepted authority: When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Resource Commentary There should be no editorialization or subjective commentary of the nature of a website, collection, or other resource. Short, brief descriptions of a resource's topic/coverage may be allowed, but should be as brief as possible so as not to impede page flow. Adding details that may change with content updates, such as specifics about record count and coverage, should be avoided.
  • Consistent grammar style within an article: Grammar styles may vary by location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be consistently maintained throughout the article. Other contributors and editors should follow the original style.
  • Neutral tone: Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. If the quote has the potential to offend, find another quote.
  • Avoid using “he or she": As much as possible, avoid using “he or she” and “his or hers" (for example, “He or she can use the index to find his or her ancestor’s record quickly”). Do not use the plural pronoun “they” to replace “he or she.”
  • Avoid using “we” and “I”: Contributors should not use “we” or “I” to refer to themselves and others in a Wiki article.
  • Avoid using “you”: Contributors should not use “you” in a Wiki article. Instead use professional, imperative sentences with no subject and an implied second person. More information.


Non-English Languages in the Wiki

FamilySearch has 8 individual language Wikis:

When approved by the FamilySearch Research Wiki Executive Council, non-English language Wiki pages not included in the above list can be added to the English Wiki. Creation of non-English language Wiki pages in the English Wiki shall be overseen by the Wiki Executive Council. There must be an English version of the page in the English Wiki. The currently approved languages in the English Wiki are:

  • Chinese
  • Indonesian
  • Mongolian
  • Norwegian

To request adding a non-English Wiki page to the English Wiki, please contact us at: wikisupport@familysearch.org.

Translating Wiki Pages into 133 Languages

An extension located under the menu, Translate, found on the left side of the screen has been added to each language Wiki. This provides a way to translate Wiki pages using Google Translate to the desired language. Click on, Select Language to see the list of available languages. To return to the original language, click on the X to the right of "Options" found on the Google Translate menu at the top of the browser page.

Preferred terms

The following terms are preferred.

FamilySearch Research Wiki (just "Wiki" or Research Wiki is also acceptable)
Correct
Creating a new article in the FamilySearch Research Wiki

Incorrect
Creating a new article in the FamilySearch wiki

Latin abbreviations. Do not use ca., etc., e.g., or viz. Use simple English instead.
ca. (Use "about")

e.g. (Use "for example.")

etc. (Use "and so on" or "and so forth.")

i.e. (This term actually means "that is," and is often used incorrectly to mean "for example." Depending on meaning, use "that is," "such as," or "for example.")

viz. (Use "namely.")

Punctuation

Accepted authority. Use the Chicago Manual of Style for rules of punctuation.

Punctuation style. The rules of punctuation vary greatly (for example, whether a comma is placed before “and” in a series of items: red, white, and blue). Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style.

Commas. Commas are frequently used at the end of introductory phrases and to separate the items in a list. In a list, a comma may either be used before “and” or left out. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article.

Correct
At that time, immigrants from Eastern Europe either sailed directly to the United States or changed ships in Liverpool, England, before sailing to the United States.
This collection includes birth, death, and marriage records.
This collection includes birth, death and marriage records.


Commas with places. When a place is listed, each jurisdiction (governmental divisions such as country, province, state, county, and so on) is separated by a comma. In a sentence, a comma also comes after the final jurisdiction unless it ends the sentence.


Correct
Bannow, County Wexford, Ireland
He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in an area that is now part of LaRue County, Kentucky.
Incorrect
Bannow County Wexford

Punctuation in numbers. Use commas in numbers over 999 (for example, 1,000, 1,000,000, and so on). Use a period to indicate a fraction of a digit (for example .25, 3.76, and so on).

Punctuation within quotation marks. English-speaking areas follow differing guidelines for adding punctuation within quotation marks (for example, whether the period is placed within or outside of the final quotation mark). When editing, contributors should follow the existing style in the article.

Correct
Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago.”
Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago”.

Ampersand. Only use an ampersand (&) in database links and not as a replacement for the word "and" in a sentence.
And/or. Do not use “and/or.” Rewrite the sentence, or use just one word. If items are frequently together, use “and.” If items are seldom together, use “or.”

Correct
Each record has a death and burial date.
Each record has either a death or burial date. Some records have both dates.

Incorrect
Each record has a death and/or burial date.

Using a slash (/) between two years. Do not use a slash between two years unless you are writing an actual double date (see guideline 15.8). Use the word “or.”
Correct
In 1530 or 1531, the parish boundaries were changed.

Incorrect
In 1530/1531, the parish boundaries were changed.

Parentheses and brackets. Use parentheses ( ) around explanatory or alternate information. If the information in parentheses is a complete sentence, the period goes within the final parenthesis. (This sentence would be an example.) Use brackets [ ] to indicate words in a quote that have been altered from the original. <br
Correct
10 Vendémiaire IX (2 October 1800)
“All men [and women] are created equal.”

Incorrect
10 Vendémiaire IX [2 October 1800]

Quotation marks. Use double quotation marks around quotes and titles of articles rather than single quotation marks.

Correct
For more information about these records, see “Australia Census.”

Incorrect
For more information about these records, see ‘Australia Census.’

The “#” symbol for the word “number.” The symbol “#” does not represent the word “number” in all cultures. Instead of “#”, use “number,” “No.,” or reword the sentence.

Correct
The number 1 cause of war deaths was disease.
The primary cause of war deaths was disease.

Incorrect
The #1 cause of war deaths was disease.

Spelling

Spelling variations of English. Variations of English are acceptable. For example, either colour (British) or color (United States) is acceptable. Each article should use only one variation of English. When editing, use the variation of English already established in the article.

Text Formatting

To maintain consistency, do not bold, italicize, change size, type, or color of font, except certain circumstances, such as italicizing a book title. Any such modification is to be done under supervision of Wiki Administration.

Text Formatting Guidelines
Format Type Guideline

Font

Do not change the default setting for font type, font size, and font color. Exceptions may be made by Wiki Administration.

Bold

  • To be used in headings and the beginning of collection links to emphasize information, such as, dates and surnames.
  • To be used judiciously for long paragraphs of text to emphasize key words or phrases to improve readability.
  • Otherwise, bold should be used sparingly.

Italics

  • Use italics if a word must be emphasized or if it's the first occurance of a word in a language other than English.
  • List book titles in italics.
  • Do not use italics for quoted text.

Underline

  • Do not use underline as a way to emphasize text because the use of underline indicates text with a hyperlink.
  • Do not underline book titles.
  1. ↑ Greenwood, Val D. The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017).

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

FamilySearch Center (FSC); formerly called, Family History Center (FHC)

FamilySearch Catalog (FS Catalog); formerly called, Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)

Due to contractual agreements, some images and/or databases on FamilySearch.org may only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

Use the Special characters menu to insert m-dash

Users should verify which locations and dates are included in this collection.

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Dates and/or coverage for this database is inconclusive and may contain gaps.

“Current” indicates records are available as recently as privacy laws allow. This date can change from year to year. To determine the exact dates available, contact the respective organization/repository.

DGS stands for Digital Genealogical Society also known as an Image Group Number. Each set of digital images is assigned a DGS number for identification purposes.

Link to an archived website. Page load time may be slow.

Publications not available online.

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