The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Family History Library - FHL

Family History Library Catalog – FHLC

- Notes to the video “A Beginner’s Guide”

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The FHLC can be accessed on the Internet at www.familysearch.org or

Can be purchased on CD from the Church Distribution Center at 1.800.537.5371

I. Where to Start.

A. Identify what you know and what unanswered questions you have.

B. Decide what you want to learn (It is a good idea to use a Research Log for your search – ask a Family History Center - FHC staff person to show you what they look like and how to use them).

1. Start with previous research.

a) Previous research is research already done by others; such as family records at home and FamilySearch at the FHC.

2. Then check with the original records (records created at the time of the event) available to substantiate the accuracy of the previous research done by others.

3. Start with census records.

a) They are the best sources for names and dates in the United States. Use census indexes whenever available. Check all censuses taken during a person’s lifetime, each census may provide additional information.

b) Census records can be found on www.Ancestry.com for records 1790 – 1930; some are indexed. The FHC has a subscription to this wonderful resource. Also, the 1880 census is available on www.familysearch.org .

II. Eight different searches.

A. Try different types of searches; each search may produce different records – also remember to check back often as the FHL is always adding new records.

1. Place

a) You need to know where your family lived to use this search.

b) The catalog is organized from highest level of jurisdiction to the lowest.

c) Search different levels of jurisdiction, such as a country, state or province, county and city. You do not have to type in the words “county” or “city”.

d) Try clicking the “related places” button to get additional information about the surrounding areas. This is a good idea because boundaries change and people move.

2. Surname

a) You can use your families surname in this search to find family history records about your ancestor. You may want to try alternate spellings of the surname.

3. Keyword

a) Such as combining a surname and a place.

4. Title

a) Books - many books have been microfilmed so they can be ordered.

b) Books are not checked out of the FHL or the FHC.

5. Film/Fiche

a) Microfilm and microfiche are ways records have been preserved in a small amount of space.

6. Author

a) An author can be one person, several people, a church, a society or a government agency.

7. Subject

a) Lists records by topics; such as, religions, ethnic groups, historical events, languages and other broad subjects.

8. Call Number

a) Used to identify books.

III. Tips to remember and try.

A. These tips can apply to all the different types of searches.

1. Type in your search terms or words that may help you find your information.

a) If you get too many results, just add more information to the search and it will narrow the search down for you.

2. Try different types of searches.

a) Each type of search may have different records.

3. Look through your results and decide which records may help you.

a) To get more details on an entry, just click on it.

4. Decide which record to search further.

5. Copy the information you need to help you find that record.

a) Write down the call number or film number or print a copy (five cents a copy).

6. Obtain record so you can use it.

a) The FHC staff has order forms and they will help you order the record ($5.25 for microfilm and fifteen cents for microfiche).

Thank You, and enjoy your visit!

Vernal Utah Family History Center Staff