The Family History Library: Your Guide to Research for FamilySearch

The Family History Library: Your Guide to Research for FamilySearch

This guide helps you discover and utilize the vast resources of the Family History Library (FHL) directly through FamilySearch.org for your family history research.

1. Sign In to FamilySearch.org

   Begin by navigating to FamilySearch.org and signing in to your free account. If you don't have one, click "Free Account" to create one.

2. Access the FamilySearch Catalog

   The FamilySearch Catalog is your primary tool for exploring the FHL's extensive collection, including physical materials and digitized records. Many records originally on microfilm or microfiche are now digital and viewable online.

   • From the top menu, click "Search".
   • From the dropdown, select "Catalog".

3. Search the Catalog for Records

   You can search the catalog in several ways to find relevant records:

   • Place: This is often the most effective method. Enter the name of a country, state/province, or county/parish where your ancestors lived and click "Search".
   • Surnames: Search for specific family names.
   • Titles: If you know the name of a specific book or record collection.
   • Keywords: For broader searches.

   After your search, review the list of results for record types relevant to your research (e.g., vital records, census, church records).

4. Identify Digital Records

   Within the search results, pay close attention to the "Film/Digital Notes" column for each entry:

   • A camera icon (looks like an old camera) indicates that the record collection has been digitized and is available to view online. Click this icon to access the images.
   • A magnifying glass icon indicates that the record collection has been indexed and is searchable via a name index. Clicking this will take you to a search page for that collection.
   • A camera icon with a key or a lock icon signifies that the record is digitized but has access restrictions.

5. View Digital Images

   If you clicked a camera icon without a lock:

   • You will be taken to an image viewer where you can browse the pages of the digitized record. Use the navigation tools to move between images, zoom in/out, and adjust brightness/contrast as needed.

6. Understand Restricted Access Records

   When you encounter a camera icon with a key or a lock icon, it means the record's access is restricted. This is often due to agreements with record custodians or privacy laws. While these records are part of the FHL's collection, they cannot be viewed from your home computer.

   • To access these records, you typically need to visit a Family History Center or an affiliate library. FamilySearch.org will often display a message indicating this.
   • Use the "Find a FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library" link (usually found in the footer or under "Help") on FamilySearch.org to locate a center near you that might offer access to these restricted collections. These centers provide a controlled environment where such records can be viewed through the FamilySearch.org platform.

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage FamilySearch.org to explore and utilize the vast, globally significant collections of the Family History Library, advancing your family history research from anywhere.