Your Guide to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City

Your Guide to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City

This guide will walk you through leveraging FamilySearch.org to maximize your research experience before, during, and after a visit to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City.

Step 1: Preparing for Your Visit with FamilySearch.org

• Identify Research Goals: Log in to FamilySearch.org. Navigate to your Family Tree. Identify individuals who have missing vital information (births, marriages, deaths) or those with promising "Research Hints." Click on individuals to review their existing details and sources.
• Review Existing Records & Sources: For each target ancestor, click their name, then select Person to go to their details page. Carefully examine the Details tab and the Sources tab to understand what information you already have and what gaps need filling. Are there unattached sources or hints you haven't explored?
• Utilize the FamilySearch Catalog: On FamilySearch.org, click Search from the top menu, then select Catalog. Enter the locality (country, state, county, town) where your ancestors lived. Browse the results to see what record collections exist. Pay close attention to items marked "Image Restricted" or "Viewable only at a Family History Center or Affiliate Library," as these are prime targets for your library visit.
• Create a Focused Research Plan: Based on your tree analysis and Catalog searches, create a list of specific individuals you want to research and the exact records you hope to access. Note the catalog entries, film numbers, or collection names for records you anticipate needing library access to view.

Step 2: Leveraging FamilySearch.org During Your Library Visit

• Access Restricted Records: While logged into FamilySearch.org from a computer within the FamilySearch Library, navigate to Search > Records. Search for an ancestor. If you previously noted records in the Catalog that were "Image Restricted," you should now be able to click on the record link and often view the digital images directly from the library's network.
• Explore the Full Catalog: Return to Search > Catalog. Revisit the entries you identified in your pre-visit plan. For items previously listed as "Viewable only at a Family History Center or Affiliate Library," you should now see an option to click and view the digital images directly from your library computer.
• Attach New Sources to Your Tree: As you find new records and images, always use the Attach to Family Tree button (usually found in the record viewer or details page on FamilySearch.org). Follow the prompts to link the source to the correct individuals in your public family tree.
• Utilize "My Research" and "Notes": On an ancestor's Person page, use the Notes tab to record your findings, specific sources you've viewed, and any new research questions that emerge. This helps you track progress directly within FamilySearch.org.

Step 3: Continuing Your Research Post-Visit with FamilySearch.org

• Review and Organize Your Discoveries: Back home, log back into FamilySearch.org. Go to your Family Tree and review all the new sources you attached during your library visit. Ensure they are correctly linked and all relevant information has been extracted.
• Follow New Clues: The records you found at the library often contain new names, dates, and places. Use this fresh information to expand your search using FamilySearch.org's online resources. Return to the Search > Records and Search > Catalog sections to find additional records now that you have more precise details.
• Share Your Discoveries: Consider adding photos, documents, or stories related to your newly found ancestors to their Person pages under the Memories tab on FamilySearch.org. This enriches their profiles and shares your discoveries with other family members.