Genealogy at a Glance: Family History Library Research

Description

The Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the world’s largest collection of genealogical materials, and it is a natural magnet for researchers the world over. The library’s print and electronic collections are renowned for their breadth and are so vast they require the pinpoint guidance that only a Genealogy at a Glance research guide can provide. Here are just a few statistics to illustrate the scope of this extraordinary library:

• The Family History Library collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm and 727,000 microfiche, 356,000 books and serials, over 4,500 periodicals, and 3,725 databases.
• Records have been filmed in over 110 countries, territories, and possessions.
• Researchers in the library have access to 475 computers, 408 microfilm readers, 36 microfiche readers, and 27 microform copiers.
• The library has enough tables to accommodate 375 researchers.
• Service is provided by 100 full-time and part-time professional staff, supported by 700 trained volunteers.

The library is located in a 142,000 square-foot building in Salt Lake City, and anyone tracing his or her ancestors will want to make use of the collections, which fall into four broad categories:
(1) those dealing with the U.S. at the state or county level; (2) those dealing with the U.S. at the national or regional level; (3) international records; and (4) family histories. One of the main purposes of this Genealogy at a Glance publication is to assist you with strategies for researching in any of the major collections, strategies that you’ll find not only helpful but indispensable. At the same time, however, you’ll learn not to leave home before checking online, since you can access the library’s circulating collection of over 2.4 million microfilms at any of the 4,500 FamilySearch Centers located in over 100 countries.

Like other publications in the Genealogy at a Glance series, this one takes a large subject and narrows it down to its essential elements, covering the basics of research in an amazing four pages. But this piece is just a little different; besides pointing out the best and most helpful websites, listing the most useful books and articles, and providing tips for further research, it also tells you how to prepare for a research trip to Salt Lake City and suggests things to do in the city when you take a break from your research. It even offers suggestions for dining and accommodation!