How to Do Genealogy Research at the LDS Utah Center

The Latter-day Saint Family History Library contains the largest collection of genealogical information in the world. The library, originally founded by the Genealogical Society of Utah in 1894, is committed to capturing on film all worldwide data on public record such as deeds, wills, marriages, births and deaths.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Briefcases
• Computer Disks
• Lots Of Change And Small Bills
• File Folders
• Notebooks
• Pens And Pencils

Research

1. Do computer research on the more than 70 computers available in the library.

2. Use a stand-up computer for quick searches. Use is limited to about 15 minutes.

3. Utilize a sit-down computer for up to one hour.

4. Find more computers one block away in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. These off-site computers have access to the library indexes and are recommended for beginners.

5. Check out up to five films or five books at a time. These are available for use in the library only.

6. Take advantage of the assistants available on each floor. They are there to help patrons learn how to search, but not to find the information for you.

7. Print out information from a computer for about 5 cents per page, and make photocopies for about the same price.

8. Get printouts of microfiche for 20 cents a page.

9. Download data onto your own disks or purchase disks from the library.

Orientation

1. Visit the orientation center upon entering the library.

2. Attend the short orientation session to become familiar with this sizable library. There are five floors, four of which are open to the public.

3. Obtain a printed guidebook, which can help you use almost every system in the library.

4. Check out the schedule of the various classes that are available throughout the day. They're free and given by volunteers and staff members to aid in your use of the databases and resource information.

5. Plan your day around the classes. Like the orientation, these classes are extremely valuable.

The Web Site

1. Visit the Family History Library Web site to get information about the library location and its history. (See familysearch.org.)

2. Find the directions to the library, a layout of the library records and information about hotel accommodations.

3. Note the library's hours. With the exception of Sundays and seven other days each year, the library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to wait in line to make copies.

• Plan to spend at least half a day getting oriented and another two days on research.

• Keep in mind that research can be quite exhausting when trying to schedule how much time you'll need.