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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

   

Click on a frequently asked question to read the answer: 


Q: 

What is the difference between the Family History Library and family history centers?

A: 

The Family History Library, located in Salt Lake City, is the main repository for most of the genealogical information the Church has collected. Family history centers (more than 3,500 around the world) are branches of the Family History Library. These centers eliminate the need to travel to Salt Lake City to use the record collection. Most of the microfilm and electronic data collections are accessible at centers around the world. There is no charge for use of the Family History Library or family history centers. Volunteer staffs are on hand to lend assistance.

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Q: 

Do I have to listen to your Church missionaries if I visit the family history center?

A: 

No. You are welcome to ask questions of the missionaries if you see them in the family history center. 

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Q: 

How can I find where a family history center is located?

A: 

To find the location of a center, go to Find a Family History Center.

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Q: 

Can anyone use a family history center?

A: 

Yes, everyone is welcome to visit family history centers and use center resources.

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Q: 

What should I bring when I visit the center?

A: 

Bring the name of an ancestor you wish to research and information you know about the person (such as birth, death, or marriage information). The more information you have about your ancestor, the better your chances for successful research. It may also be helpful to bring a completed pedigree chart.

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Q: 

Do I do my own research when I go to the family history center?

A: 

Yes. Center staff members will not do research for you, but they will help you use center resources so that you can do your own research. Some lineage-linked family history information is available in computer databases at the center.

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Q: 

Will a family history center help me find a person who is still living?

A: 

No, centers help patrons identify their deceased ancestors. Centers cannot help patrons find lost friends or relatives who are still living.

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Q: 

What services do family history centers provide?

A: 

To find out about the services available in a center, go to Services.

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Q: 

What resources do family history centers have?

A: 

To find out about the resources available in a center, go to Resources.

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Q: 

What will I find when I visit a family history center?

A: 

That depends on the center. Centers vary in the amount of space, number of staff members, the research expertise of the staff, hours of service, and the size of the collection of microfilms, microfiche, books, and other research resources.

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Q: 

Are there any fees to visit a center or to use its resources?

A: 

There is no fee to visit a family history center or to use most of its resources. Research outlines and resource guides may be sold at cost. There are small fees for:
  • Photocopies
  • Computer printouts
  • Microfilms or microfiche loaned to the center from the Family History Library to cover postage

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Q: 

What does it cost to order a microfilm or microfiche? How long will a microfilm or microfiche be available in the center?

A: 

In the United States and Canada the following loan fees and periods are current:
 
Type of Loan Loan Fee Loan Time* Days Available for Patron Use*
Microfilm loan U.S.$5.50

60 days*
90 days in Canada*

30 days*
Microfilm loan, 1st renewal Additional U.S.$5.50 Additional 60 days* Additional 60 days (total of 90 days)*
Microfilm loan, 2nd renewal Additional U.S.$5.50 Extended loan, no due date As long as needed
Microfiche loan U.S.$.15 per fiche Extended loan, no due date As long as needed
(Centers may discard unneeded fiche.)

Centers may add a small fee to notify a patron that the microfilm or fiche has arrived in the center. In the United States, some centers are required by state law to charge a small use tax.

Outside the United States and Canada, loan fees and loan periods depend upon exchange rates and local policies. Contact your local family history center for current loan fees and loan periods.

When the microfilms and microfiche arrive in the center, they will be available for you and other patrons to use until the loan period has expired. (Microfiche generally remain in the center.)

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Q: 

Can I use Family History Library microfilms and microfiche outside the family history center?

A: 

No. Microfilms and microfiche loaned to family history centers do not belong to the family history center or the patron who ordered them. Microfilms and microfiche cannot be removed from a center or transferred from one center to another.

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