Previous Research. After gaining some background information, you will be ready to look for any research that has already been gathered by others, such as:

• Printed family histories and genealogies
• Family information published in periodicals
• Biographies
• Local histories
• Manuscript collections of family information
• Family newsletters
• Computer databases of family information
• Hereditary and lineage society records
  

These can save you valuable time and often provide excellent information. For example, if you were researching the Pierce family, you may find a book or magazine article about your family, such as the Pierce Genealogy: Being the Record of the Posterity of Thomas Pierce.

Many records containing previous research are described in the “Biography,” “Genealogy,” “History,” “Periodicals,” and “Societies” sections of the outline. Remember, however, that the information in these sources is secondary and may need to be verified by original records.

Original Documents. After surveying previous research, you will be ready to search original documents. These records can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search the existing records of:

• Each place where your ancestor lived
• The complete time period when he lived there
• All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (church and town, county, state, and federal governments)
  

Many types of original documents are described in the “Census,” “Church Records,” “Emigration and Immigration,” “Probate Records,” “Vital Records,” and other sections of this outline.

Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record

Suggestions for Obtaining Records. You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways:

• Family History Library. You are welcome to visit and use the records at the Family History Library. The library is open to the public, and there are no fees for using the records. Contact the library if you would like more information about its services.
  
• Family History Centers. Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to our Family History Centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service. The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books that are not protected by copyright can be obtained on microfilm or microfiche. For more information see Family History Library and Family History Centers: Library Services and Resources (32957). For addresses and telephone numbers of centers near you, telephone Family History Center Support, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. mountain time, at 800-346- 6044.
  
• Local libraries and interlibrary loan. Public and university libraries have many published sources as well as some records on microform. Most of these libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow many records from other libraries. Although books at the Family History Library cannot be loaned to a Family History Center or other libraries, copies of these same books can often be obtained through your nearest public library.
  
• Computers. The number of genealogical resources accessible via computer is growing rapidly. If you have a computer with a modem, you can search the Internet, bulletin boards, and commercial on-line services for genealogical information (see the “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline). Some of the records in the FamilySearch™ system are described in the “Genealogy” section. The Family History Library Catalog on computer is a key tool for selecting records.
  
• Courthouses and archives. Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline for further information.)
  
• Genealogical and Historical Societies. Many counties and states have genealogical and historical societies that collect family and local histories, Bible records, cemetery records, genealogies, manuscripts, newspapers, and records of pioneers. Some societies are able to briefly search their records for you. (See also the “Societies” section of this outline.)
  
• Professional researchers. You can employ private researchers to search the records for you. Lists of professional researchers are available from the Family History Library, the Board for Certification of Genealogists (P.O. Box 14291, Washington, D.C. 20004), and the Association of Professional Genealogists (3421 M Street N.W., Suite 236, Washington, D.C. 20007-3552). Local archives, libraries, and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. For more information about professional researchers see Hiring a Professional Genealogist Resource Guide (34548).
  
• Photocopies. The Family History Library and many other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. Most will provide a few photocopies, but only if you specify the exact pages you need. Many will also photocopy a few pages of an index or an alphabetical record (such as a city directory) for a specific surname.
  
• Publishers. You can purchase records from their publishers if the records are still in print. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is: