R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

A Guide to Research
   

Table of Contents
Why Family History?
Introduction
     Purpose
     Records At The Family History Library
     Services And Resources
     Research Process
1. Identify What You Know About Your Family
     Fill Out A Pedigree Chart And Family Group Record
     Gather Additional Information
     Organize Your Records
2. Decide What You Want To Learn About Your Family
     Select An Ancestor
     Select A Research Question
     Prepare A Research Log
3. Select Records To Search
     Identify A Record Category
     Compiled Records
     Original Records
     Choose A Record Type
     Select Specific Records To Search
     Describe The Records On Your Research Log
4. Obtain And Search The Record
     Obtain The Record
     Search The Record
     Record The Results
5. Use The Information
     Evaluate The Information
     Transfer The Information
     Organize Your Records
     Share Information
     Repeat The Process
Additional
     Indexing Of Records
     Other Services
     Library Rules
Selecting Record Types

2. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAMILY


SELECT AN ANCESTOR

Select one ancestor you would like to learn more about. Begin with an ancestor for whom you already have some information. You will need at least his surname and some idea of when and where he lived. If possible, select an ancestor born before 1920, because most of the library's records date from before 1920. A staff member can help you.

To select an ancestor, look at the entries on your pedigree chart that have one of the following problems:

Click here to view or print a pedigree chart


SELECT A RESEARCH QUESTION

Identify questions you want to answer about the person you selected. For example:

Where was he born? or married?
Where or when did he die?
What were the names of his children?
Who were his parents?
Select one question as your research objective. By focusing on one question at a time, you increase your chances for success.


PREPARE A RESEARCH LOG

Write the name you selected, your research objective, and where he may have lived at the top of a research log. One is provided in this guide. You will use this log to list each record you search and the information you find, as shown above. Extra research logs are available for purchase.

(To view or print a Research Log click here)

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[FamilySearchTM: Research Guidance
Version of Data: 6/8/2001]