• The library and its Family History Centers have access to records from many governments, churches, and organizations. Only a small part of the collection is about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its members, or their ancestors.

• Most documents are written in the language of the country where they were made. You usually do not need to know the foreign language to use the records, but learning a few key terms is helpful. For word lists that contain English translations of foreign words, go to Research Helps.

• Many records are handwritten, are in chronological rather than alphabetical order, and are not indexed. Allow plenty of time at the Family History Center or library when searching these types of records.

FamilySearch™ is a computerized system of genealogical information that helps researchers identify their ancestors and organize family history information. It is found on all floors in the library, most Family History Centers, the FamilySearch Center, and at a growing number of public and private libraries. To identify a public library with FamilySearch near you, call 801-240-2584. FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service offers most, but not all, of the resources that are part of FamilySearch at the library or its centers. The following computer files and programs are part of FamilySearch:

• Ancestral File.  A computer file containing names and other vital information (such as date and place of birth, marriage, or death) of millions of individuals who have lived throughout the world. Names are organized into family groups and pedigrees. To allow for coordination of research, the file also lists names and addresses of those who contributed to the file. Ancestral File is available on compact disc and on the Internet.

• Family History Library Catalog.  A catalog that describes the records available at the Family History Library. The catalog provides a guide to family histories; birth, marriage, and death records; census records; church registers; and many other records that may contain genealogical information. These records may be in a book, on microfiche or microfilm, or in a computer file. Copies of most microfilm and microfiche records can be sent to Family History Centers. The catalog is available on the Internet, on compact disc, and on microfiche.

• International Genealogical Index.  A computer file that lists several hundred million names of deceased persons from throughout the world. It also lists some vital information, such as a birth or marriage date and place. Many names in the index come from vital records from the early 1500s to 1885. Others have been submitted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The International Genealogical Index is available on the Internet, on compact disc, and on microfiche.

• U.S. Social Security Death Index.  A computer file that contains records of deaths reported to the United States Social Security Administration. Most records start in 1962, but the file does contain a few records of deaths that happened before that date. The computer file is available on compact disc.

• U.S. Military Index.  A computer file of individuals in the United States military service who died or were declared dead in Korea or Vietnam (Southeast Asia) from 1950 to 1975. The file is available on compact disc.

• Scottish Church Records.  A computer file index to the Old Parochial Registers of Scotland and a few nonconformist records. The file is available on compact disc.

• Personal Ancestral File.  A computer program used to record, manage, and share genealogical information. Personal Ancestral File was created and is distributed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Pedigree Resource File. A computer file that contains names; family relationships; and birth, marriage, and death information for millions of people. The information in this file will appear as it was originally submitted and will not be merged with information submitted by others. The file is available on compact disc.

• TempleReady.  A computer program that helps members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepare the names of their ancestors for temple ordinances.

Library Publications are listed in the Family History Materials List (34083), which is available from the library, Family History Centers, or the Salt Lake Distribution Center (telephone: Salt Lake City area: 801-240-3800 ; U.S. and Canada: 800-537-5971). It lists over 150 publications available at the library and distribution center. Many of these are also available online in Research Helps. Request a faxed copy of this list by telephone (801-240-2331) or fax (801-240-5551). You can also obtain the "how-to" publications, including limited amounts of blank pedigree charts and family group record forms, at the library and at many Family History Centers.