How do I search the FamilySearch Catalog for records?

The FamilySearch Catalog is an extensive guide to genealogical records and resources collected by FamilySearch. The catalog includes materials available in FamilySearch libraries and centers worldwide. The catalog features a wide variety of records, such as:

• Birth, marriage, and death records
• Census records
• Church registers
• Books and periodicals
• Images and family histories
• And many other sources of genealogical information

Catalog records are often accessible in physical formats at FamilySearch locations or as digital files online. However, some digital content has restricted access due to contractual obligations, data privacy laws, or specific requirements set by the custodians of the records.

The FamilySearch Catalog is also available through OCLC WorldCat, a global online catalog that connects over 72,000 libraries in 172 countries, containing more than 2 billion titles.

Steps to search the Catalog (website)

1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
2. Click Search in the menu bar at the top of the page.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Catalog.
4. Enter search details. To begin your search use one or more of the available search fields:
   
   • Place: Search by a location (such as a city, county, or country). Provide enough information to narrow down results geographically. Adding a county or province alongside a city name often helps.
   • Surnames: Search by a surname. If results are limited, try:
     
     • A keyword search.
     • An author search for biographies or autobiographies.
     • Alternate spellings of the name.
   • Titles: Enter any part of a title in any order.
   • Author: Search by the author's name.
   • Subjects: Search for topics using keywords. For better results, use a keyword search if needed.
   • Keywords: Search across fields such as notes, series, subjects, titles, authors, or statements of responsibility.
   • Call Number: Search for a specific call number.
   • Image Group Number (DGS) or Film Number: Enter the number without leading zeros.
5. Refine the results. Filter search results using the Availability options:
   
   • To view only online records, click Online.
   • To locate a record at a specific FamilySearch center or library, click FamilySearch Center, then select the location from the list. If your center or library is not in the list, contact FamilySearch Support.
     
     • Important: Search results for FamilySearch centers may not always reflect current availability. Contact the center directly to confirm that they still have the materials you need before visiting.
6. Click Search.
7. If needed, you can redo or filter your search results:
   
   • Enter new search criteria on the right side of the screen.
   • Filter your current search results by using the filters at the top of the search results page.
8. View the results.
9. To access its Catalog entry, click an item. For further guidance on reading Catalog entries, view this article.

Steps (mobile app)

You can use the catalog on a mobile device using a web browser.  

Related articles

What information is in a FamilySearch Catalog entry?
How do I use filters in the FamilySearch Catalog?