
An entry in the FamilySearch Catalog includes helpful research information about the record. This information is typically organized into several sections, including the Overview, Notes, Subjects, Copies, and Film/Digital Notes. Each of these sections is explained in this article.
Overview
The Overview is found at the top of a Catalog entry and appears as a light gray field. The Overview section can include:
- Title: The title of the record is at the top in larger font.
- Add to print list button: To add the entry to your catalog print list, click this button. Click here to learn more about the print list.
- Authors: Lists the author or authors of the record.
- Format: Lists the format or formats of the record.
- Language: Identifies in which language the record was written.
- Publication Date: States the record's date of publication.
- Publisher: Lists the publisher or publishers of the record.
- Physical: A description of the record's physical characteristics.
Notes
Located near the top of a Catalog entry, the Notes section can include:
- Record Origin and Description: Information about the source and context of the record.
- Language: The language in which the record is written.
- Format: Details about the record format.
- Online Access: A notice (in red) if the item is available online, with a link to the digital version.
- Indexed collection Information: Whether the original record includes an indexed collection.
- Library Holdings: For multi-volume works, details about which volumes the library owns.
- WorldCat Link: A link to locate the item in other libraries.
Subjects
The Subjects section shows the subjects under which a record is categorized.
Copies
The Copies section contains information about the printed version of the record. This section can include:
- Call Number: Identifies the physical location of the record within a library or center.
- Location: Indicates where the record is stored.
- Collection/Shelf, Availability: Indicates the type of record and its availability status.
Film/Digital Notes
The Film/Digital Notes section contains information about the digital version of the record. This section can include:
- Note: Record type, date range, and volume numbers.
- Location and Collection/Shelf: Where the item is stored in a FamilySearch library or center. You can also see one of the following:
- Off-site Storage: Indicates that the item is digitized and stored outside a FamilySearch library. Guests can visit the Guest Services window on the main floor of the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah to request temporary digital access.
- On Loan: The item is temporarily unavailable due to being loaned out.
- Film: A microfilm or microfiche number.
- Some film numbers include an Item number. When viewing, the image viewer opens at Image 1 of Item 1. Use the thumbnail navigation to locate a specific item.
- Image Group Number (DGS): Identifies the digital images of the record.
- Format: Indicates how the record can be accessed. You see one of the following icons:
This collection is online but not indexed. Click the icon to browse digital images online. The collection is online and all or part of it has been indexed. Click the icon to search the indexed records online.
Note: Some indexed collections have restrictions that do not permit use of the index.
The collection has viewing restrictions or limitations. To learn more, click the icon. The collection is on microfilm or microfiche at the location indicated in the entry.
For more information about the sections and information contained in a Catalog entry, visit the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
Important note on access restrictions
Occasionally, a Catalog entry includes microfilms with camera icons alongside others with only film reel icons. This status usually occurs when the record custodian restricts portions of a digitized microfilm. If any part of the microfilm has restrictions, FamilySearch must restrict access to the entire microfilm, including portions without restrictions.
Related articles
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