Family History Library/B1 Floor

The B1 Floor (Basement 1 Floor) of the Family History Library is known as the International Research/Microfilm Floor.

Info Desk
Stop at the Reference Desk to get your research questions answered. The volunteers and missionaries here will get you started with your research and find someone to help you.

Microfilms and Microfiche
This floor contains microfilms found from around the world. Some of the languages that you can find among these films are: German, French, Spanish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Russian, Chinese, Latin, and many more. There are also expert research specialists available that can help you read documents in the mentioned languages and more.

On this floor are also the microfiche for all collections in the Family History Library: US and Canada as well as all International. Two classic fiche readers are available on this floor, but the many ScanPro machines are also available to view microfiche.

Microfilm Readers
Throughout the years there have been many different styles of microfilm readers available. Types of available readers:


 * 4 Readers

ScanPro Readers
We have new work stations that are equipped with ScanPro microfilm readers. These workstations have some of the following features:


 * 21 ScanPro microfilm Readers
 * Extra large computer screens
 * Larger work stations
 * Adjustable desk stations

Map Area
This newly-developed area on the B1 floor houses the encapsulated flat maps, pedigree charts, atlases, and other cartographic materials for all collections in the Family History Library. Books and maps are stored in call number order for easy finding and locality browsing. Two large tables and several countertops provide wide, open areas for research using these unique materials.

A new interactive, touch-screen map table is also available in this area. Using internet searching you can zoom in and out with your fingertips to view countries, cities, and even the streets where your ancestors lived.

To locate a pedigree chart with your family members, search for surnames in the Family History catalog and look for the pedigree chart number. Charts are housed in drawers in numerical order.

B1 Computer Lab
This computer lab has 24 computers programmed as research computers. They have access to the subscription websites and everything else available on the research computers on the floor.

You can reserve this room for your own presentation or even for a group presentation from the Family History Library. To learn more about reserving the computer lab go to this web page. All reservations are based upon availability.

This room is also used for classes taught by our research specialists and missionaries. To view the class schedule or listen to past classes go to Family History Library Classes and Webinars on the FamilySearch Wiki.

Printers
Here are the services found on the B1 Floor:


 * There are 3 printers available throughout the floor for your use.

Research Computers
There are 136 research computers available on the B1 Floor. When the computers shut down all memory is wiped. Please make sure to save your work often. These computers are programmed with access to many subscription websites as well as different genealogy programs. Here is a list of some of the more popular websites and programs:


 * Ancestry.com
 * ArkivDigital
 * EmiWeb
 * Findmypast
 * Fold3.com
 * JSTOR
 * RootsMagic
 * AncestralQuest
 * Legacy (Family History Program)
 * Personal Ancestral File (PAF)
 * and many more!

There are 2 computers reserved for the use of Asian languages. These computers have software that will allow guests to write in characters.

These computers also connect to 3 printers available on the floor, so you can print what you find on the computer.