
How Can I Volunteer?
The Family History Library is now accepting applications for potential volunteers!
Come volunteer at the Family History Library and help people learn about their ancestors. We are looking for enthusiastic, skilled volunteers to join our team. If you are interested, please fill out the application below.
The Library offers many volunteer opportunities; click on a volunteer type below to view a description:
Collections Volunteer
- Identify various books and other collections the Family History Library does not yet own that would be useful to add to its collection.
- Help reshelve microfilms, books, maps, etc.
Community Volunteer
- Help people via the online FamilySearch Community strategize how to continue their genealogical research and/or translate genealogical documents in the FamilySearch Community.
Discovery Volunteer
- Greet, interact, and help a wide variety of guests explore the Discovery Center (on the main floor of the Family History Library).
- Present FamilySearch to individuals and groups, tailoring your help to fit their needs and desires.
- Be comfortable with FamilySearch, including basic tools like the Historical Records Search, Family Tree, Wiki, and Catalog.
FamilySearch Volunteer
- Help guests at the Family History Library familiarize themselves with FamilySearch (the Family Tree, Wiki, Catalog, indexing, etc.).
Online Consultations Volunteer
- Via 20-minute online consultations, help people strategize how to continue their genealogical research.
- Already be comfortable using FamilySearch (including the Family Tree, the Wiki, and the Catalog).
- Be familiar with the records and resources of a specific country or locality, whether that be the USA or another country.
- Enjoy working with people.
- Be very familiar with Zoom.
- Teach concepts in a one-on-one setting so guests will be empowered to continue the research on their own.
- Note: The need for Consultations Volunteers is higher around RootsTech.
Record Lookup Volunteer
- According to your language specialty and difficulty level, look up entries in books, films, CDs, or digital images based on the specific film/DGS number, title or call number, etc., provided.
- If the copyright permits, send the findings to the guest who requested the lookup.
- Note: Click here to view information about the Family History Library record lookup service.
Research Volunteer
- Help guests strategize how to continue their genealogical research.
- Already be comfortable using FamilySearch (including the Family Tree, the Wiki, and the Catalog).
- Be familiar with the records and resources of a specific country or locality, whether that be the USA or another country.
- Enjoy working with people.
- Teach concepts in a one-on-one setting so guests will be empowered to continue the research on their own.
Technology Volunteer
- Help guests at the Family History Library scan photographs, personal books, articles, etc.
- Help with additional technology-related requests as needed.
Translation Volunteer
- Translate genealogical documents for guests at the Family History Library and/or interpret for guests at the Family History Library.
Current Volunteer Needs
The FamilySearch Library is especially looking for a limited number of Discovery Volunteers who would be willing to help staff the main floor of the library on weeknights from 5 pm until 8 pm and/or on Saturdays. Click to view the main duties of Discovery Volunteers.
Discovery Volunteers focus on helping guests discover their ancestors and gain the basic skills to continue their discoveries at home or elsewhere in the Family History Library. To do so, they:
Important skills for this volunteer type include:
- Help guests establish FamilySearch accounts
- Introduce guests to basic FamilySearch functions, such as the Historical Records Search, Family Tree, and Wiki.
Important skills for this volunteer type include:
- Great interpersonal skills
- Solid computer knowledge
- A love of family history work
Volunteers who serve for at least 4 hours a week are eligible to receive a free parking pass.
Volunteers may be asked to assist with projects. They will also need to attend and complete trainings, although it is expected that volunteers are already skilled within their chosen areas of service. Note that availability on weekday evenings or on Saturdays or Sundays will increase the chances of your serving as a volunteer.
We look forward to receiving your application!

Questions? Feel free to email us with questions about volunteering at FHLvolunteers@familysearch.org
Other Ways to Volunteer
Want to volunteer more unofficially? You are welcome to volunteer in the following ways at any time:
- Review 1950 US Census to help make it searchable
- Indexing
- Standardize FamilySearch place names
- Test FamilySearch products
- Grow the Family Tree
- Volunteer in the FamilySearch Community
- Translate FamilySearch content
- Other ways to volunteer online
- Volunteer on the FamilySearch Get Involved app