PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO THE FHL IN SLC

PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO THE FHL IN SLC
© 2009 by Valerie Eichler Lair

1. Decide which Ancestors you want to research.

• Create an alphabetical list of all Surnames. Name Soundex Locality Time Period
  
• Create an alphabetical list of all Localities. State County Town Time Period
  
• Create a Time Line for problem ancestor(s).

2. Decide what type of information you want.

• Original Sources – obtain these first
• Derivative Sources

3. Decide how to condense your materials, but not forget anything you need.
4. Start making TO-DO lists.
5. “Housekeeping” – Update Family Group Sheets with data and source citations. Review what records you already have.
6. You need to ensure what you’re taking to SLC is:
a. up-to-date
b. clear, concise, and accurate
c. analyze any problem not yet done
d. ensure all is complete
7. Start your search of the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) by Locality.


THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG (FHLC)

1. The online catalog at http://www.familysearch.org/ is updated daily.
2. Items are catalogued by: Locality, Surname, Subject, then by: Sub-categories
3. Search by Locality = STATE - COUNTY -SUBCATEGORY
STATE à COUNTY à TOWN/CITY à SUBCATEGORY
4. Print out the listings for each Locality. Go through each item on each listing to read each one word-for-word. The key here is “word-for-word.” Understand the description of the record.
a. record type
b. copyright date
c. dates included in the record
d. where are the original records
e. will you need more than one roll
f. is the item a Book and not on microfilm
5. Hi-light all the possibilities from your FHLC printouts. Put the ancestor’s name out in the margin.
6. Contact the FHL to order off-site microfilms in advance. It sometimes takes 2-4 weeks to arrive at the FHL.
7. Once your printouts are put into priority order, start compiling TO-DO lists. Use the Research Log.
8. Write the Ancestor’s Name, Locality, and Dates at the top of the Research Log.
9. You can also use a Daily Calendar.
Plan each day’s research and breaks:
i.e. Films – books – BREAK – films – LUNCH – books – films – DINNER – books
List supplies and equipment for each day.
Learn about YOU!
- how long can you sit at a reader?
- how fast can you look at an index vs. records?
- do you need a nap after lunch?

10. Once the final Research Logs are done, DO NOT CHANGE or ADD to them!!
11. Start a TO-DO BOX by putting things in it that you will need to take to SLC as you think of them.

SLC – FHL RESEARCH NOTEBOOK

1. Purchase a 3” D-ring binder.

Purchase tab dividers and sheet protectors. Purchase a zippered, three-hole pouch. Purchase the office supplies.
Arrangement of your Research Notebook:
Pouch for small supplies
Binder paper and Extract forms
Daily Calendar
Ancestor Chart
Research Logs – alphabetical order by Surname, then by 1st name
OR in priority order for each day of research
Family Group Sheets – alphabetical order by Surname, then by 1st name
Tab Dividers – alphabetical order by Locality
LABEL EVERYTHING
2. Prepare a SLC Packing List.

THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

1. Hours =
Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday–Saturday: 8:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday and Holidays: Closed
2. Floor Plan
Main (1st) Floor = Family Genealogies/Histories and Biographies, Orientation Video
2nd Floor = U.S. and Canada microfilms/microfiche
3rd Floor = U.S. and Canada books
B1 Floor = International books, microfilms/fiche
Germany, Scandinavian, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Latvia, Poland, Spain, and the Ukraine
B2 Floor = International books, microfilms/fiche
British Isles, Australia, and New Zealand
3. Copy Centers
Copy Cards for $1.00
$ .05 = books, paper, computer printouts
$ .23 = microfilm, microfiche
$1.00 = Color copies (Main floor only)
Forms (purchase)
5 copies at a time, if people are waiting
4. Microfilm
Get a reader first thing upon arrival
Can use readers on any floor
5 rolls at a time
Take both reels reader, one in each hand, and place onto microfilm copier
File your own boxes of film
5. Microfiche
Stored separate from microfilm
5 fiche at a time
Return fiche to specific boxes on top of cabinet
6. Books
U.S. and Canada books are on the 3rd floor
International books are on B1 and B2 floors
5 books at a time
Return books to the red shelf
Remember the number 5 =
5 microfilms
5 microfiche
5 books
5 copies at a time
7. Computer Workstations
All computers have the FamilySearch program and databases, FHLC, Subscription Databases, and the Internet . Printer for each 2 computers. Use copy card for printouts

F.H.L. TIPS

1. Bring Drivers License or Photo I.D. at all times.
2. No smoking or caffeine on premises.
3. No food or beverages at readers.
4. Lockers are 10 cents every time you open them. Use a fanny pack or backpack.
5. No cell phones while on each floor.
6. Take breaks!!!
7. Review and plan your day the night before.
8. Copy as you go. Cite sources as you go (or clip copies to appropriate Research Log).
9. No heavy perfumes, hairspray, aftershave.
10. Patience!

Val’s Roots Professional Genealogy Services
Valerie Eichler Lair
18120 E. Berry Avenue
Centennial, CO 80015
720-886-9096 ~ valsroots@yahoo.com ~ http://www.valsroots.com/