Willmar Public Library June 10, 2014

FamilySearch Information Session

What is FamilySearch?• Largest genealogy organization

in the world • Provides access to genealogical

records through online catalog and in print sources

• Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints

• Have a number of free tools to get you started on discovering your family history

FamilySearch Affiliate Library

• The Willmar Public Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library

• While many records have been digitized and put online, there are still millions of records that are only available via microfilm

• If this is the case, you may order the microfilm and have it sent to our library to view using our microfilm reader

Creating an Account• www.familysearch.org • Join for free on right hand side at the top • Enter information• Sent an email, where you will need to

click Activate as the final step • You now have access to the

FamilySearch resources • Video:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1995251660001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzSw_yxPb4s-860v3o94zt2u&bctid=2270136555001

FamilySearch Catalog • The FamilySearch catalog describes the

resources that are available via FamilySearch• It is the guide to family histories and includes: – Birth, marriage and death records– Census records– Church registers– Books, periodicals and other records that contain

genealogical information • The records in the catalog may be available

via book, microfilm/microfiche, online or in a computer file

Using the FamilySearch Catalog• Now that you have an account, you will

use the search button to go to the catalog, or type in the URL: www.familysearch.org/search

• At the top, click on the Catalog tab• Choose a person about whom you want

to find more information and decide what you want to learn about him/her– Decide what type of records will contain

that information

Using the FamilySearch Catalog

• Types of searches: – Places – Surname– Title– Authors– Subjects– Keywords– Call Numbers – Film/Fiche Numbers

Using the FamilySearch Catalog

• This search will give you the genealogical materials that are available– Some of these will be books or online

materials – When they say microfilm, you may order

them to be sent to the library to view – If you are interested in a book, you may try

to find it through the WorldCat link at the bottom of the page

• Link: www.familysearch.org/search

Creating an Order • Once you have located the microfilm number

you want to order from the catalog, go to www.familysearch.org/films to place the order

• Sign in if you have not already done so • Enter the number on the left hand side • Click on the find link to set your default family

history center to the Willmar Public Library – Select United States and Minnesota – Willmar Public Library– Save

Creating an Order • Make sure the Film Availability

says Available for Loan • Two options for loans – – Short-term Microfilm Loan $7.50• 90 days – 60 day loan period, with 30

days to allow for shipping – Extended Microfilm Loan $18.75• No specific return date

Creating an Order • Add to Cart once select appropriate loan • Review information and Proceed to

Checkout• Enter billing and payment information • Order Review

• Video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid2013707721001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQBUrPCUxYxyfOzxb3IfCNS&bctid=2013948140001

Viewing the Microfilm at the Library

• When the library has received your microfilm you will get an email

• It is recommended but not required that you call the day you would like to use the microfilm reader to ensure it is not in use

• Staff will be available to help with the microfilm reader if you need assistance

• You are able to print and create computer files from the microfilm

Returning Microfilm• You will receive an e-mail 7 days

before the due date of your microfilm

• If you need more time, you can renew your loan online through your account– Select Short-term Microfilm Loan

Renewal and you will be given an extra 60 days to view the film

• The library will return the microfilm for you

Useful Resources• Family History Library Favorites–www.fhlfavorites.com

• FamilySearch Wiki– https://wikifamilysearch.org

• FamilySearch –www.familysearch.org>Historical

Records• FamilySearch Indexing– http://indexing.familysearch.org

Questions?