CHAPTER FOUR
Many libraries exist with large genealogical sections. Some are devoted exclusively to Genealogy and Family History. Among the largest, privately owned is the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah which has established branches of it in most of its local churches. These are called Family History Centers (FHC). To find the one closest to you, look under Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your phone book. If the FHC is not listed, feel free to call the listed numbers for time open, days and location. Quite often you will have to make an appointment to use computers, film readers and sometimes even microfiche readers. These centers welcome everyone, not just their members. There is no charge for using anything permanently on the premises. The best reason for using these FHCs is to locate people who have been previously researched, people who are researching now and finding new sources on films and books. Filming is being done daily all over the world and new sources are becoming available to the public at a rapid rate.
Anyone using these centers should first check the INTERNATIONAL GENEALOGICAL INDEX (IGI) and then the ANCESTRAL FILE. The IGI is a file of names turned in over a long period by church members. Use it by finding the country desired, then type in the name you want to find. If there, you can possible find parents and children listed by following the options available. The program is very user friendly.
ANCESTRAL FILE (AF which is usually used only in conjunction with a number AFN:000000) is the work of anybody who wants to share their findings. If you are lucky enough to find files with those numbers listed, you can search directly with that number, otherwise you must type in the name you are searching and approximate year, and let the computer do the rest. You should check this file both by name and locality. Name searching is easy, just type it in. Locality takes scanning each name (after typing in surname only) for locality giving no thought to the name. If you know Deigles come from Arkansas but have no idea where, scan under that name to find if there are any in Arkansas and then find what county is most prevalent. That is a good place to start your search.
The LIBRARY CATALOGUE may be searched several ways. Surname, locality and number are some of the ways. Type in surname, and see how many books are listed about that surname. Type in state by name and see what records are available through state-wide sources. Type in county or city, then state and see what is available on the local level. The Library Catalogue on computer has the capability to print out the listings. By all means print them out. Do not hand copy. Your time is precious. If it is a book, it is recommended that you take a copy of the listing to your local library and see if you can order it through Interlibrary Loan. There are several reasons for this. Your local library may receive it quicker, may let you take it home and may let you use their machine to copy pages from it. Books are not sent to FHCs but must be microfilmed and then film is sent. As you can see this takes time. Also NO FILM may be taken from FHCs. This is a firm policy and cannot be violated. This is because of the many restrictions put on by original owners, etc., and so a general policy has been adopted. Smaller FHC do not have the capability to copy microfilm. Larger ones do. There is a small charge to partially cover cost of mailing films to the FHC which you pay at time of ordering. It takes about one week for most film to arrive.
If you want to look at census records, a great time saver is the Accelerated Indexing Systems (AIS) microfiche. All censuses from 1790 to 1850 are indexed together by Surname and then given name. Some alternate sources have been used also. Some of the years have been split into North and South. The Midwest and Far West are partially indexed through later years. Remember some of the states were not in existence in 1850. These fiche list state, township and page where the person is entered. This is an easy way to find every family in your state, in fact in the nation between 1790 and 1850. Some earlier records have been included.
Also of value on microfiche are the 200 books most often used for genealogical research. These include books such as William Wade Hinshaw’s 7 Volumes of Quaker Records, Gazetteers, etc. Ask to see the two booklets which list them. Otherwise the books on fiche may be hard to locate.
All microfiche ordered into the FHC are kept permanently. Ask to see their list of Patron ordered fiche. You just may find what you want there. Film has to be returned to the FHL unless a long term fee is paid.
There are other items permanently in FHCs but these are the ones of most general value. The Scottish Parochial Records are ones of specialized interest for example.
Everyone should become acquainted with their local FHC and keep checking back periodically for new additions.
There are many good libraries and archives I could mention. This has been limited to this library and its branches to give a feel of how to find out what can be found in any library if you just ask. Many libraries have handouts telling how to use their libraries. Ask about them every time you go to a new library. Do not limit yourself to just one library or archive. Almost all have something of value found only in them. Again, remember almost all larger libraries depend on volunteers to help. Treat them with respect and courtesy even if they do not appear knowledgeable. Without them many libraries would not have genealogical sections at all.