SLIG 2024: Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features

You already know FamilySearch as the go-to website for researching your ancestors. But did you know that FamilySearch is also an organization with a proud 128-year history that constantly grows and keeps current with new opportunities? At FamilySearch, it's all about the individual and the experience you will have either in person or online.

Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by Lynn Turner, AG, will illustrate the array of different opportunities to use the resources of FamilySearch and to understand the foundations of each experience. Come explore the many features and products that FamilySearch has to offer.

Faculty includes:

• John K. Alexander, MA, MLIS
• Daniel Atwell, MLIS
• Brandon L. Baird, AG, MEd
• Danielle Batson, AG
• Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG
• Tim Cross
• Rebekah Grow
• Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Sandra Joseph
• Amber Larsen, AG
• Caleigh McGraw Oldroyd
• Whitney Peterson
• David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS
• Lauren Wake, AG
• Darris G. Williams

FamilySearch: Technology and Features is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2023 Course Sponsor: FamilySearch

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy wishes to thank FamilySearch for its generosity in sponsoring the Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, during SLIG 2023.

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history.

To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,200 FamilySearch centers in 129 countries, including the main FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Click here to learn more about the Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch course.

Thank you, FamilySearch!

SLIG 2023: Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features

You already likely know about FamilySearch as the go-to website for anyone wanting to research their ancestors. Did you know that FamilySearch is also an organization with a proud 128-year history and that constantly grows and keeps current with new opportunities? This new course will provide you with unique insights and resources to enhance your genealogical efforts.

Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, will guide you in exploring the many features and products FamilySearch has to offer. At FamilySearch, it is all about the individual and the experience you will have either in person or online.

Faculty includes:

• John Alexander, MA, MLIS
• Daniel Atwell, MLIS
• Brandon Baird AG
• Daniele Batson AG
• Rebekah Grow
• Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Sandy Joseph
• Robert Kehrer, MBA
• Savannah Larson
• Rachel Crump Matheus
• Whitney Peterson
• Robert Raymond, MS
• Lynn Turner, AG
• Janell Vasquez
• Lauren Vasylyev

FamilySearch: Technology and Features is scheduled to meeet online January 23–27, 2023. All SLIG 2023 courses will be offered virtually this year. (See you in person in Salt Lake City in 2024!)

See the SLIG 2023 Courses web page for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2023 registration opens Saturday, July 16, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2022 Sponsor Highlight: FamilySearch

SLIG Night at the Family History Library has been a longstanding SLIG tradition. This year, David Rencher, Lynn Turner, and the FHL staff provided us with an online night at the FHL, including a virtual tour of the library highlighting recent enhancements.

Highlights from the opening plenary:

• David Rencher, FHL Director and FamilySearch Chief Genealogical Officer, spoke about some of the changes necessitated by COVID shutdowns and protocols. FHL has a new set of webpages and has made their lookup service and research helps available remotely.
• Lynn Turner, FHL Assistant Director, led viewers on a virtual tour of the library and provided additional details;
• The FHL webpage quickly updates information about changing hours, closures, etc. (http://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/) 
• FHL relaunched its previously discontinued lookup service on 24 May 2021. Over 38,000 lookups were done for remote clients between that date and the end of the year. (https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/family-history-library-records-look-up-service).
• Information about online consultations is available on the webpage under "Research Help." (https://familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/family-history-library-research-consultations)
• Over 50,000 books have been brought out of storage and shelved on the third floor–mostly family histories.
• Height-adjustable workstations and more book scanners headline changes to the research environment within the library.
• The scanning operations center is working on scanning and getting online about 30,000 public domain family histories.

Highlights from the breakout sessions:

• General Topics (David Rencher and Lynn Turner):
• RootsTech
• RootsTech will be virtual in 2022 with over 1,200 presentations, including many in international languages. (https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/next/)
• Registrants will have free access to all sessions through the end of 2022.
• Future RootsTech formats are difficult to predict, with a hybrid format possible.
• Offering RootsTech virtually extends its reach much farther than is possible in person.
• Last year, about 5,000 research consultations were done during the RootsTech week. This year, the target is to do 8,000 consultations.
• On-the-ground teams have intentionally sought out presenters in other parts of the world.
• Collections (Bria Corry and Natalie Reese):
• The collections team includes six to seven full-time employees, some interns, and volunteers.
• The book digitization team is moving in-house to the FHL, hoping to digitize 10,000 books this year.
• Anyone can donate a book, PDF, or Word document. Societies sometimes make large donations. (https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/donations-page#literary-donations)
• Items in off-site storage can be requested to be pulled for use. Those items then remain in the library.
• International–B1 and B2 floors (Debbie Gurtler and Raymon Naisbitt):
• It doesn't matter which floor you are on; you can request a specialist from any geographic area, and they will come to you.
• The international reference section has been consolidated on one floor.
• All maps are now in one location on B1.
• U.S./Canada–2nd and 3rd floors (Jason Harrison and Todd Knowles):
• Statewide census books and family genealogies are back on shelves.
• Almost everything is on the shelves, though some rare or unusual books are in Special Collections.
• FHL is revisiting agreements, as many contracts were made before digitizing technologies.

We greatly appreciate the efforts of the FHL staff in making this virtual visit possible and FamilySearch for their ongoing support of SLIG as a course sponsor.

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David Rencher, CG, AG, FIGRS, FUGA, is Director of the Family History Library and Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is one of the rare few who have earned both credentials: Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Ireland research and Certified Genealogist with the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Institute of Genealogical Research (IGHR), the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and the British Institute of the International Society of British Genealogy and Family History. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a BA in Family and Local History. He has served as a member, a director, and/or an officer of a multitude of genealogical organizations. David has been named a fellow by the Utah Genealogical Association and the Irish Genealogical Research Society.

Lynn Turner, AG, is Assistant Director of the Family History Library. Lynn graduated with a BA in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Spain and Latin America. He is an Accredited Genealogist through ICAPGen in Spain research.

"A Look at Genealogy's Past, Present, and Future" with David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS

SLIG 2020's General Keynote speaker has been announced!

David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS will be presenting "A look at Genealogy’s Past, Present, and Future." An entertaining look at the past we cannot change and the future we could never have predicted. Some of our past accomplishments sprinkled with pitfalls and a future fueled bright with hope. Where will the genealogy ride take us in the coming decades?

David is employed as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is one of the rare few who have earned both credentials: Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Ireland research and Certified Genealogist with the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) in Athens, Georgia. He is vice-president of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History and an instructor for the British Institute.

There are still seats available in some great courses. Go here to make your selection and join us for our 25th year in 2020!

Record Loss only in the South? Think Again!

I used to think of "record loss" as being related to "burned counties" and a "Southern" researcher's problem. I was wrong on both counts.

As this map of the United States published by FamilySearch will attest, fires were not limited to the Southern states. My eye quickly zoomed in on that bright red color at Baker County, Oregon where my third great-grandmother, born in Delaware, died.

Records loss: https://goo.gl/7s8eDK

According to Kelvin L. Meyers, coordinator of the SLIG 2019 Overcoming Record Loss course, record loss was not limited to fire. Losses can also occur from heat, humidity, insects, war, etc. The list goes on and on. 

Lest I still not be convinced, FamilySearch published yet another map: marriage record coverage. Those midwestern and western states in which I spend most of my research time are - yup, you guessed it - red. Not to mention most of Pennsylvania and part of Delaware! 

Marriages: https://goo.gl/Eawouq

For someone whose primary focus is typically England or Slovakia, only researching in the states when still working on brick walls, this is not good news! 

Perhaps I should be taking Kelvin's course!

He writes:

"We all face it: record loss. 

"Whether the courthouse burned, the clerk tossed them, the relative, autograph hunter, lawyer or surveyor took them, they succumbed to heat, humidity, insects or fading ink or war or distance from the courthouse which was a barrier to their creation—the records we want—the records that could answer our questions aren’t there. 

"The solution: In many cases, it is possible to overcome the problem, but it requires diligence, perseverance, and willingness to look beyond the obvious."

Thanks to the logistics wizards, we were just able to open some additional seats in Kelvin's course. If you haven't yet registered for SLIG, and you see a lot of red in those images above, this might be a good course to help soften the view.

Peg Ivanyo, director

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy

Maximizing Research Time at the FHL

The world’s largest genealogical library only blocks away from SLIG is a researcher’s dream come true! Managing the dream with practical preparations greatly contribute to a successful visit to the Family History Library (FHL). This is especially true with the many changes that have occurred in 2017.

Microfilm Access

If you are interested in looking at microfilm from the FHL, it’s best to become familiar with the online FamilySearch Catalog. Once familiar with the organizational process used in the Catalog, it is important to pay close attention to where the microforms are being stored. Not all microfilms listed in the FamilySearch Catalog are stored onsite at the Family History Library. Some microfilms are stored in the Granite Mountain Records Vault, requiring several days notice to access.

Those microforms stored off-site from the FHL in the Vault are identified in the Catalog entries by words “Granite Mountain Record Vault” or just "Vault" (see example below).

FamilySearch is making strides at digitizing them. Of the three itemized below, one has been digitized and is accessible online, while the other two will require special ordering to view. Films that have been digitized are no longer available to view in microform.

                                                         
To Order Vault Films

1. Please order at least three working days prior to your visit to assure retrieval time.
2. If you need more than 15 films, please provide at least one week notice.
3. There is a usage limit of 10 films per guest per day.
4. Utilize the Online Order Form.
5. You may pick up the films at the Access Service Window on the corresponding collection floor (For example, an international film can be located on the B1 International Floor of the Library.)

Important Things to Know Before You Go

• In order to have full access to online records and research aids, FamilySearch is actively prompting visitors to register for or log into their free FamilySearch account.

• It is always best to work through the online catalog and prioritize what you need to access by accessibility:

• Items available online will be marked in red. You may be able to view those from home before coming to the library; or when you click to access them, you may be notified that they are only viewable at the FHL (or local Family History Center); prioritize accordingly.
• Books, films, and other sources that are not available online should be accessed first (see also vault films above). 
• Of particular interest to some groups (British particularly) will be records and indexes formerly on CD; now in spreadsheets, they are only accessible on an FHL computer. 

• There are several types of people serving at the Family History Library.  To obtain the help you need, and avoid frustration, it is good to know the difference:

• Research specialists are located on the three remodeled research floors—2nd Floor (United States and Canada Research), B1 (International), and B2 (British Isles). They are available until 7:00 pm each day and may be accessed through the Assistance desk on the related floor. They will inquire about your request question—country, language, etc.—so they can determine the best specialist to help you. You will then be given a hand-held paging device—like ones used in restaurants—so you can return to your research while waiting.  FHL Research Specialists are the ones wearing the blue lanyards.

• Other library workers, wearing red lanyards, are available to help with basic library questions—where to find a book, how to scan, copy, use the readers, or track a lost film.

• Then there are the missionaries. No, they are not allowed to approach you about the LDS church. Nor are they there to assist library patrons; note the lack of lanyard. They are there to serve the LDS church in other ways—online or locally.  Peg Ivanyo, SLIG director, indicates this has sometimes been confusing for new patrons: "It would seem logical that a person with a black name badge in the FHL would be there to help you, but these missionaries—sitting at computer, in a classroom, or taking a break near the water fountain—are there for other reasons. Feel free to ask them where they are from and exchange pleasantries if you wish; but otherwise, just leave them to their assigned projects."

• The FHL also has a few rules to abide by; someone will come around and ask in the sweetest manner possible that the rules be followed, if someone is not doing so.  Review rules here. 

• Have scanning or copying needs? Most floors have a copy/scanning center, with personnel to help you. In addition to the microfilm and book scanners, the FHL has a digital slide scanner for 35mm slides and multiple digital photo scanners with automatic document feeders.

Finding Your Way Around the Library

It is helpful to become familiar with the layout of the FHL. There is an online orientation available that can be viewed from home.  There are two floors above the Main Floor (3^rd and 2^nd) and two floors below the Main Floor (B1 and B2). The FHL provides interactive floor maps as part of its library orientation (Adobe Flash Player needed).  FHL Floor maps 

• Lost & Found? 1 801-240-5624

• Questions about classes, hours, parking? 1 801-240-6536

• Need a snack to tide you over? A snack room is available on the main floor. Guests are welcome to use the microwave and/or purchase food from the vending machines. Change machines are also available, if needed. USA Today and the Deseret News are also available here for relief from brain strain.

• Reviewing the complete list on FHL Guest Resources is enlightening. Check here.

The Family History Library is a great adventure--enjoy the facilities, abide by the rules, remember to hydrate--and good hunting!

Enjoy the SLIG experience!

Do More With Your Family History Research.

It's time to register for the 20th Annual South Davis Conference. Come and join us on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Woods Cross high school, where you will have the opportunity to learn to do more with your family history research. With over 70 classes and labs, there is something for everyone.

 Do you want to learn more about German research? Military records? LDS research? How well do you understand the new apps that work with FamilySearch family tree? Have you had your DNA tested and are now wondering what your next steps are?







Here is just a sampling of some of the classes offered at the South Davis Family History Conference:

• Find Haplogroup Happiness
• Record Jurisdictions in Denmark and Norway
• Profile of the 19th century German emigrant
• British records online
• Fixing Family Tree
• What's in the Utah State Archives
• How to tell the best ten stories of your life
• Early LDS newspapers
• US chruch records
• Hidden treasures on FamilySearch.org
• Scanning for better results
• Metadata - writing on the back of your digital photos

In addition to classes and labs, there will also be an opportunity to scan your photos as will as meet with consultants to help with your research.

For more information and to see a full list of classes, please see our website:

Utah Genealogical Association.