Ancestry Magazine

How do you make the world’s best genealogy library even better? That’s not an easy task, but it’s one that the leadership of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City have been working on for the past several years.

Library management during this time of change has been provided by three directors that are well-known to the genealogy community: David Rencher, Glade Nelson, and, currently, Raymond S. Wright III. These men have brought to the library years of experience and insight as administrators, genealogists, and library patrons. The changes they and their staff have implemented—primarily in technological improvements and expanded research space—have much improved family history research at the library for its patrons.

Improved Technology
The greatest notable change to the Family History Library is in its technological improvements. Earlier remodeling (in 2001) added forty computers with Internet access to each of the then four pat ron floors. The new computers replaced the old FamilySearch terminals that primarily provided access to a DOS-based collection of library-generated databases. With the advent of FamilySearch.org in 1999, it was no longer necessary to have computers accessing CD-ROM versions of Ancestral File, the International Genealogical Index, or other major databases.

Recent changes have brought the total number of patron-available computers to more than 200, in addition to almost thirty more in classrooms. The computers have a simple menu that allows patrons to choose between four tasks: 1) Find Ancestors—through the library catalog, PERSI, networked databases, and websites; 2) Manage Records—by using genealogical database and word processing software; 3) Submit Records; and 4) Learn.

Also, Internet access is now available for patrons to search the Web for clues to their ancestors, although the library’s filter (for inappropriate websites) occasionally restricts access to genealogy sites. Also helpful is a compilation of useful websites in a series of “favorite” folders. Patrons can choose a state or country and then get a list of “record type” folders containing the links to websites for those topics.

Another great benefit to library patrons is the growing number of subscription websites available at no cost to library patrons. Access currently includes all of the databases at Ancestry.com as well as fee-based websites including the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Accessible Archives, Gale Biographies, One Great Family, and Burke’s Peerage and Gentry.

Although it’s not exactly a library change, it is appropriate to mention here that the vast network of Family History Centers also have access to the Internet, excluding fee-base d sites. Not every center has established an Internet connection, as such decisions are made on a local level, but most seem to have done so.

Another improvement to the technology at the library is in its catalog. Experienced library users know that the key to successful research at the library is the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC). With its detailed listing of more than 2.4 million microfilms and over 300,000 books, the FHLC is the key to unlocking the treasures of the library’s collection. The Internet version of the catalog is now updated on a weekly basis so patrons can find and access the newest acquisitions. The one important difference is that the in-house catalog, known as “Web View,” includes a keyword search that is not yet available through the Internet.

The library continues to gather data in any available format, including electronic data published on CD-ROM. The collection now contains more than 2,000 such discs. These discs are no longer accessible from the old “Automated Research Center.” Rather, they are distributed by library attendants on the floor to which the data naturally belongs.

For example, when a CD-ROM with Australian vital records is requested on the British (B2) floor, the patron is required to submit a form of photo identification (such as a driver’s license) in exchange for the disc, which can then be viewed at certain computers on that floor. Where permission was granted, about 200 such sources have been mounted on the network server and can be accessed from the “Find Ancestors” menu on each of the patron computers.

To aid in personal research, work tables now have security rings for locking laptops as well as some Internet ports so patrons can access the Web from their laptops. Also, electrical outlets are now available at almost every work table and microfilm reader so laptops can be used for database management, note-taking, and other research activities.

Each of the floors with microfilm now includes one or more microfilm scanning machines. Patrons can place the film on the machine and scan images of interest onto a CD-ROM. This is a convenient way to take large amounts of images home for use, transcription, and printing from a home computer.

One other technological advance at the library is the implementation of copy cards for making copies from books, microfilm, or microfiche or for making prints from the computers. Patrons electronically load a sum of money on the small plastic cards, and the balance is automatically debited for each copy or print made. The card makes it much easier to make copies without having to carry change around the library. Patrons are asked to sign the back of the card so it can be easily returned if it is lost. Currently, the fees for book copies and computer prints are five cents per page. Microform prints are twenty-three cents per page.

Expanded Research Space
The other notable change, mostly completed this past summer, is an increase in research space for patrons. The growing network of Family History Centers, along with Internet access to major databases, has slowed the growth of patron visits a bit, but patron usage is increasing, as are the library collections. Creative solutions by library management have found new ways to make more sources available to more patrons.

The biggest physical change is the movement of materials to other floors. To increase research space, the library moved the cata loging and acquisition staff to a nearby office building. This opened up the third floor of the building for collections and patron use.

To that end, the U.S. and Canadian books (formerly on the main floor) were moved up to the third floor, along with the reference desk. This has allowed the library to bring many of the general U.S. books out of a storage area, including oversized books, so patrons have much easier access to them. The third floor, with a host of book copy machines, has many windows and is a well-lit and quiet sanctuary for researchers.

The additional space on the main floor was filled with the tens of thousands of printed family histories that had been previously available only at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. This move brings most of the library’s research collections under the same roof, making research even easier for patrons. This re-integration of the family histories, on the floors to which they pertain, makes research more efficient. British family histories are now shelved with British research books on B2, and European family histories are on B1 with other European books. The main floor houses U.S. and Canadian family histories.

Be aware that some of the lesser-used microfilm are still housed off-site. Generally, these collections pertain to central, eastern, and southern Europe. Patrons can request them at the library for use the following day.

The library has also built a computer lab in a new main-floor classroom to train its staff and volunteers, and to teach patrons how to use the computers for research. Now, staff members are not limited to simply showing patrons how to conduct a search through a projected image. Rather, patrons can follow along from their own computer screens. This more effective method of teaching will help patrons and volunteers better learn how to use the powerful tools available on library computers.

One other slight change should be noted. In the summer of 2003, the library changed its hours of operation. The library now opens at 8:00 AM Monday through Saturday. It continues to close at 5:00 PM on Monday, and now closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday through Saturday. This minor change allows library management to manage personnel more effectively.

Genealogists know that change is one of the constants of life. It was so with our ancestors and is so today. The recent changes at the Family History Library are a clear indication that change can be very beneficial. As technology continues to advance, we can expect the forward-thinking leadership of the Family History Library to adapt in ways that continue to advance the mission of the library and the research prospects of its patrons. ?

Kory L. Meyerink, MLS, AG, FUGA, is the editor and primary author of Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records (Ancestry, 1997). He is the former publications coordinator for the Family History Library and past president of the Utah Genealogical Association. Currently he serves as Vice-President of ProGenealogists, Inc., a Salt Lake City-based research firm.

Note: For a more detailed discussion of the library’s general history, collection, and services, see “An Insider’s Guide to the Family History Library” by Kory L. Meyerink, online at www.ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2818.asp.

10 Tips for Library Patrons

1. Visit your local Family History Center to get acquainted with the library’s catalog and collection before you visit the main library.
2. Before your visit, use the Family History Library Catalog online to identify the records you want to search and to save research time. Also, pre-order films from lesser-used collections so they’ll be available when you arrive.
3. Bring your laptop. You can use it anywhere in the library to take notes, organize your findings, cite your sources, and keep your database up-to-date.
4. Focus on one or two objectives each day. Be sure to exhaust the many resources the library has that pertain to your research.
5. Ask questions. The staff and volunteers know many of the lesser-known sources at the library.
6. Maintain a quiet research atmosphere. Limit talking and only use your cell phone near the pay phones.
7. Re-file your films as soon as you are done with them. Other patrons are often waiting for the same films.
8. Don’t load too much money on your copy card at one time as it may get lost. Five dollars is a recommended amount.
9. Copy the title page and/or print the library catalog entry for the records you are copying. It will give you a quick citation for your research.
10. Take a break. Get out of the library at least once a day to clear your mind. The break may help you see your research problem in a new light.