This presentation was for two FamilySearch Information Sessions I did about ordering microfilm from the FamilySearch catalog and getting them sent to an affiliate library in order to view.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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/bcpi
d1995251660001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE
~,0a6boL_aMzSw_yxPb4s-
860v3o94zt2u&bctid=2270136555001
5. 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
6. 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
7. Using the FamilySearch Catalog
• Types of searches:
– Places
– Surname
– Title
– Authors
– Subjects
– Keywords
– Call Numbers
– Film/Fiche Numbers
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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~~,AAAA
sMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQBUrPCUxYxyfOz
xb3IfCNS&bctid=2013948140001
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
