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.

1. Willmar Public Library
June 10, 2014
FamilySearch
Information Session

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

15. Questions?