RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2012
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
Another new addition to the popular “Genealogy at a Glance” series is now available. Family History Library Research by Carolyn L. Barkley provides information about the world’s largest collection of genealogical materials. Located in Salt Lake City, the renowned Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a natural magnet for researchers from around the globe and is open to anyone interested in tracing his or her pedigree.
Following the standard format of the series, Barkley condenses into four laminated pages an overview of fundamental facts that help genealogists achieve success when they use the library’s extraordinary wealth of print and electronic materials. In her “quick facts” section, Barkley stresses several fascinating facts. For example, the Family History Library holdings include more than 2.4 million rolls of microfilm, 727,000 microfiche, 356,000 books and serials, 4,500 periodicals, and 3,725 databases. The collection has copies of records filmed in more than 110 countries, territories, and possessions. No wonder 1,500 or more individuals and groups visit the Library daily!
In the text, she reminds genealogists that they can access much information online or use the library’s circulating collection of 2.5 million microfilms at any of the 4,500 Family Search Centers located in more than 100 countries. For people who wish to go to Utah to research in the 142,000 square-foot Library itself, she furnishes valuable tips to prepare for the trip. Also, she gives recommendations about obtaining cards for copying purposes and for admittance to the cafeteria in order to make the best use of one’s time onsite.
Collections at the Family History Library fall into four main categories: U. S. state and county sources, U. S. regional and national records, international resources, and family history books. She briefly discusses each category and gives suggestions about their usage. For example, she points out that microfilm reels are self-service and that indexes are available for international resources that are infrequently consulted. In addition, she tells about educational opportunities available at the Library, such as classes on specific topics like Canadian border crossings or French research. At the end of several sections, Barkley supplies a list of printed and/or online sources for further reference.
Since genealogists may want to take a break from research, either on the way to or from the Library or at lunch, Barkley offers suggestions for exploring the city. For instance, individuals may want to listen to organ recitals in the Tabernacle on Temple Square or visit some of the museums. She also suggests that researchers inquire at their hotel about availability of shuttle services and special rates for genealogists.
Like the other items in the “Genealogy at a Glance” series, this publication presents a vast amount of information by breaking the data into key components. However, Family History Library Research is different since it explains how to prepare for a research trip to Salt Lake City and offers suggestions for things to do when visiting the famous city. The handy compact guide may be just the right Christmas gift you need to get for the genealogists in your family.
To the guide's price of $8.95, buyers should add the cost for postage and handling charges. For U. S. postal mail, the cost is $4.50 for one item and $2.50 for each additional copy; for FedEx ground service, the cost is $6.00 for one copy and $2.50 for each additional item. The guide (item order 349) may be purchased by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa from Genealogical Publishing Company, 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, MD 21211-1953. For phone orders, call toll free 1-800-296-6687; fax 1-410-752-8492; website www.genealogical.com.