The Benefits of Researching with Microfilm and
/or Microfiche and How to Order Them
Many genealogists are not aware of the major offerings available on microfilm and /or microfiche. Because of the more than 100 years of filming precious vital records, court records, journals, family histories, etc. information is available to genealogist, but they have to be willing to search for them. This has become easier with the use of computers. FamilySearch is particularly known as one of the very best sources to search and borrow these significant records.
The impressive collection that is avail-able through any Family History Library or Center includes . . .
The impressive collection that is avail-able through any Family History Library or Center includes . . .
over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 742,000 microfiche; 310,000 books, serials, and other formats; and 4,500 periodicals. A majority of these records contain information about people prior to 1920. New records are being added daily.
These filmed records, in their original photographed format, are waiting to be digitized and indexed. The collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals and 3,725 electronic resources.
Records available are from the United States, Canada, the British Isles, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Read of some of the collections here but there are many more), then go to "Collections" in FamilySearch.org. The following is some of the types of records available.
Census records can provide birth, native country of birth, occupation details. and family members.
Ship passenger lists can offer family names, ship name, place of departure, occupation, and home country.
Cemetery Records can offer not only birth and death records, but often information of other relatives of the deceased.
Church records provide birth, conformation, marriage, and death records including other family names of parents and others. Newspapers for Obituaries and Family Events offer not only important facts about the deceased but also locations, family member names, facts and events of the person and his family. Searching newspapers for family names can give a wide range of information from dates, events, legal and historical events and much more.
Military Records offer detailed information of military service and often personal facts, medical information as well as locations, dates. and family details.
Land Ownership and Plat Records from Town and State archives offer information of ancestors locations, and how and where they lived among others. Comparing this information with census records can be valuable.
As mentioned above, the records are being added daily. Some of them are being made available online rather than on film. When you locate the film(s), you want to view, look to see if it is available on line.
The St. George FamilySearch Library has as an extensive collection of microfilm and microfiche. Before ordering you might want to check to see if it is available here in St. George. If you place an order for a film that is available at a Family History Center or a FamilySearch Library near you, you will be made aware of it. There is no charge to use the films. They must be viewed at the location where received. There is no cost to view the films, but there is a fee if the film must be mailed to a viewing center.
How to Order
This is the current (29 May 2016 - FamilySearch Wiki) explanation of how to order the films. (Use the links for further information):
Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche Introduction to FHCs Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche
Microfilm and microfiche from the Family History Library are available via Online Film Ordering in most parts of the world. Some areas may still use a paper-based order process at Family History Centers.
Online Film Ordering: There are two ways to order a film to view at a Family History Center.
You can order films on the FamilySearch Microfilm Ordering Page.
You must have a FamilySearch account, and will need to select your "favorite" FHC before you commence placing orders. Loan lengths and corresponding loan fees are shown on the site. Payment is made using Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card or PayPal. You will be notified by email when your film has arrived and is available for your use.
If you have difficulty placing your order, stop by your local Family History Center and ask for assistance, or contact FamilySearch support.
Length of Order
You can order the microfilm for two lengths of time:
Further information: Introduction to LDS Family History Centers
These filmed records, in their original photographed format, are waiting to be digitized and indexed. The collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals and 3,725 electronic resources.
Records available are from the United States, Canada, the British Isles, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Read of some of the collections here but there are many more), then go to "Collections" in FamilySearch.org. The following is some of the types of records available.
Census records can provide birth, native country of birth, occupation details. and family members.
Ship passenger lists can offer family names, ship name, place of departure, occupation, and home country.
Cemetery Records can offer not only birth and death records, but often information of other relatives of the deceased.
Church records provide birth, conformation, marriage, and death records including other family names of parents and others. Newspapers for Obituaries and Family Events offer not only important facts about the deceased but also locations, family member names, facts and events of the person and his family. Searching newspapers for family names can give a wide range of information from dates, events, legal and historical events and much more.
Military Records offer detailed information of military service and often personal facts, medical information as well as locations, dates. and family details.
Land Ownership and Plat Records from Town and State archives offer information of ancestors locations, and how and where they lived among others. Comparing this information with census records can be valuable.
As mentioned above, the records are being added daily. Some of them are being made available online rather than on film. When you locate the film(s), you want to view, look to see if it is available on line.
The St. George FamilySearch Library has as an extensive collection of microfilm and microfiche. Before ordering you might want to check to see if it is available here in St. George. If you place an order for a film that is available at a Family History Center or a FamilySearch Library near you, you will be made aware of it. There is no charge to use the films. They must be viewed at the location where received. There is no cost to view the films, but there is a fee if the film must be mailed to a viewing center.
How to Order
This is the current (29 May 2016 - FamilySearch Wiki) explanation of how to order the films. (Use the links for further information):
Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche Introduction to FHCs Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche
Microfilm and microfiche from the Family History Library are available via Online Film Ordering in most parts of the world. Some areas may still use a paper-based order process at Family History Centers.
Online Film Ordering: There are two ways to order a film to view at a Family History Center.
- Locate the film you wish to order in the FamilySearch Catalog and click on the film number.
- Go to FamilySearch.org/films and order multiple films at the same time.
You can order films on the FamilySearch Microfilm Ordering Page.
You must have a FamilySearch account, and will need to select your "favorite" FHC before you commence placing orders. Loan lengths and corresponding loan fees are shown on the site. Payment is made using Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card or PayPal. You will be notified by email when your film has arrived and is available for your use.
If you have difficulty placing your order, stop by your local Family History Center and ask for assistance, or contact FamilySearch support.
Length of Order
You can order the microfilm for two lengths of time:
- Short-term loan - With this loan, films must be returned within 90 days. A 60-day renewal option is available after your short-term loan expires.
- Extended loan - The film will remain at the FHC indefinitely.
Further information: Introduction to LDS Family History Centers