Godfrey Library is a licensed affiliate of the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Such affiliates
are called Family History Centers (FHC). The FHL
makes its enormous collection of digitized genealogical records available for free on its FamilySearch
website. As an affiliate, we have access to most of the image collections currently online. Many images
that are restricted when using the FamilySearch website from home are available for viewing at the library.
HOW TO SEARCH FOR RECORDS
The FHL catalog can be accessed while on site at the library or from home. Go to the
familysearch.org website. Click on the Search tab, then the Catalog tab to open the online search form. There are
various choices for searching the catalog. The most frequently used search fields are for Place and
Surname. Complete the online form and click Search to view the results.
In the search results, there is a format column on the right side of the computer screen. Look for a camera
icon or a camera icon with a key. These icons mean the item is digitized and online. The camera icon alone
means the item is availble for viewing at the library or from home. The camera icon with a key means
there are some restrictions on viewing, yet the item is most likely viewable while on site at our library (but
not from home). If the camera icon is missing, the item is not available online.
If you run into any difficulties, our staff can provide help in navigating and researching the catalog, records,
and books available on the FamilySearch website.
NOTE: The FHL requires that you create a FREE account to view their records.
DIGITAL RECORDS REPLACING MICROFILM
Starting September 7, 2017, patrons can no longer request microfilms from FamilySearch for viewing at the library.
The FHL made the decision to discontinue microfilm rentals so that it can focus resources on digitizing and
publishing online its remaining inventory of microfilms. According to the FHL, all of the microfilms rented by
patrons during the past five years have been digitized and the images are now online. The remaining
microfilms are being digitally scanned at a rate of 1,000 films per day and are projected to be complete by 2020.
NOTE: Films currently on loan at our Family History Center have been granted extended loan status and
patrons are welcome to continue viewing them. We have microfilm/fiche readers/printers available for your use.
• If patrons need access to a particular film yet to be digitized, they can ask to have it added to the
priority digitization list by contacting FamilySearch Support (Toll Free: 1-866-406-1830)
• Visitors to the FHL in Salt Lake City can still order needed microfilms to use during their research visits there.