Genealogy research – a step by step guide to making the most of your family tree – part 4

In part 4 of our series, genealogy expert Mary Evans offers some ideas for tracking down specialist family history books, and calling into a FamilySearch centre, even if you’re nowhere near Utah…

If you have… a couple of hours

If you’re trying to find an old, out-of-print or rare book to help with your family history, try Abe Books. This is an inventory of books for sale from thousands of booksellers around the world. 

If you use the ‘advanced search’ you can specify a first edition or a signed copy as well as limit results to copies available in a particular country. Using the ‘keywords’ option can turn up books on particular places or people. If you’re a booklover this website can become addictive!

If you have… half a day or a whole day

Many people these days live a long way from the areas where their family roots lie, so local libraries and family history societies aren’t always the answer. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) – well-known for the International Genealogical Index (IGI) – has over 4,500 Family History Centres worldwide. These are branches of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. 

At a Family History Centre then you’ll be able to access online family history databases and ask the staff for advice about your research. Search for a local centre online.

Everyone is welcome to use the centres which are usually attached to an LDS meetinghouse.  You can also search the online catalogue.

Read part 2 of the series.

(FamilySearch Centre image copyright sister yost)