Preparation:
1. Call ahead to verify directions and hours. Centers may occasionally close for training or other reasons. Reserve time on a computer if possible.

2. Bring along plenty of change. Computer print-outs cost five cents per page, copies from microfilm may be twenty cents.

3. Bring more of your data than you expect to need, even if you leave most of it in your car. The odds are pretty good that you'll find something unexpected and wish you'd brought a different file.

4. Sign in as you enter. Each center keeps usage statistics which help in their budgeting. Make your visit count!

5. Ask for the "Rookie Tour." One of the volunteers will walk you through the facility, explaining the location of materials and equipment.

Sources:
1. Ancestral File. Multiple CD-roms of information which have been compiled and contributed by individuals. A typical search is by surname, with birth and death date ranges. Search similiar surnames together, as you have to change CD's for different parts of the alphabet. Remember that this is a secondary or even tertiary source -be sure to verify any data found. This is, however, an excellent resource for finding a "submitter" who has done research which may link to your family.

2. International Genealogical Index. Commonly called the IGI. Again, multiple CD-roms of data, but arranged geographically. There is a set for the US, England, Germany, Eastern Europe, etc. These are "extractions" of primary sources. You may find births, marriages, etc. Other than the vagaries of how someone interpreted handwriting or spelling, the IGI can be an extremely useful source.

3. Library Catalog. One CD which is a like a giant card catalog of the Salt Lake Library. Lists film and books. Some books have been microfilmed, otherwise you have to request copies of the index or specific pages. Search by surname to see if someone has already done a book on your family. When searching by locality try the city and the county. Many local histories have been filmed. Check to see if interesting film is already owned by a family history center in your area.

4. Books. Each family history center has a collection of reference books, many donated by users. If you find a book which applies to your specific area of interest, check for the donor's name inside. One more contact!

5. Local catalog. This is probably the card catalog you're familiar with - drawers of 3 x 5 cards. It describes the contents of just that center, not all of Salt Lake. You may find it arranged by census, locality, or surname. Books and film may be separate or interfiled.

6. Social Security Index. Again, a set of CD-roms with data arranged by surname. Includes birthdate, social security number, month of death, state where card was issued, etc. These are not unique to the LDS centers - they are also widely available at public libraries and come with many genealogy software programs.

Ordering Film:
1. If you want to order film, print and keep the complete record from the CD card catalog. When you publish your book you'll have your bibliography ready!

2. Ask at the desk for a film order slip. Each film has a unique film number. Volunteers will check that the film isn't already available. Each roll of film requires a separate slip. Keep the carbons. Trust me, keep the carbons!

3. Describe the film as accurately as possible. The information from your request slip will become the label on the box of film when it arrives from Salt Lake.

4. Volunteers will call you when your film comes in. If you haven't heard anything after three weeks, investigate.

5. Keep in mind that multiple items are often microfilmed on one reel. Carefully note the "item number" from the catalog. Often users complain to volunteers that they got the wrong film, only to find that their information was just further along the reel. Searching the catalog by film number will give you a complete listing of everything on the film. This is especially helpful when the film isn't in English. You may even find other helpful stuff.

6. Don't forget about microfiche. Copies can be made from Salt Lake for as little as fifteen cents per fiche. Once they are sent to your local family history center they stay forever!

Other Tips:
1. As a courtesy, use the microfilm readers to study film at length. Move to a reader/printer only when you're ready to make copies.

2. Feel free to browse the drawers of film which other users have ordered. A reel in the hand is worth two in Salt Lake.

3. While you're cranking away at film, keep your ears open. One of the best ways to learn is to listen to the volunteers who are helping other people. Bring along a Walkman in case the conversations
become distracting. (Like the woman who SWORE her ancestors were from a town located on the border between Ohio and Wisconsin.)

4. Copy anything which you think might be helpful later. Don't assume a family isn't "yours" because the name is spelled differently. Always write the source on the back of the copy

.
5. When you're satisfied, share your work. Prepare a disk of your information to submit. Schedule an appointment with a volunteer to get your data "temple ready."

6. Remember that the center is run chiefly by volunteers. You may find a particular volunteer who has experience in your area, or who is an excellent teacher. Their only pay may be your smile and thank you. You may even want to consider becoming a volunteer yourself!

7. There are many family history centers in the area, each with its unique differences. Tacoma's was the first in the state and has an established collection of materials.