Difference between revisions of "Family History Library"
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| − | The [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHL/frameset_library.asp Family History Library] | + | The Mormon Church's [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHL/frameset_library.asp Family History Library], located in Salt Lake City, Utah, just west of [[Temple Square]], is the largest genealogical library in the world. |
| − | Many people wonder why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so zealous in doing [[Family | + | Many people wonder why it is that [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is so zealous in doing [[Family History|family history work]]. The answer lies mostly in the vicarious work done in [[Inside Mormon temples|Mormon temples]]. Through family history work, members can find the names of ancestors for whom they can receive the [[Ordinances|ordinances]] necessary for salvation. |
| − | The [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1869-1-1-1,00.html Family History Library] was founded in 1894 as a way to gather genealogy and help members of the Church do their family history work. Like any other library it is open to the public at no charge, and nearly 1,900 people or more visit the library every day. The library grew quickly from its start in 1894 and by 1938, new technology known as microfilm was introduced at the library. The Family History Library now | + | The [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1869-1-1-1,00.html Family History Library] was founded in 1894 as a way to gather genealogy and help members of the Church do their family history work. Like any other library it is open to the public at no charge, and nearly 1,900 people or more visit the library every day. The library grew quickly from its start in 1894 and by 1938, the new technology known as microfilm was introduced at the library. The Family History Library now houses over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm records. |
| − | In 1944, the library was changed from being a public organization | + | In 1944, the library was changed from being a public organization to being completely funded by the Church. In the 1960’s Church leaders saw that computer technology would be beneficial in record keeping. They hired computer experts and bought a computer. By this time space was becoming limited. In 1963, the Church completed the Granite Mountain Record Vault, which became the storage facility for master copies of genealogical records. It was built with the best preservation in mind, and is designed to withstand even a nuclear blast. |
| − | The | + | The library's collection and number of patrons has continued to grow. In 1980 plans to build a 142,000 square foot library with five floors was announced. The building was designed specifically to control humidity, temperature, and lighting in order to protect the collection from deterioration. On October 23, 1985 the new building was dedicated and opened to the public. |
| − | The library currently provides 2.4 million rolls of microfilm | + | The library currently provides 2.4 million rolls of microfilm; 742,000 microfiche; 310,000 books, serials, and other formats; 4,500 periodicals; 700 electronic resources; 202 computers; 509 microfilm readers; 36 microfiche readers; 125 full time and part time staff; 400 trained volunteers; as well as classes on genealogical research and how to use the programs and machines involved. |
| − | The Library has obtained most of its records | + | The Library has obtained most of its records in the form of microfilm. Volunteers are currently filming records in over 40 countries. Some records are donated and others, such as Census Records, are purchased. Much of what is available at the Family History Library can also be found online on the Church's [[Family Search]][http://www.familysearch.org] website. |
Revision as of 15:01, 10 April 2006
The Mormon Church's Family History Library, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, just west of Temple Square, is the largest genealogical library in the world.
Many people wonder why it is that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so zealous in doing family history work. The answer lies mostly in the vicarious work done in Mormon temples. Through family history work, members can find the names of ancestors for whom they can receive the ordinances necessary for salvation.
The Family History Library was founded in 1894 as a way to gather genealogy and help members of the Church do their family history work. Like any other library it is open to the public at no charge, and nearly 1,900 people or more visit the library every day. The library grew quickly from its start in 1894 and by 1938, the new technology known as microfilm was introduced at the library. The Family History Library now houses over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm records.
In 1944, the library was changed from being a public organization to being completely funded by the Church. In the 1960’s Church leaders saw that computer technology would be beneficial in record keeping. They hired computer experts and bought a computer. By this time space was becoming limited. In 1963, the Church completed the Granite Mountain Record Vault, which became the storage facility for master copies of genealogical records. It was built with the best preservation in mind, and is designed to withstand even a nuclear blast.
The library's collection and number of patrons has continued to grow. In 1980 plans to build a 142,000 square foot library with five floors was announced. The building was designed specifically to control humidity, temperature, and lighting in order to protect the collection from deterioration. On October 23, 1985 the new building was dedicated and opened to the public.
The library currently provides 2.4 million rolls of microfilm; 742,000 microfiche; 310,000 books, serials, and other formats; 4,500 periodicals; 700 electronic resources; 202 computers; 509 microfilm readers; 36 microfiche readers; 125 full time and part time staff; 400 trained volunteers; as well as classes on genealogical research and how to use the programs and machines involved.
The Library has obtained most of its records in the form of microfilm. Volunteers are currently filming records in over 40 countries. Some records are donated and others, such as Census Records, are purchased. Much of what is available at the Family History Library can also be found online on the Church's Family Search[1] website.
