Search Strategies from Research Guidance

Once you select a place, Research Guidance automatically takes you to the Search Strategy screen.  On this screen you will see three tabs with the Search Strategy tab open on top.  

Each of these tabs fulfill a very important purpose:

• Historical Background
  A list of important events in the history of your research location which affected political boundaries, record keeping and family movements.
  
  

• For Beginners
  Includes ideas and guides to help you get started in genealogy research including information on how to begin, stay organized, find an ancestor and use a map.
  
  

• Search Strategy
  A list of research strategies and records for the place and time you selected in the order that expert genealogists at the Family History Library would use them.

How Do I Use These Tabs?

1. Click on the tab of your choice to see a detailed list of activities and/or records that apply to your research goal and the time/place in which you are interested.
   
   

2. Select any of the recommended activities or records to view a description of the records and guidance on what you can do with them. It is usually best to work through these in the order in which they are provided.
   
   
3. Click on one of the four options located under What to Do

How Do I Use The What to Do guide?

Once you select one of the recommended activities, you will find a brief description of that activity or record type and a What to Do navigation bar. 

Sources in the Family History Library Catalog

Step-by-Step Guide

Related Web Sites

Other Research Helps

• Sources in the Family History Library Catalog
  A list of records in the Family History Library Catalog which pertain to your research goal and which can be viewed at your local Family History Center.
  
  
• Step-by-Step Guide
  Provides specific instructions about how to search the record type you have chosen including tips, samples, background information and where to find the record.
  
  
• Related Web Sites
  A list of Internet sites chosen by Family History Library volunteers that may contain information helpful information pertaining to your research.
  
  
• Other Research Helps
  Subject Glossaries with definitions of words and Guides including research outlines and record collections related to your search.