Arrive Early, Plan A Healthy Lunch

Sun., Nov. 16, 1997

Donna Potter Phillips The Spokes

At this time of year, genealogists and groups of genealogy societies plan research trips to Salt Lake City. Therefore, I’ve compiled “The A-to-Z Guide to Researching in the Family History Library.”

A Arrival: Arrive early! People are lined up in front of the library waiting for it to open at 7:30 a.m. Besides, early morning is the best time to work.

B Books: Since many of the library’s thousands of books are big and heavy, try a pre-trip weight-lifting course.

C Certificates: What you come to get, and what you might or might not get depending on how diligently you search.

D Deaths: Millions of death certificates are available on microfilm in the library!

E Errors & Omissions: A challenge to the prudent genealogist - why do all the errors and omissions seem to be in the sources listing your family?

F Family History Societies: Given to making group visits, occupying much desk space and chattering amongst themselves.

G Genealogists (professional): Recognized by the way they go swiftly to the precise source, but not always silently - they often yak away on their hand telephones.

H Husbands & Wives: Often found working in pairs, discussing what to do next and whether to take a lunch break now or later.

I Indexes: To the seasoned genealogist, indexes are a sign pointing the way, and the final destination to too many beginners.

J Journey: Is it really necessary to visit the Family History Library? Not if you prefer to check books and films one by one, slowly, over months, rather than using zillions of books and references all in one week.

K Knees: What you may be on the end of at your visit, whether in gratitude or from fatigue.

L Lunch: To eat or not to eat? Taking time for lunch is the greatest dilemma of the research day. All too many are inclined to feast on Life Savers and wonder why they have a headache at 4 p.m.

M Marriages: See “Deaths” above, but substitute with marriage licenses, marriage bonds, marriage certificates, marriage returns and marriage registers.

N Names: What a revelation to discover the surname you thought so unusual is found on 10 pages in an index. Or, what a disappointment to learn your name is not found where you were so sure it would be.

O Optimists: Those who think they will find every ancestor they’re looking for on their first SLC visit! They will be greatly disappointed, but will rejoice to realize they can come again.

P Pessimists: Those who think they won’t find a single ancestor they’re searching for. They will be pleasantly surprised.

Q Queues: Inclined to form at peak periods before the copy machines. Avoid them by coming early or staying late; skipping lunch will not help.

R Rest: The wisest of library patrons have learned periodic rests from researching is a very good thing. Take a walk; have a cool drink; visit the museum next door or go shopping. Tired eyes can easily miss the very entry they’re looking for.

S Shoes: A comfortable pair is essential; you’ll seemingly walk miles between book shelves, microfilm readers and copy machines. But it’s OK to kick them off under the table.

To be continued …

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillips The Spokesman-Review

Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillips The Spokesman-Review

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