Research Wiki

"Learn More" on the Research Wiki

By Caroline M. Pointer

FamilySearch.org has over 2.5 billion records online, but did you know that by clicking the “Learn More” button featured with each record set, you can connect to additional information about the record sets on the FamilySearch Research Wiki? By clicking on the “Learn More” button you are instantly accessing a wealth of information on the FamilySearch Research Wiki that can add depth and insight to the records you are using for your family history research.

While the information provided can vary slightly, there are 10 types of basic information that are provided for each record group, including:

• Collection Time Period—This indicates the time period the collection encompasses.
• Record Description—The description tells the kinds of records a collection contains. If a record collection contains only baptisms and marriages and you are looking for a death record, for example, then looking in this record collection may not be the best place to start.
• How to Use This Record—Have you ever wanted or needed instructions on how to use a record collection? It may sound silly, but it is important to know how to use a particular record collection. FamilySearch Research Wiki provides detailed instructions on how to use each collection in an easy to understand format.
• Record History—Knowing the historical context in which the records were created as well as the reliability of the records contained in the collection can help in evaluating the records.
• Related Websites—FamilySearch Research Wiki provides links to additional information for the collection.
• Related Wiki Articles—If there are volunteer-contributed articles that pertain to a record collection, then the links to those articles are listed here.
• Known Issues with the Collection—Record collections can have issues and concerns that come up from time to time, and knowing these can help in evaluating records.
• Contributions to This Article—This is where users can add any information they have on the particular record collection, adding more insight to the records.
• Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections—No more worries on how to cite a record—examples are provided here.
• Sources of Information for This Collection—Knowing the sources of a collection can affect users’ decisions about records.

As you can see, FamilySearch.org provides vast collections of records, but the FamilySearch Research Wiki provides added value to those collections by providing more information about them. Click the “Learn More” button while you research, and let the Research Wiki add depth to your family history records.