FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style-Formatting

The following includes information regarding formatting in the Research Wiki Manual of Style.

Formatting Databases Cheat Sheet

 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Collection Links - Summary
Although there is no one absolute way to list a database in the Wiki, the following are guidelines to provide a more user-friendly experience. Summary of elements in a database link:
 * 1) Bullet list: Start each database link with a bullet.
 * 2) List Dates: See below, Listing Dates in Database Links.
 * 3) Hyphen and bold: Use a hyphen between the dates and bold the dates
 * 4) Exact title: When it is possible, list the exact title of the database in the clickable link to the database
 * 5) List website: To inform the website/company providing the database, put "at" and the name of the website. To increase readability, do not link the name of the website to a general search page or main page. The only time a link should be added is when the websites are found in a database link listing multiple websites. Include a link directly to the database for that website. Use the Guidelines for more formatting instructions.
 * 6) Index/Images: Add whether the database contains an index, images, or both. Place that after an m-dash (preferred, but not required). Use the guidelines found below.
 * 7) ($): If the database is on a subscription website, indicate it by putting a dollar sign in parenthesis ($) at the very end of the database link. Use the guidelines found below.
 * 8) Other info: Add any additional notes that would be helpful for users to know about this database. This can include information about locality coverage or any other important information.
 * 9) Identical Databases on Multiple Websites Use the guidelines for formatting a database link that is available on multiple websites.

Databases
Below is the format of a database collection. This format especially helpful for a list of collections found on a Wiki page. Format of Code: *DATE-DATE [URL DATABASENAME] at WEBSITENAME — index & images ($) Examples: Examples wikitext code: *1880-1920 Sweden Household Examination Books, 1880-1920 at MyHeritage — index & images ($) *1850-1939 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and images
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet
 * 1880-1920 Sweden Household Examination Books, 1860-1947 at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
 * 1850-1939 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and images

Listing Dates in Database Links
Examples:
 * Dates listed before the database. If dates are known regarding the database, repeat the dates in bold at directly after the bullet and before the database link.
 * No Hyphens. Do not use a hyphen after the dates or before the database link.
 * Dates are Estimates. Listed dates are used to estimate the coverage of the database and are not to be taken as verified information. The user will need to verify the date coverage with the database/website.
 * One Date. If only one date applies to the database, list the one year. See example below.
 * Span of Years. Because databases can cover different spans of years with gaps in between (i.e., 1854-1858, 1890-1929), both dates can be listed. If the gap of years is not clear or covers a small span of years, the dates can be combined into one (i.e., 1854-1929).
 * Index and Image Dates. When a database or collection in the FamilySearch Catalog includes different dates for the index and images of records, the first date of either the index or images should be the first date and the second date should be the latest date of either the index or images.
 * Current - Rolling Dates. If the years of availability for a database change automatically each year, whether for a rolling privacy date or to the current year, use "Current" as the last date available. See example below.
 * Unknown Beginning Date. If the beginning date for the database cannot be determined, use "Pre" as the first date available. See example below.
 * Unknown End Date. If the ending date for the database cannot be determined, use "Onward" as the last date available. See example below.
 * No Circa. Do not use circa or ca. to identify about dates. The dates we list at the beginning of the database link are suggestions to what the database may cover and are not verified for accuracy on their websites. Thus, all database links are "about" dates and do not need to be marked as "about", "circa", or "ca.".
 * Dates Vary. When a database gives no indication on the dates included or records are continuously added to the database, use "Dates Vary" as the dates at the beginning of the collection link.
 * Pre-1907 Pre-1907 Wisconsin Vital Records Index at Wisconsin Historical Society - free index, images ($)
 * 1636-1692 (*) Essex County Courts at FamilySearch Catalog - images
 * 1890 Idaho, Reconstructed Census, 1890 at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
 * 1899-Onward Ohio, Lucas County Obituaries at MyHeritage - index ($)
 * 1906-Current Birth Index, 1906-Current at Pennsylvania State Archives - index
 * Dates Vary Abbeville County, Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Public Index – index; courts include Circuit Court, Summary Court and Masters-in-Equity; records added periodically

Examples wikitext code: *Pre-1907 Pre-1907 Wisconsin Vital Records Index at Wisconsin Historical Society - free index and images ($)
 * 1636-1692 (*) Essex County Courts at FamilySearch Catalog - images
 * 1890 Idaho, Reconstructed Census, 1890 at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
 * 1901-1929 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and images
 * 1906-Current Birth Index, 1906-Current at Pennsylvania State Archives - index
 * 1899-Onward Ohio, Lucas County Obituaries at MyHeritage - index ($)
 * Dates Vary Abbeville County, Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Public Index – index; courts include Circuit Court, Summary Court and Masters-in-Equity; records added periodically

Guidelines for "Index & Images" Phrases
Give information regarding how complete the collection is, what it covers, or additional helpful information at the end of the database line, by using an m-dash (preferred, but not required) and one of the following phrases: Examples:
 * "index & images" or "index and images": used for collections that have indexes with images attached or browsable images available
 * "index": used for databases that are only an index and no images
 * "images": used for databases that only have browsable images available
 * 1840-2004 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1840-2004 Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1840-2004 at Ancestry — index ($)
 * 1639-1962 New York, United States Marriages at Findmypast — index ($)
 * 1847-1848, 1908–1936 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; marriage license index on film goes to 1935
 * 1801-1890 Barber Collection- Newspaper Deaths at Ancestry — index ($); information extracted from the "Brooklyn Eagle" and the "New York Evening Post."
 * 1850-1990 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & some images

Listing Websites

 * List the website the database is located on by stating, "at WEBSITENAME" after the name of the database
 * Put a dash after the website name to list further information regarding index, images, subscription fees, completeness of database, and other important notes regarding the database collection.
 * To increase readability, do not add a link to the website name.

Listing Databases on Wiki Page
Example:
 * When possible, list databases in chronological order.
 * When listing databases that do not have a beginning or ending date, you can use "Pre", "Onward," and "Current" to help identify the dates the database may cover. More information.
 * Do not use circa or ca. to identify about dates. The dates we list at the beginning of the database link are suggestions to what the database may cover and are not verified for accuracy on their websites. Thus, all database links are "about" dates and do not need to be marked as "about", "circa", or "ca.".
 * 1866-1909 New York City Births, 1866-1909 at NYC Dept of Records - index and images; has some earlier dates starting in 1760s
 * 1866-Onward New York, New York, U.S., Index to Birth Certificates, 1866-Onward at Ancestry - index ($)
 * 1876-1965 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
 * Pre-1909 New York, New York, U.S., Extracted Birth Index, Pre-1909 at Ancestry - index ($); Also at MyHeritage index ($)
 * 1910-1965 New York, New York, U.S., Birth Index, 1910-1965 at Ancestry - index & images ($)

Identical Collection Databases on Multiple Websites

 * Some databases are shared on more than one genealogical website.
 * The first website listed should be formatted as found above.
 * Subsequent websites with the same database should be listed adding the relevant link to the website name.
 * FamilySearch databases should be listed first, when applicable.
 * The phrase, Also at: should be added before the list of additional websites.
 * Below is an example of the preferred way to list a database available on multiple websites:

Example:
 * 1849-1940 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; Also at: Ancestry ($), MyHeritage ($), Findmypast ($)

Example Wikitext Code: *1849-1940 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; Also at: Ancestry ($), MyHeritage ($), Findmypast ($)

Free Websites

 * Websites that are free and do not require a payment to view their information, do not require any indication in the link.
 * It can be assumed that databases without a "($)" are free.

Subscription Websites
Examples:
 * If you refer to a subscription website or one which has a charge to obtain information, use the "($)" to indicate that there may be a fee for the site.
 * For websites requiring pound sterling, use "(£)."
 * 1840-2004 Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1840-2004 at Ancestry — index ($)
 * 1880-1920 Sweden Household Examination Books, 1880-1920 at MyHeritage — index & images ($)

Free Collections on Subscription Websites

 * When a collection is free to the public but housed on a subscription website, you can use the phrase (Free collection) to make this indication.
 * NOTE: Websites that are free do not require any indication in the link. It can be assumed by the user that any database listed without a ($) is free.

Example:
 * 1849-1985 Web: Minnesota, Naturalization Index, 1849-1985 at Ancestry - index (Free collection)

Example wikitext code: *1849-1985 Web: Minnesota, Naturalization Index, 1849-1985 at Ancestry - index (Free collection)

Free Indexes and Images for Pay

 * When a website offers free access to their index, but requires payment to access the records, use, "free index, images ($)" at the end of the link.

Example: Example wikitext code: *1900-1934 Minnesota Births, 1900-1934 at Minnesota Historical Society — free index, images ($)
 * 1900-1934 Minnesota Births, 1900-1934 at Minnesota Historical Society — free index, images ($)

FamilySearch Historical Records Collections - Using Templates

 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Historical Records Collections With Indexes
1. RecordSearch template: For FamilySearch Historical Records collections, use the RecordSearch template instead of an external link for any FamilySearch Historical Records databases. 2. How to Use this Collection link: Add a link titled, "How to Use this Collection" to the corresponding Historical Records collection Wiki page.
 * For detailed instructions on how to create these templates, go tothe FamilySearch Templates Wiki page.
 * a. From the collection details page, click the link that says "How to Use this Collection".
 * b. Use the code below to create the internal link. Hr screenshot.PNG
 * How to Use this Collection
 * c. Copy the name of the page and paste it to replace NAME OF PAGE in the code use above.

3. Coverage Table and Inventory: If the How to Use this Collection Wiki page also contains a link to a coverage table and/or an inventory, add these links as well.
 * a. From the How to Use this Collection link, review the table of contents for the words "coverage table" or "inventory." They may link to another Wiki page or may have the coverage table or inventory on the page.
 * b. Link to the Wiki page or to the section of the How to Use this Collection Wiki page using the example below.
 * c. If both coverage table and inventory are available for the collection, list coverage table first and directly after How to Use this Collection. See example below.
 * d. Put a semi-colon between the last link to "coverage table" or "inventory" and "index" or "Images." See example below.

4. Add additional info: Add any additional information as shown in the examples above after the "How to Use this Collection" link. Format of Code: *DATE-DATE at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images NOTE: COLLECTIONID stands for Collection ID number found in the URL of the Collection Examples: Example wikitext code: *1884-1910 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1884-1910 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1863-1866 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection, Coverage Table, Inventory; images
 * 1863-1866 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection, Coverage Table, Inventory; images

Historical Records Collections Browse Only (Waypoint) Images

 * Detailed instructions on how to create these templates are found on the FamilySearch Templates Wiki page.
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Example Format: DATE-DATE at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images Example: Example in wikitext code: *1817-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images
 * 1817-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images

FamilySearch Collections With Limited Access
There are some FamilySearch Historical Collections that have limited access online and instead must be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Collections that have this limitation, will be indicated by the following: (*) When you hover over the "(*)", it displays the following: Due to contractual agreements, some images and/or databases on FamilySearch.org may only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

Example:
 * 1884-1910 (*) at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images

Example wikitext code: *1884-1910 (*) at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images

FamilySearch International Genealogical Index (IGI) Batch Links
Format of code: *DATE-DATE in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch — index Example: Example wikitext code: *1840-1875  in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch - index
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet
 * International Genealogical Index (IGI) contains batches for specific locations, record types, and years. When a link to an IGI batch is added to a Wiki page, the link should use the following format:
 * 1840-1875  in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch - index

Links to the FamilySearch Catalog

 * Links are created to go to the FamilySearch Catalog to help users locate digital records and online books. Examples are:
 * Online digital images accessed through the Catalog - Instructions; Example
 * Digital books - Instructions; Example
 * List of collections in a specific locality or subject heading - use FamilySearch Catalog Templates; Example
 * Links to specific catalog entry - Template; Example


 * Go to Help:FamilySearch Templates to find a list of all templates used to link to the FamilySearch Catalog

Links to Digital Images in the Catalog - Using Templates
''Note: "Images" should only be used in this link. "Index" leads users to believe they can search an index by typing in a name. Even though an index may be included on the images, we will only list the word, images in the database link.''
 * FSC Templates. When possible, use the corresponding FamilySearch template to link to catalog entries that have links to digital images. Detailed instructions on how to create these templates are found on the FamilySearch Templates Wiki page.
 * Capitalize Title. Capitalize the title of the record.
 * Author. Add the first author listed in the catalog to help the user understand what collection they are viewing. For entries without an author, leave as is. They will be fixed in a future project.
 * Higher Jurisdiction. Remove the higher jurisdiction from the link if two are listed. For example: if the author is listed as, Fresno County (California) Recorder, the state of California should be removed.
 * Years Covered. If two dates are listed in a link (one for the record and one for the index), combine the two to list the earliest date and the highest date. The Wiki is providing suggested dates of coverage. Actual coverage must be determined by the user.
 * (*) Because many digitized records in the Family History Catalog are only viewable at the local FamilySearch center or affiliate library, a (*) should be added after the title of the record to let users know that the images may not readily be available. Use "(*)" regardless of if the collection is currently unrestricted as contracts regarding access change.

Example Format - without author: *DATE-DATE (*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images

Example - without author:
 * 1642-1905 (*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images

Example wikitext code: *1642-1905 (*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images

Example Format - with author: *DATE-DATE (*) AUTHOR at FamilySearch Catalog - images

Example - with author:
 * 1856-1929 (*); Nevada County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — images

Example wikitext code: *1856-1929 (*); Nevada County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — images

FamilySearch Catalog Entry to Place and Subject Number Results

 * This is used provide a list of catalog entries for a specific Place (Example: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) in the catalog or a Subject Number (Example: Probate Records for Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Example Format: *(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - DESCRIPTION

Example:
 * (*) at FamilySearch Catalog - list of all will abstracts and records

Example wikitext code: *(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - list of all will abstracts and records

FamilySearch Catalog vs. FamilySearch Historical Records Links
Example 1 - Different titles for FamilySearch Historical Records Link and FamilySearch Catalog link: Example 1 - wikitext code: *1640-1955 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images *1684-1849 (*) Hebron Town Clerk at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images Example 2 - Exact Title Example for FamilySearch Historical Records Link and FamilySearch Catalog Link: Example 2 - wikitext code: *1870-1916 (*) Jefferson County Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images *1870-1916 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * All Historical Records collections are currently found in the FamilySearch Catalog. Historical Records collections may or may not be completely indexed at the time it is released. Because of that fact, the catalog entry for these digital images should be added as a database link in addition to the Historical Records collections to assist in accessing the records.
 * Historical Records collections often encompass more than just one jurisdiction of a record, i.e., a California Marriage Historical Records collection includes all counties. Thus, the titles of the same record may differ.
 * 1640-1955 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1684-1849 (*) Hebron Town Clerk at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
 * 1870-1916 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index & images
 * 1870-1916 (*) Jefferson County Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images

Link to First Image in Historical Records or FamilySearch Catalog

 * To improve access to browsable images for a specific location, link directly to the first image.
 * Use the URL to the first image as the link. There is no FamilySearch Catalog template available.

Example:

COMING SOON

FamilySearch Explore Images - Links to Digital Images
FamilySearch Explore Images is a part of the FamilySearch.org giving access to all online images on the website and available to the user. (Some restrictions apply to viewing the images at a local FamilySearch center.) To access these records in a reasonable way, a link to the results list for locality and record type may be provided in the Wiki. Example Format: *DATE-DATE [EXPLOREIMAGESURL NAMEOFCOLLECTION](*) at FamilySearch Explore Images
 * Dates: If dates to the results list could be ascertained quickly, an estimated range can be added to the beginning of the link as seen used by other online collection database links on the Wiki.
 * Limited Scope: It is suggested a narrow search should be made to provide a reasonable results list easily reviewed by the user.

Examples: Examples wikitext code: *1600s-1900s Latvia Birth Records(*) at FamilySearch Explore Images  *1900s Latvia Civil Registration Records(*) at FamilySearch Explore Images
 * 1600s-1900s Latvia Birth Records(*) at FamilySearch Explore Images
 * 1900s Latvia Civil Registration Records(*) at FamilySearch Explore Images

Formatting Books
There are two ways to list sources in the Wiki: 1. Reference and Bibliographic Lists - Listing Author First: Use a traditional citation style, such as The Chicago Manual of Style. This should be used for references and bibliographic lists found on Wiki pages. 2. List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page - Listing Title First: Books that are found in the body of a Wiki page should use a more usable form for users to review the books. Each entry includes all the elements of a citation for a book, but it is rearranged for easy review starting with the title of the book.

Reference and Bibliographic Lists - Listing Author First

 * See References and Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First) - Basic Form for instructions on how to format book citations used in reference sections and bibliographic lists.

List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page - Listing Title First
When there are long lists of books or articles within a Wiki page, use the format listed below. This allows users to easily scan a list of pertinent resources. This style should not be used for reference sections or bibliographic lists found in the Wiki. Instead use the instructions found |here.' Add the information in the following order, left to right: 1. Add a bullet at the beginning of each book/article citation 2. Add title of book in italics 3. Add the word “By” and then put the author’s full name, starting with first name 4. Add publication information, using the following: publication location, followed by colon, publisher with a comma, and publishing date after the comma. See Example Format below. 5. If the citation provides the At various libraries (WorldCat) template, add it directly after the publication date or after the optional FamilySearch Catalog call number entry - if it is listed. 6. If the call number from the FamilySearch Catalog is provided, place it after the publication date and before the optional At various libraries (WorldCat) template. If there is no At various libraries (WorldCat) template, put it before the "Online at:." 7. Add the phrase "Online at:" at the very end of the entry. Bold and italicize the phrase for better visibility. Instructions for creating links to online books.
 * For multiple authors, use the instructions below: Multiple Authors
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page (Listing Title First) - Not Online

 * For any book reference listed, you may include in the FamilySearch Catalog call number and/or the link to WorldCat as part of the entry. When you do add them, use templates to list call numbers for the FamilySearch Catalog and for WorldCat.
 * The FamilySearch Catalog entry should go before the "At Various libraries (WorldCat)" template. These two items are optional and not required in the Bibliographic source.
 * For multiple authors, use the instructions below: Multiple Authors
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

LISTING TITLE FIRST - BOOK NOT ONLINE ''Example Format of Listing Title First: *NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ;

Examples of Listing Title First: Examples wikitext code of Listing Title First: *Black Civil War Soldiers, Allegheny County Pennsylvania By Henry Hively; Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 1. (Summer 1990):39. ;
 * Black Civil War Soldiers, Allegheny County Pennsylvania By Henry Hively; Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 1. (Summer 1990):39. ;
 * Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties, Nebraska. Chicago, Illinois: Goodspeed Pub. Co., 1890.
 * History of Washington County, Iowa: From the First White Settlements to 1908. By Howard A Burrell. Chicago, IL: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1909.
 * The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers By Jeannette Holland Austin. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;
 * Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties, Nebraska. Chicago, Illinois: Goodspeed Pub. Co., 1890.
 * History of Washington County, Iowa: From the First White Settlements to 1908. By Howard A Burrell. Chicago, IL: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1909.
 * The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers By Jeannette Holland Austin. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;

List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page (Listing Title First) - Online

 * How to create the URL link to the online library: Create the URL
 * For any book reference listed, you may include in the FamilySearch Catalog call number and/or the link to WorldCat as part of the entry. When you do add them, use templates to list call numbers for the FamilySearch Catalog and for WorldCat.
 * The FamilySearch Catalog entry should go before the "At Various libraries (WorldCat)" template. These two items are optional and not required in the Bibliographic source.
 * For additional volumes of a online book, use the instructions below: Additional Volumes of an Online Book
 * For multiple authors, use the instructions below: Multiple Authors
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

LISTING TITLE FIRST - ONLINE BOOK Example Format of Listing Title First: *NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ; ; Online at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]

Examples of Listing Title First:
 * Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. Ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)
 * A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. By William Armstrong Crozier. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953. ; ; Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library; Hathitrust
 * The Loyalists in North Carolina During the Revolution. By Robert O. DeMond. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1940. ; Online at: Hathitrust, Ancestry ($)

Examples in Wikitext code of Listing Title First: *Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. Ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($) *A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. By William Armstrong Crozier. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953. ; ; Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library; Hathitrust
 * The Loyalists in North Carolina During the Revolution. By Robert O. DeMond. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1940. ; Online at: Hathitrust, Ancestry ($)

Source Citations Including Websites and Books
There are many accepted ways to create a source for a citation. Many sources in the reference section of Wiki pages follow The Chicago Manual of Style, but other forms are acceptable. Below are some suggested formatting regarding citations for websites and books.
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Adding References Heading
Add a heading 2 or heading 3 (whichever is more appropriate for the page) named References as the last header on the page; i.e. at the bottom of the page before the NAVBOX and Category templates. The reference list tag is added below the header in the following format: == References ==

More information can be found on Source Citation Formats

Website References
When adding a reference to information within a Wiki article in a bibliographic list or in the reference section, you can use the following formats: Elements required:

Website Example 1: Wikipedia contributors, "Chile," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile, accessed 24 March 2016.

Example 1 wikitext code with Ref Tags:

Website Example 2: National Genealogical Society, "Standards for Sharing Information with Others" in National Genealogical Society (Internet site), at www.ngsgenealogy.org/comstandsharing.htm (accessed 11 November 2003).

Example 2 wikitext code with Ref Tags:

References and Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First) - Basic Form
Elements Required: Book Example: Clement Luther Martzolff, FamilySearch Digital Library (New Lexington, Ohio: Ward & Weiland, 1902), 144-46. (Accessed 20 January 2009). Example wikitext code with Ref tags:
 * Referencing books require only the basic elements listed below.
 * Use The Chicago Manual of Style or other citation formats.
 * Additional information such as links to online books, WorldCat reference, and call number information (book and microfilm) can also be added but are not required.
 * Please refer to the sections below for guidance on adding this information.

Additional Formatting Guidelines:
 * Capitalize the complete title.
 * If the title is really long, give the first portion of the title and shorten the title.
 * If there is more than one author use this example:
 * Brown, John, Peter A. Smith, and Sarah R. White, Books Are Cool (San Diego, California: Books, Inc., 2002), 13. (Accessed 1 May 2020).


 * If there is ever information missing use the following guidelines:
 * Missing author: leave it blank and move on to the publisher information.
 * Missing publication date: use n.d.
 * Missing publication place: use n.p.
 * Missing publisher: use n.p.

Example of no author, no date of publication, no place of publication, and no publisher information:
 * Niobrara Centennial 1856-1956. n.d. n.p: n.p.

References or Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First) - Not Online

 * For any book reference listed, you may include in the FamilySearch Catalog call number and/or the link to WorldCat as part of the entry. When you do add them, use templates to list call numbers for the FamilySearch Catalog and for WorldCat.
 * The FamilySearch Catalog entry should go before the "At Various libraries (WorldCat)" template. These two items are optional and not required in the Bibliographic source.
 * For multiple authors, use the instructions below: Multiple Authors
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

LISTING AUTHOR FIRST - BOOK NOT ONLINE  Example wikitext code: *LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. NAME OF BOOK. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ;

Examples of Book Entry for Bibliographic List and/or Reference Section of a Wiki Page:
 * Austin, Jeannette Holland. The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;
 * Crozier, William Armstrong. A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953.
 * Gnann, Pearl R. Georgia Salzburger and Allied Families. Revised. Savannah, Georgia: Mrs. C. LeBey and Georgia Genealogical Reprints, 1970.

Examples of Book Entry for Bibliographic List and/or Reference Section in Wikitext Code: *Austin, Jeannette Holland. The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;
 * Crozier, William Armstrong. A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953.
 * Gnann, Pearl R. Georgia Salzburger and Allied Families. Revised. Savannah, Georgia: Mrs. C. LeBey and Georgia Genealogical Reprints, 1970. ;

References or Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First) - Online

 * How to create the URL link to the online library: Create the URL
 * For any book reference listed, you may include in the FamilySearch Catalog call number and/or the link to WorldCat as part of the entry. When you do add them, use templates to list call numbers for the FamilySearch Catalog and for WorldCat.
 * The FamilySearch Catalog entry should go before the "At Various libraries (WorldCat)" template. These two items are optional and not required in the Bibliographic source.
 * For additional volumes of a online book, use the instructions below: Additional Volumes of an Online Book
 * For multiple authors, use the instructions below: Multiple Authors
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

LISTING AUTHOR FIRST - BOOK ONLINE  Example Format of Listing Author First *LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. NAME OF BOOK. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ; ; Online at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]

Examples of Listing Author First:
 * Crozier, William Armstrong. A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953. . Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library; Hathitrust
 * DeMond, Robert O. The Loyalists in North Carolina During the Revolution. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1940. Online at: Hathitrust, Ancestry ($)
 * Kvasnicka, Robert M., comp. The Trans-Mississippi West, 1804–1912, Part IV, A Guide to Records of the Department of the Interior for the Territorial Period, Section 3: Records of the General Land Office. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 2007. ; Online at: Hathitrust
 * Lucas, W.V. Pioneer days of Bremer County, Iowa. Iowa: Waverly Democrat, 1918. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library
 * Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)

Examples in wikitext code of Listing Author First: *Crozier, William Armstrong. A Key to Southern Pedigrees: Being a Comprehensive Guide to the Colonial Ancestry of Families in the States of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alabama. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Southern Book Company, 1953. . Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library; Hathitrust
 * DeMond, Robert O. The Loyalists in North Carolina During the Revolution. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1940. Online at: Hathitrust, Ancestry ($)
 * Kvasnicka, Robert M., comp. The Trans-Mississippi West, 1804–1912, Part IV, A Guide to Records of the Department of the Interior for the Territorial Period, Section 3: Records of the General Land Office. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 2007. ; Online at: Hathitrust
 * Lucas, W.V. Pioneer days of Bremer County, Iowa. Waverly, Iowa: Waverly Democrat, 1918. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library
 * Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)

Multiple Authors - References or Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First)
Example of Listing Author First: Example in wikitext code of Listing Author First: *Jones, John, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. A Cool Book. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. Online at: Website.
 * Jones, John, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. A Cool Book. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. Online at: Website.
 * Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)
 * Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske, eds. Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)

Multiple Authors - List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page (Listing Title First)
Example of Listing Title First: Example in wikitext code of Listing Title First: *A Cool Book. By John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. Online at: Website.
 * A Cool Book. By John Jones, Melinda Smith, and Peter Williams. New York: Book Publishing, 2019. Online at: Website.
 * Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. Ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)
 * Appletons' Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1600-1889. Ed. by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1888. Online at: Ancestry ($)

Books Not Online - FamilySearch Catalog Using FSC Template
Example Format of Listing Title First: *NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. Example of Listing Title First: Example in wikitext code of Listing Title First: Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide By John Grenham. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1999.
 * Detailed instructions on how to create these templates are found on the FamilySearch Templates Wiki page.
 * This is used when the call number of the book, fiche, or film is displayed. Books using this template should not be in FamilySearch Digital Library UNLESS there are multiple volumes. If this happens, use these instructions.
 * The display link should include FS Library book, FS Library film, or FS Library Fiche. More information on how to label these links are found here.
 * Tracing Your Irish Ancestors: The Complete Guide By John Grenham. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1999.

Example Format of Listing Author First: *LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME. NAME OF BOOK. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ;  Example of Listing Author First: Example in wikitext code of Listing Author First: *Austin, Jeannette Holland. The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;
 * Austin, Jeannette Holland. The Georgians: Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1984. ;

Books Online - Multiple Volumes
When there is more than one volume, use the following instructions to create the online book link:
 * FSC Template: When the book is in the FamilySearch Digital Library and there is more than one volume, you may choose to use the FSC template instead of the URL to the Digital Library. Use instructions from here to learn how to use the template. For an example of using a FSC template with multiple volumes, see below.
 * Other Websites: When there is more than three volumes, try finding the results list page listing each of the volumes. If one cannot be found, add the URL to each volume number. See an example.
 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Books Online - One to Three Volumes
Example Format: *NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ; ; Online at: Vol. 1 - [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE], [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; Vol. 2 - [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE], [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]; Vol. 3 - [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE], [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE]

Example: Example in wikitext code: *Revolutionary America, 1763-1789: a Bibliography By Ronald M. Gephart. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984. ; Online at: Vol. 1 - FamilySearch Digital Library, Internet Archive; Vol. 2 - FamilySearch Digital Library, HathiTrust; Vol. 1 & 2 - Internet Archive
 * Revolutionary America, 1763-1789: a Bibliography By Ronald M. Gephart. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984. ; Online at: Vol. 1 - FamilySearch Digital Library, Internet Archive; Vol. 2 - FamilySearch Digital Library, HathiTrust; Vol. 1 & 2 - Internet Archive

Books Online - Four or More Volumes
Example Format: *NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. ; ; Online at:, [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE, Vol. #-#] Examples:
 * Encyclopedia of Connecticut Biography, Genealogical-Memorial: Representative Citizens. By Samuel Hart. Boston, Massachusetts: American Historical Society, 1917-1923. ; Online at:, Internet Archive, Vol. 1-13

Examples in wikitext code: *Encyclopedia of Connecticut Biography, Genealogical-Memorial: Representative Citizens. By Samuel Hart. Boston, Massachusetts: American Historical Society, 1917-1923. Online at:, Internet Archive, Vol. 1-13

Books Online - Create URL for FamilySearch Digital Books and Other Websites

 * URL: Use the URL to the online book as the link. FamilySearch Digital Library links should be obtained using these instructions.
 * Online at: When a digital version of a source is available, add the phrase "Online at:" at the end of the citation.
 * Format: Bold and italicize the phrase for better visibility.
 * Number of Websites: If an online book is available on more than one website, list up to three websites. List the free websites first. Avoid Google Books unless there is no other free website option.
 * Websites to Link to: Look for free websites first, such as, FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive, WorldCat, and Ancestry($). Google Books should only used if it is a free book and the only option. Ancestry is a paid website, but can often have the only available online version of the book. To indicate a cost, use a ($) after Ancestry, such as, Ancestry ($).
 * Link to Book: The clickable link to the online digital book should be the name of the website, such as, FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive, WorldCat, and Ancestry ($). Google Books should only be used if it is free and it is the only option.
 * Multiple Volumes for Online Books: Use these instructions to list links for multiple volumes.
 * Dates (Listing Title First): If there are specific dates regarding the information in the book, it may be included at the beginning of the link for entries listing title first. This should be used when in a bullet list of online collections also giving dates. Dates should be avoided if it is in a bullet list of online books available, so it will match the other books listed. Use these Instructions
 * WorldCat: A link to WorldCat can also be added to the online book link. It is not required. It should be before "Online at:" in the link. Instructions on how to make the template.
 * Style of Bibliographic Entry: Links to online books should be included with both styles of bibliographic entries:
 * 1) List of Books in Body of the Wiki Page (Listing Title First), such as, in a Local Histories header of a county page. Example.
 * 2) References or Bibliographic Lists of Books (Listing Author First) in references or Bibliography or For Further Reading heading. Examples are listed below. Example


 * Formatting Databases and Books Cheat Sheet

Books Online - Obtaining a Link in FamilySearch Digital Library

 * Old Template: Previously, a template was used to link to the FamilySearch Digital Library. The current link structure to FamilySearch makes it impossible to use a template. If you see an old template, please convert it to the URL using the instructions listed in the next bullet. The old FamilySearch Digital Library template was: FSbook.
 * Instructions to Obtain Correct URL:
 * Navigate to the book you wish to link to by searching the FamilySearch Digital Library or the FamilySearch Catalog.
 * When you select the book from the list of results, it will take you to one of two screens. On either view you will see an icon with a greater than sign. This icon indicates that you can share the link to the book on social media.
 * This button is either under the image of the book in the summary view. Share link FSDL.PNG
 * Or, when viewing the book, in the right hand corner at the end of the menu to the right of the upload button (in yellow). Share link FSDL book view.PNG
 * Click on the button and a menu will appear.
 * Click on, Copy link and it will save the URL to your clipboard.
 * You can now paste this URL to the online book link on the Wiki page.

''Note: the copied link may need to be adjusted to make it a clickable. This usually requires adding: https:// Adding an "s" after http is also necessary on other links.''

Books Online - Dates Listed on Online Book Link (Listing Title First)
Example Format in List of Online Collections: *DATES NAME OF BOOK. By AUTHOR. PUBLISHING PLACE: PUBLISHER, PUBLISH DATE. Online at: [URL NAMEOFWEBSITE] Example of Book in list of Online Collections: Example completed wikitext code of Online Book Link: *1609-1999 Connecticut, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1609-1999 at Ancestry - index & images ($)
 * To be used for list of Books in Body of the Wiki Page (Listing Title First)
 * Dates: If there are specific dates regarding the information in the book, it may be included at the beginning of the link if it is in a bullet list of online collections. Dates should be avoided if it is in a bullet list of online books.
 * 1609-1999 Connecticut, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1609-1999 at Ancestry - index & images ($)
 * 1635-1750 A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records. By Charles William Manwaring. Hartford, [Connecticut]: R.S. Peck & Company, 1904-1906. Online at:
 * 1635-1750 Connecticut: Early Probate Records, 1635-1750 at American Ancestors - index & images ($)
 * 1635-1750 A Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records. By Charles William Manwaring. Hartford, [Connecticut]: R.S. Peck & Company, 1904-1906. Online at:
 * 1635-1750 Connecticut: Early Probate Records, 1635-1750 at American Ancestors - index & images ($)

Using Media Tag
Example Format: *[[Media:NAMEOFFILE.pdf|NAMEOFLINK]] - PDF file Example: Examples in wikitext code: *[[Media:How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf|How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet]] - PDF file
 * To link to a PDF file so that it immediately open when you click on the link, you must replace "File:" or "Image:" with "Media:"
 * For more instructions about adding PDF Files
 * [[Media:How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf|How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet]]

Using File or Image Tag
Example Format: * Example: Examples in wikitext code: *
 * If you leave on "File:" or "Image:" as part of the PDF code, the PDF image will appear on the Wiki page. Use either "thumb" or choose a px size to keep the Wiki page readable.
 * For more instructions about adding PDF Files
 * How to find ancestors in Digitalarkivet updated Jul 2016.pdf

Repositories - Contact Information
Below is the suggested format for listing information about a specific repository in the Wiki:

INSTITUTION NAME ADDRESS ADDRESS ADDRESS Telephone: ####### Email: [mailto:address@email.com address@email.com] [URL Website] [URL Facebook]

(optional: brief description of institution hours/services, etc. Please indent using a colon) Example: Seychelles National Archives 5th June Avenue P.O. Box 720 Victoria, Mahe Seychelles Telephone: +248 4 321 333 Email: [mailto:archives@seychelles.net archives@seychelles.net] Website Facebook


 * Family history research is done Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm on appointment.
 * Genealogical Research at the National Archives has a fee.

Example wikitext code: Seychelles National Archives 5th June Avenue P.O. Box 720<br Victoria, Mahe Seychelles Telephone: +248 4 321 333 Email: [mailto:archives@seychelles.net archives@seychelles.net] Website Facebook :Family history research is done Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm on appointment. :Genealogical Research at the National Archives has a fee.

Geographical Names
See Naming Conventions for Geographic Names for more information.

Acronyms and Abbreviations
Example: The International Genealogical Index (IGI) was a computer file created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 * The first time you use a term that can be abbreviated, write it out and put the acronym in parentheses.


 * Acronyms and Abbreviations - a list of acronyms and abbreviations defined in the Wiki.

Organizing Information
In an article, subheadings or sections should be used to organize the content and keep similar information together. Subheadings should help users scan an article to find the information they need.

Guidelines for Subheadings/section Titles
Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. Once you put in a title it can't be changed by you but subtitles can be changed, removed and reorganized by you.


 * 1) There are many templates that will help to organize a page. Two great examples:


 * FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject County Page Template
 * FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject U.S. Counties


 * 1) Use Help pages. They are guides to assist in the detailing of a page. An example:


 * Help:Adding details to a FamilySearch Center page


 * 1) Another guide that will help you organize a page is Headings for Articles about Records

pt:FamilySearch Wiki:Manual de formatação de estilo
 * 1) Then go to Editing the Wiki. This page gives many ways to add to your page and options to use.