Obtain and Search the Records

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Step 4: Obtain and search the records.

If you have effectively completed earlier steps, you are now ready for the most exciting and rewarding step of finding and searching the records.

By the end of this step you should have: (1) your research findings recorded in your research log and (2) photocopies (or notes) of the records found.

You may be able to obtain most records from several different repositories. Also, understanding different search tactics can help increase your choices of success.

= Obtain the Records =

When you selected a record (in Step 3), you may have learned at which library or archives the record is located.

Genealogical information can be found in libraries, archives, public and private offices and in various publications. You may visit or write to the repository or send a friend, family member, or paid researcher to search the records.

Family History Library
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City has the largest collection of genealogical information in the world.

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