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What are Virtual Research Strategy Sessions?
Genealogical research strategy sessions are free online consultations with a research specialist. Virtual research strategy sessions are made possible through a partnership between FamilySearch and Affiliate Libraries. You may meet with a research specialist from the Family History Library or Midwest Genealogical Center staff, or a volunteer research specialist from one of our worldwide Family History Centers.

Our priority with research strategy sessions is to provide you with research guidance and methodology. We offer helpful suggestions and assistance with research goals, to empower you as you discover and connect with your family at your own pace - all from the comfort of your own home.

Important Information
Please take note of the following details before booking your appointment:


 * These are free, 20-minute sessions (with the exception of DNA strategy sessions which are 40-minutes) designed to provide you with research methodology and next steps.
 * Please provide as much information as possible about your research problem on the bookings form. This will help the research specialist be prepared to provide you with the best suggestions possible.
 * There are a limited number of virtual research strategy sessions available. Because we are trying to assist as many individuals as possible, we ask that you do not book more than one session in any given week.
 * Some research problems, like providing document translations, may be better met using the FamilySearch Community. Click the Ask the Community button below to access a Community page for a specific region or country.
 * Due to contractual obligations, FamilySearch may not be able to offer access in research strategy sessions to historical records that are restricted to family history centers and affiliate libraries, despite the temporary closure of these facilities. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by COVID-19 precautionary measures.
 * We reserve the right to refuse service at any time. Appointments may be canceled or rescheduled in the event of unexpected conflicts, sickness or other emergencies. In the event of a cancellation, you will be contacted via email with an option to reschedule.

Services
Research strategy sessions are currently only available for a limited number of ancestral homelands as shown in the tables below. If you wish for help in an area that is not listed below, try asking for assistance via the FamilySearch Communities. Refer to FamilySearch Genealogy Research Groups to find a group for your desired location. As we grow, we will continue to add additional areas.

Languages
Research strategy sessions are currently available in the following languages. As we grow, we will expand our language offerings.


 * English
 * American Sign Language (ASL)
 * Spanish
 * Mandarin Chinese

For ASL research strategy sessions, please contact onlineconsultations@familysearch.org to schedule an appointment. ASL consultations will be held using Sorenson Video Relay Services.

To book your appointment:

 * 1) Click on the blue button below.
 * 2) Select your desired area of research from the list on the bookings page.
 * 3) Select your strategy session type.
 * 4) Select a day and time for your meeting. Be sure to double check you have selected the correct time zone!
 * 5) Fill in the requested information. Keep in mind the more details you provide, the better your research specialist will be able to serve you.

If you need to go back to a previous page, do not use the back arrow in your browser; instead click on Change Selection located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and select which page you would like to return to.

Preparing for Your Research Strategy Session
Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation email (try checking your spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon booking). The email will contain important information about your research strategy session and a link to an online meeting on Zoom. The email also contains links to add the event to your Outlook, Google, or Apple calendar. You will also receive reminder email(s), prior to your meeting that will also contain this information.

Please have your ancestor's information and any digital copies of relevant documents available for reference at your strategy session. It is best to have this information prepared and pulled up on your computer before the meeting begins.


 * At the time of your appointment, open up your confirmation or reminder email and scroll down to the Booking Details section. Under Virtual Meeting Location, click on the Zoom link. If prompted for a passcode, return to your confirmation or reminder email and copy and paste the passcode that is found directly below the Zoom link.

For Immediate Help
FamilySearch also supports a host of free, online research communities! The community consists of people who wish to collaborate and help one another find answers. You can post specific genealogical questions or translation requests regarding a country or region in the world. Many users receive responses to their questions within 24 hrs.

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