FamilySearch Reviewer's Comments
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Although online access is not available to all the resources contained in the Family History Library, satellite libraries throughout the world are open to the public.
Name Database:
Although the information and resources contained in the Family History library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the most extensive and comprehensive of their kind, not all of these resources and information are available online through FamilySearch.
The Ancestral File database is a collection of genealogical information taken from pedigree charts and family group records submitted to the Family History Department since 1978, it contains over 36 million names. The information is not verified against any official records—those who use the Ancestral File contribute the information.
The International Genealogical Index database contains approximately 600 million names of deceased individuals. An addendum to the International Genealogical Index contains an additional 125 million names. These names have been patron submitted or extracted from thousands of original birth, christening and marriage records
The Pedigree Resource File database contains over 80 million names that are linked into families.
Worldwide Focus:
FamilySearch is broad enough that it would be of interest and useful to peoples of all nationalities.
Other Resources:
FamilySearch has the largest and most organized resource section for doing actual research from records. It also includes links to several other resources for help in your research. Many of the following categories are searchable by state or country: Census and Lists, Court and Legal Records, Cultural and Religious Groups, Family Histories and Genealogies, Key Genealogical Sites, Land and Property, Libraries, Migration, Military, Places, Record Keepers, Research Support, Royalty and Nobility, Services and Tools, Surname and Family Organizations and Vital Records.
Ease of Use:
FamilySearch incorporates a user-friendly formula, simply enter the name of the person you are searching and if any information is available, the appropriate links will appear on your screen.
Help/Support:
The service offers a FAQs page and help index for quick reference. There is also an email where you can email support questions.
Summary:
FamilySearch is an excellent site that is free to use—with huge database resources for researching names and extensive information available to help you with your research, this site can be used in conjunction with other genealogy search websites.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers free access to their Family History Libraries around the world, which are the largest of their kind, and contain a plethora of research options, avenues and resources, as well as trained volunteers to assist you.
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