objective or question, and the approximate date and place of the event.

After which you will have to select records to search. There are two types of records to choose from. The first is the compiled records, which are previously researched by others such as biographies, genealogy, and family history. The second set is the set of original records, records created at a time or near the time of event, such as birth, death, marriage, or other census records. It is ideal to begin with compiled records.

Now you can obtain and search the record. You will receive a call number from the Family History Library Catalog and you will use it to locate a book, a microfilm, or a microfiche. You will learn how to use the second and the latter through the instructions on the machine. Look for information and some clues from then on. Record the results and use them for further searches.

The last step is to evaluate and use the information found. Check if you found the information you were looking for, if they were complete, and if the facts lead you to finding other related members of your family or not. Copy all the new information into your pedigree chart and organize fresh information. File photocopies and keep them for later use. To help enrich your search, share the information on family search. Who knows you might have other family members making similar searches and each of your researched and indexed information might just make a brilliant collaboration.