Library Services
“Library Services”
About Us
From its beginning in 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has followed the divine mandate to collect “all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land” (D&C 69:8). Records were kept from the early days of the Church, and the Historian’s Office was established in 1856. The Historian’s Office was moved to the Church Administration Building in 1917. The Church History Library was moved to the Church Office Building in 1972 and to its current location in 2009. This building is designed to provide long-term preservation, more space for collections, and better research facilities for patrons.
Our collections contain manuscripts, books, Church records, photographs, oral histories, architectural drawings, pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals, maps, microforms, and audiovisual materials. The staff creates and maintains catalogs and indexes for accessing this wide variety of information.
Reference and Research Assistance
Information specialists are available in the library to answer brief reference questions and to help individuals develop effective research strategies. They can also be reached by telephone 1-801-240-2745 or by e-mail.
Duplication Services
You may make copies of material from the open stacks area using available copy machines. Preservation, privacy, and confidentiality issues require that staff members review requests for materials from the closed stacks and make copies of those items that are approved. Requests for copies from closed stack materials may take several weeks to process. All copying of materials is subject to copyright laws.
Patriarchal Blessings
You may request copies of your own patriarchal blessing or a patriarchal blessing of your direct-line ancestor by visiting the library or by contacting library information at 1-801-240-3581. For more information on patriarchal blessing requests go to the Patriarchal Blessing page.
Programs and Tours
Groups interested in learning how to use library resources can schedule presentations or tours. To schedule a presentation or a tour, please call 1-801-240-2272.
Catalogs
The Church History Library Catalog and the Church Archives Catalog are searchable databases that list the content of the various collections of the library.
Indexes
The library maintains various indexes, both electronic and in print, to assist you in locating information in journals, newspapers, periodicals, and other library materials. Indexes include the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel (1847-68) index, the LDS Church Periodical index, and the Journal History index.
Other Resources
Many other resources are available to help you in your research. These include the Joseph Smith, Prophet of God Web site, the Joseph Smith Papers Web site, links to Web sites at Brigham Young University and other Church schools, and informational guides.
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