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Log onto www.familysearch.org and you will find a newly redesigned site that's easier to use and
offers assistance from expert genealogists. Just a year and a half after its
successful launch, the FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service now offers a
Research Guidance tool that's particularly helpful for novice family history
enthusiasts.
Click on the "Search" tab, then "Research Guidance" and a
virtual genealogist introduces herself: "My job is to help you find records
that may contain information about your ancestors." A customized tour
follows as the virtual genealogist walks the user through the research process
and points to key resources and information available in the Family History
Library along the way.
"It's like having an expert genealogist at your side," said Becky
Kemp, Product Manager for FamilySearch Internet. "FamilySearch has always
provided a wealth of information, but with the virtual research assistant,
novice genealogists can now learn how to use it and how to find it."
Research guidance is also valuable for experts who specialize in a particular
locality but need help in an area outside of their expertise. The new tool is
expected to acquaint genealogists with the Family History Library in an entirely
new way.
Paul Nauta, Director of Planning and Communications for the Family and Church
History Department, hopes Research Guidance will encourage more people to search
their family roots.
"Some people shy away from or postpone doing their genealogy because it
can be difficult and time consuming. Research Guidance makes it easier by giving
users a successful place to start and staying with them through the
process."
Another new feature of the completely redesigned website is the Family
History Library section, which provides facts about the Family History Library
in Salt Lake City, including services, hours, descriptions of the collection,
tips for preparing for a visit to the Library, frequently asked questions and
contact information.
The updated website also allows for future growth, accommodates translation
into other languages and makes features more visible. Visitors now have access
to news releases and available products as well as information about educational
opportunities in family history research.
The Family and Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is committed to producing high-quality products for the family
historian. It maintains the world's largest repository of genealogical
resources. To promote local and family history research, the Church also
maintains the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and over 3,400 Family
History Centers in 64 countries.
