How do I use the FamilySearch Catalog to learn about the digitized historical records on FamilySearch?

Article Id: 828
March 03, 2025
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A simplified version of a screenshot from the FamilySearch Catalog shows where the place filters are located.
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You can use the FamilySearch Catalog to learn about the historical records collections historical records that you can search and view on FamilySearch.

Note: If you are searching historical collections, another way to learn about a historical records collection on FamilySearch is to click How to Use This Collection on its collections search page. The button opens a page in the FamilySearch Research Wiki about that item and provides important information, such as where it came from and how to use it. The wiki page is written in English, but you can have it translated by using the Select Language option in the left panel.

Steps

  1. If you find a helpful collection of historical records on FamilySearch, copy its title.
  2. Click Search, and then Catalog.
  3. Click Title, and paste the title into the field.
  4. Click Search.
    • Tip: The title shown on a collection's search page might not match the title in the catalog. You can also try using other searches, such as the keyword, to find it.
  5. Open the Catalog entry.
  6. Click links in the entry to find related items, for example:
    • To find other records by the same author or institution, click the author's name if it is linked.
    • To find other records from the same place, click the Locality Subject links. Alternatively, do a place search for the same place or a related place.
    • To find records about the same topic, click Subject links.
    • To see other libraries that also have this collection, use the WorldCat link.
  7. Use the film notes to see the kinds of records and date ranges for each microfilm number and to get access to the item. Icons in this section also provide important information about the collection:
This collection is online but not indexed. To browse the digital images online, click the icon.

The collection is online, and all or part of it has been indexed. To search the indexed records online, click the icon.

Note: Some indexed collections have restrictions that do not permit use of the index.

The collection has viewing restrictions or limitations. To learn more, click the icon. 
The collection is on microfilm or microfiche at the location indicated in the entry.

How do I search the FamilySearch Catalog for records?
Where do I find the film number for a record image?
What is the document information in Historical Records?
Getting the Most from Your Search: Understanding the Search Records Page

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