Methods

FamilySearch’s microfilming and digital imaging technology programs have preserved millions of volumes of manuscript materials. In conjunction with cooperating institutions, FamilySearch uses the preservation technology and equipment that best meets the needs of both FamilySearch and its affiliates.

FamilySearch shares its technical expertise through training seminars, technical publications, and participation in international standards associations. FamilySearch has documented how it uses microfilm and digital technologies for record preservation and makes the Camera Operator's Manual available to librarians and archivists. This manual may be obtained from a local representative of FamilySearch.

Standards

While FamilySearch changes the technology it uses according to the situation, FamilySearch has developed standards to ensure that all the microforms and digital images it preserves are of uniform quality and can be readily shared in the world of evolving archival technology.

FamilySearch’s Quality Standards (pdf file) are available to interested archives and libraries. FamilySearch follows these standards to produce images of consistent quality regardless of where or how they are produced.

FamilySearch’s sponsoring institution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has developed GEDCOM (envoy file), a flexible uniform format used by almost all commercially available genealogical software for exchanging computerized genealogical data.

FamilySearch has developed software for producing name indexes to its microfilm and digital image collection. Local representatives of FamilySearch can provide additional information on our technology and standards.

At the vault, information from all over the world is safeguarded. The vault is in a canyon wall beneath 200 meters (700 feet) of solid granite, and is climate controlled to maintain optimal storage conditions

FamilySearch / GSU, 50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah  84150  USA
Telephone: 1.801.538.2978  Fax: 1.801.240.1448
© 2008 by FamilySearch / Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.