The big news in genealogy over the past couple of years has been digitizing. Records are scanned and put into a database that is usually searchable online. But before digital records were available, the best way to get images of actual records was through microfilm. Although the largest producer of microfilm, the Church Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, has stopped recording original documents onto microfilm, portions of their large collection and many others are not yet available in any database. There are also many local newspapers that are only available on microfilm. This may change in the future, but until then using microfilm is vital to genealogical research.
Most libraries include microfilm in their catalogs so that you can search for a film before you decide to visit. Some libraries may not include films in their catalog, but may have a separate listing available to help you determine what records they have. In general, libraries will try to collect copies of the local newspaper, past and present. Family History Centers, which are run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, maintain a microfilm collection and it is possible to have specific films sent to your local center for a fee. Many libraries are also able to rent films from the Mormons so be sure to ask your genealogy or reference library. Although microfilm is a very helpful tool for genealogists some are too scared or reluctant to use it. As a genealogy librarian, I found that the biggest obstacle for many patrons was not knowing how to load and use the microfilm viewer. Below is a brief animation of how to load the most common microfilm viewer.
GoAnimate.com: How to load a microfilm viewer. by Sabrina.Stradtner
Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!
Have you used microfilm before? If not why?
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