Issue 49.10
The updated version of www.familysearch.org has a few changes we will need to get used to. One of them is that the International Genealogical Index (IGI) no longer exists as a searchable database. You can no longer search for its records by batch number. The IGI was a computer file that listed several hundred million names of deceased person from throughout the world. It was available on compact disc and on previous versions of the FamilySearch website. The IGI had two basic types of records. Some are available on the updated FamilySearch website. Some are not.
Original records of birth, marriage, and death were transcribed (extracted) and added to the International Genealogical Index. These records have value for family history research because the information came from original records, and that original source information is still available. These records are now part of the FamilySearch website’s collection of historical records. You can find them listed under the original titles of the collections from which they were indexed instead of being listed as coming from the IGI.
Patron submitted records that were added to the International Genealogical Index are a different story. These records lack sources, so their value for family history research is limited. These records are temporarily not available for searching.
The Ancestral File is a computer file containing names and often other vital information (such as date and place of birth, marriage, or death) of millions of individuals who have lived throughout the world. Ancestral File was first published on compact disc. It was later published on the FamilySearch website. In the newest version of the FamilySearch website, the following changes were made to Ancestral File:
1) You can currently view only an individual’s record. You cannot display pedigrees or family group records. These features will be added in the future.
2) You cannot download the information as a GEDCOM file.
3) When Ancestral File was first published on the FamilySearch website, people who may have still been alive were shown where they belonged in a family, but only the word “Living” was displayed. Ancestral File no longer displays any information about people who may still be alive.
Shanna Jones is a professional genealogist, now accepting new clients. For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com.