At our recent presentations we asked everyone to try the new FamilySearch Web Indexing, but we told you to wait until it was released – we gave you a holiday! The full public release has happened, but we have waited a while to make sure this new product is stable and ready for you to use. Now is the time for you to try web indexing!
What is indexing?
“Indexing is the process of creating indexes for record collections. Having indexes allows researchers to more quickly find records for specific individuals; without them, researchers might have to look through hundreds or thousands of records to locate an individual record. In FamilySearch indexing, volunteers copy family history information from digital images of documents.” (FamilySearch Help Document)
What is a batch? A group of records from a project
“Each project or record collection is divided into batches of one or more images that typically contain around 20–50 names. When you index, you download a batch to work on. The batch may be just one image with several names, such as a census page. Or a batch may be several images with one or more names per image.” (FamilySearch Help Document). Sometimes there are only a few names in a batch
Go to familysearch.org and sign in – accounts are free. Then click on Indexing and from the drop down menu select Web Indexing.
Carefully read the section My Batches – it suggests that you have 3 batches but the fine print tells you that these are merely suggested batches. Click on the button Find Batches and select a project – you might want to try a Beginner Batch.
Hint: It is very important to carefully read the Project instructions – look for the link. Also look for the link to the Field Help. Hovering with your mouse over a menu for more information.
Here is a link to an article from FamilySearch to on How To Get Started With Indexing Online https://familysearch.org/blog/en/started-indexing-online/
Need additional help? Look at the Getting Started section in the FamilySearch article – and follow the links:
“Get Started
If you’re new to indexing or just want to brush up on your skills, take a look at some of the many tools and resources you have at your disposal.
1. Take a Quick Tour
Give indexing a try with a quick tour.
2. Review the Simple Guidelines
Take a minute to get familiar with a few important guidelines every indexer should know.
3. Choose a Favorite Project
With over 100 indexing projects worldwide, you’re sure to find one that interests you.
4. Find More Hints
Have questions about indexing in general? We’ve got answers. Check out these valuable resources.
5. Get Answers
Have more questions about web indexing? Here are answers to frequently asked questions.”
There is also a toll free number if you have questions: 1-866-406-1830 and ask for Indexing support.
Remember if you can’t read it, you can send it back – there is an option to return batch under the menu Batch at the top of the screen.
We all like to be able to search for our ancestors online and FamilySearch Indexing is putting millions of names on the Internet almost every week. You can take part. Every name indexed is important
Please try web indexing – a great way to make more records available for all of us.
If you are already an active and regular indexer with the traditional program please continue with the traditional program as there is a lot of work to be done. Projects in the traditional program are different from the projects for web indexing.
Peter's Family History Notes 