I received the following message from another list. ( The mispellings are hers...not mine.) Bob 8-} **************************************************************************** ******* I just returned from a meeting at the Faily History Center where I volunteer. I now have the true scoop on the LDS records that will be available online. First of all there are several differnet types of records that are kept at all Family History Cneters. There is never a charge for use of any of this information (nominal fees for printouts). The main files are the Ancestral File, the International Gene3alogical Index, and the Family History Library Catalogue. Tehe Ancestral file is basically no different than the disks sold by family tree maker containing ancestor charts. The info on these charts can be submitted by anyone hwther or not they are a member of the church. The International Genealogical Index information can only be submitted by emmbers. It consists of Individual data that lists birthdates, place of birth and parents. There is a marriage index that gives date and place of marriage. And lastly a parent index whihc lists all children in a particular family. The info is obviously only as good as the person who submitted it to the file. We tell people to use the data as a starting point only and NOT to take it as the absolute proof. When anything is submitted to ancestral file, you can automatically find out who submitted it by hitting a source key. The persons name and address will be shown. The same is not true for the IGI. You need to order the microfilm in order to find out who the submitter was. The church is currently working very hard at extracting as much information as possible from origianl records. It is an ongoing process that is checked and double checked for acuracy. As the data becomes avalable it is distributed to the librareis, once again at no charge to patrons. Neither of these files are going to be released online, at least not at this time. Waht is going to be released is the Family History Library Cartalogue. It will be the most current version,more curretn than any library now has in it's possession. Basically teh FHLC is a complete listing of every record in the possession of the Mormon libraies located anywhere in the world. You can search these records several ways. Locality, surname, film/fiche number/ and author. By finding out what is avalable you can then decide whether you might like to order the kinformation. Not everything is avalable for order. Many living peopel do not allow their books to be microfilmed. However, a library in your area may have the book listed. You can find that out through the catalogue. I have utilized this catalogue extensively thrughout the years. I can save a lot of money if I discover that a film I am interested in ordering is in a nearby FHC. Now then, just when will it go online?? Good question. We were told "sometime in March." So it could be onliune as early as tomorrow, but maybe not. Don't be discouraged if it is not there tomorrow, just chaeck back again. It is going to be online for about a month to see how it works. I have no idea what the plans are for future release. Anyway, you now have the facts straight from teh top as I was told them at our meeting. The address will be Familysearch.org Hope this helps, CArolyn