Hello, fellow searchers. This weekend I was trying to explain the differences in the three versions of the International Genealogical Index that are widely available now. In digging to be precise, I learned a couple of points, too! Thought this may be of interest to others. PLEASE, if you see an error, correct me! (Nicely, of course. ;D) * IGI on microfiche, available at Family History Centers: If you have photocopies, the entries are lined up in columns, names in the first column, several columns of numbers at the right side. At the top, it says "International Genealogical Index" and a date, about 1992. For instance, the IGI for GRIMES in the U.S. is dated March 1992 -- really quite "old" as databases go. If you use only the fiche, you are *missing out* on submissions and extractions during the past eight years. If you don't know the difference between patron submissions and controlled extractions in the IGI, ask at your FHC for a copy of the Resource Guide, "International Genealogical Index (IGI): Finding a Source." Just now I was looking for this on <www.familysearch.org> under search>research helps>Resource Guides, and wasn't able to find it; it is publication #31024. * IGI on CDs, also in Family History Centers: This is considerably larger because it has about four more years of submissions and extractions. The "main" IGI is dated March 1993, the "addendum" February 1997. A NEW IGI ADDENDUM IS WIDELY EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED THIS YEAR, but I can't quote you an authoritative source. * IGI on the website, <www.familysearch.org>: of course this is the most up-to-date version. You may know that the Family History Department has announced they are making very large uploads of information to the website, starting this month, February 2001. I don't have details but when the FHD says that, I expect LOTS of new data. Cheers, Dolly Ziegler in Maryland