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A Basic Tutorial
By Lisa Rienerth
Before I begin with this library database, I want to list a few research tips.
1. Write down several different ways to spell the surname you are researching. It may show up in different variations, i.e. Johnson, Jonson, Johnston, Johnsen.
2. Be open to information even though it isn’t what you think
it should be. For example, you may have heard from a relative that your grandfather died in Ohio, yet you find a death record that shows he died in Pennsylvania. The death record is the primary source, so it is most likely the correct information.
3. Start with a broad search and then narrow it down. Start with maybe just the name and a place. You can always add more information to narrow down your search.
4. Always revisit the website after a few months. They are
continually adding more and more information.
5. Don’t trust the Family Trees on Ancestry. Use them for the clues they provide to search for additional records.
Now lets learn a little about Ancestry Library Edition....
To open the site you need to go to the library's website at www.mcdl.info.
This will bring you to the Home Page.
There are two ways to search.
1. Click on Search at the top of the page and you will see a drop down menu. You can choose ALL CATEGORIES or filter your search to the group of records listed.
2. OR Click on Begin Searching and filter the search on the next page.
Either way, the next page will show a Search Box where the information is entered.
On this page the Search Box is on left with the filters to the right. Put the name of the person you are researching in the search box.
You can use the filters to search by collection, i.e. Birth, marriage & death records.
After adding everything, click Search.
The information page will open.
On this page, the Filters are on the left and the information found is on the right.
If you need to change or add information click on the "Edit" icon (the little pencil). If you want to start a completely new search click on the 3 dots next to the Edit icon.
To be able to choose the group of records to search through, click on "Browse by category". A list of record names, such as "New York State Census", will open and you can click on the ones that relate more to your ancestor.
You can click on the list of dates on the filter side to narrow the search even further.
If you decide to open up the search to all of the records available, click on Clear All.
To open up more information from the list of records on the right side of the page, you can scroll over the highlighted record name. A drop down transcription of the image will come up.
Click on View or View Image to see the digital form of the record.
The image will open up in the view finder.
The person you are researching will be highlighted on the census records, but not on other images.
To Enlarge the image you will use the tool bar to the right.
Click on the Save button to save the record to your device.
Another way to Save the record is to click on the "Hammer & Wrench" icon.
You can also find the print icon under here, along with a few more helpful tools.
When printing it is helpful if you print the citation along with the document. This will help when you cite the source.
Also, follow the layout suggestion for a better copy.
Sometimes a digital image is not available for a record.
Only the transcription is viewable. However, always look for a FHL Film Number. This is the number for a Family History Library film. You can sometimes view these on the FamilySearch.org website.
The Medina Library VWMFH&LC will be doing a program on this website in the spring, so keep your eyes open for the event in the spring Library Live, which be available around mid-February.
The Ancestry Library Edition website also has a great Learning Center.
The Research Aids offers tutorials and additional information on the website and on researching.
The Maps will centralize the instructional and research information to each U.S. state.
These basic steps should be a good start to using Ancestry Library Edition for your research. Take the time to use the search aids and to just get familiar with the different tabs, records, etc.
Please remember this database is only available at home through our website until December 31, 2021. Then you will have to access it while you are in one of the Medina County District Library branches.
If you want to learn more about doing family history research make sure to take a look at the VWMFH&LC's History Guides including the new Guide for Beginner
Due to our holiday schedules there will not be a Blog for the next two weeks.
Happy Holidays!
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