Why indexing?
Indexing plays a critical role in filling the Family Tree with hints so families can find names and take them to the temple. In 2012 the First Presidency reminded us, “Members are encouraged to participate in FamilySearch indexing which is vital to family history and temple work.”
The good news… indexing is becoming much easier!
How to index a batch (do one in class)
1. sign into familysearch.org
2. click on the indexing tab (overview)
3. scroll down to Try a Guided Tour (try it out!)
4. see how simple.
Test Drive
Get Started
Find a Project: go to Find Batches. On the left column (refine results) select English, beginning.
suggestion: An easy project type to index for beginners is World War draft registrations.
Get Help
Check out the current stats at the bottom of the page...
How long does it take to do a batch? While times vary, I was able to index 10 marriage records in 30 minutes (earning 30 points).
TRUE STORY (WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016)
motivation
On Monday night Tom Marcheschi brought me over a plate of fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies. He wanted to thank me for the indexing I did during the month of July. I graciously accepted his gift. Then I told my children these were "indexing cookies" and they could have one if they did some indexing.
Tonight Marilee was bored. I told her she could index and earn a cookie. She took me up on the offer. I told her what to type and she typed it in herself. She earned a cookie. Then Emma wanted a turn. She got a cookie. Marilee liked the cookie so much she wanted to do another batch. And she did. Then Emma wanted to do another. The idea was catching on. Indexing has never been so much fun.
And is it easy? You bet! I have a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old submitting marriage records... thanks to the cookie incentive. (Those cookies were so good that Julia even left a movie to index a couple entries.)
PS The next morning Marilee came to me and said "I want to do indexing ... even without a cookie."
Web indexing:
On the new indexing tool, local units have dedicated pages where they can “adopt” a project and set goals to encourage members to work collectively. If everyone gets to know the same project, it’s easier for indexers to help each other.
scroll down the page under the web indexing tab; notice the groups that are tracked. (Weber Heights Stake and Forest Green Ward).
There are no adopted projects. Let's pick one. (Note that you can track the progress of a particular project to see how close it is to completion.) Each project lists the language and level of difficulty. Let's find a beginning project in English. (You can refine your search on the left of the page.)
When you finish a batch, you will get a thank-you and a virtual stream of confetti! (plus the option to select a similar batch or try something new.)
What are some advantages of this new web-based program?
- Easy access: You will be able to index on any computer, laptop, or tablet that has access to the web.
- Simple to use: The new system is much easier to learn and navigate.
- Quick start: Since it is a web application, there is nothing to download. Just click a link and get started indexing right away.
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