FamilySearch Affiliate Library

South Orange County California Genealogical Society (SOCCGS) is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library

Read on to find out what this means to SOCCGS members and visitors to the Affiliate Library for FamilySearch.

The benefit to members and visitors is access to 350+ million restricted images that are not directly available on the FamilySearch website unless being viewed at a FamilySearch Center, FamilySearch Library or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

Members and visitors must physically visit our Genealogy Research Center to access the additional records which will only be available through Research Computer #1 and Research Computer #2. Access is via the FamilySearch website.

To access FamilySearch you will need to log in using your personal login details. If you do not have a login then register at the FamilySearch site to create a free account. Anyone using FamilySearch at the rooms, home or anywhere else must log in. Note: make sure you log out at the end of any session, especially when using a public computer.

If searching at home how can you tell more records are available at an Affiliate Library for FamilySearch? In this example of a hint, you can see the indexed details for Martha Gibbins.

If you roll down to see more information after the mother’s name it is possible to see that the images are available at a family history centre or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

There is also the option to click the down arrow to find document information such as the film number, how to cite the record and more This information may help you locate the images when at an Affiliate Library. Making it easier to find sources at a later date is a good reason to have a personal login to FamilySearch.

Depending on the records being searched and what part of this record has been indexed, what is seen on your computer screen will vary from the above images.

Remember the FamilySearch tree is one large shared tree, not a personal tree. If you add new information or persons to the tree it is good policy to attach the source for the information. At the same time hints provided and sources, others have added to persons are not necessarily attached to the correct person. Care needs to be taken to review the material before adding it to your own tree or the FamilySearch shared tree.

When is the Research Center open?

Check out our Research Center Information Page for our hours.

Do I need to book a session?

A computer booking system has been introduced to allow members and visitors better access to FamilySearch and other subscription sites. Bookings can be made at Computer Reservations.

When making a booking, members/visitors should indicate which computer (#1 or #2) they wish to use. Each booking is for a 1 hour session.

Where do I find the affiliated library?

The Genealogy Research Center is located within the Mission Viejo Library.

The Mission Viejo library is located at 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (at the corner of La Paz and Marguerite Pkwy about one mile east of Interstate 5).

Check their website for hours of operation.

Do I need a FamilySearch Logon?

Yes, this is a requirement from FamilySearch to get access to the records at the affiliated library. If you do not have a login then register at the FamilySearch site to create a free account.