Religious Education

Lesson 4.1
The Research Wiki

What is wiki.familysearch.org? 
The Research Wiki (https://wiki.familysearch.org) is a resource database designed to assist researchers of all experience levels. It is not a database of searchable records, but rather a compilation of up-to-date information and helpful insights regarding how to find, search, and analyze records. The information has been compiled by all levels of genealogists who are familiar with specific record types and research methodologies for various geographic areas around the world. Similar to the concept of Wikipedia, FamilySearch Research Wiki forms a community of research experts and interested genealogists that share information on how to research sources for information about your ancestors.The information provided can greatly enhance your family history research as searches will link you to further sources. Besides searching for a key word that will yield results for articles containing that key word, one can browse by topic or location, and add/edit entries.

Home
This is the main page that contains information concerning how to search FamilySearch Wiki, begin family history research, and stay updated on the Wiki's news and updates.

The links on the right side of the page will take you to the following pages:

1. Navigation: This toolbar provides links to the homepage, to browse by country and topic, create a page, or to the help page.
2. Community: This toolbar provides links to:
• Community Portal (which contains updates about the wiki and information about joining local user groups in your area)
• Community Meeting (allows you to join your community's user group and help with FamilySearch Wiki)
• Forums (after selecting the desired country or region, you can ask questions or leave answers regarding Family History)
• Guiding Principles (explains the FamilySearch Wiki)
• Policies (rules and guidelines related to the FamilySearch Wiki)
3. Toolbox: What links here (a list of all wiki pages that link to the home page)
• Related changes (recent changes in pages linked to the home page)
• Special pages (lists all pages and those that need maintenance work)
• Printable version (links to a printable version of the home page)
• Permanent link (make a permanent link to the home page)
• Upload file (send emails to other users and upload information)
4. Personal Tools: Log in/create account (register for the FamilySearch Wiki).

Register
In order to assist in the editing and development of the FamilySearch Wiki, you must register by creating your own account. Your name, email, chosen username and password are required to register. There are two ways to register.

• Either select Log in/create account under Personal Tools on the right side of the homepage
• Select Register located in the top right corner of the homepage. 

After registering, logging in is simple, provide your same username and password either in the top right corner of the homepage or select Log in/create account under Personal Tools on the right side of the homepage.

Search
Within the FamilySearch Wiki, there are two methods of researching.

• One method is using key words that will direct you to a results page with links to other wiki pages that contain information on the desired topic.
• The other method of research requires one to select a country which will direct you to that country's Wiki page, providing information about the country, research tools, news, and other research topics.

Edit
Once registered, one may update and edit existing articles of FamilySearch Wiki. Edit links may be found in multiple places on every page of Wiki. It must be noted that you cannot change the lay-out of the pages.

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