Changes are Coming to the Family History Library

While we don't know all the details yet, we do know that changes are in the works to make the library more user-friendly.

These changes; however, will likely not impact your preparations for any research you would like to conduct at the library while you are attending SLIG. We expect that we have more details at the orientation on Sunday. 

Develop a Research Plan

In order to efficiently research at the library, it is important to map out a research plan.
Where to start? It is important to know what research you would like to conduct and then begin by surveying what is in the library's catalog that might address your focus. Are there books? Are there microfilms? The Family History Library is the largest genealogical library in the world and houses over 1.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records, along with over 600,000 books, serials, and maps. It is a good idea to review the Library's hours and develop a research plan prior to the start of SLIG, so that you can make the most of your discretionary time. 

First Visit?

If this is your first visit to the Family History Library, consider reading through their materials online before arriving: https://familysearch.org/locations/saltlakecity-library. Also, you may also wish to sign up for one of the FHL tours held during SLIG Night at the FHL on Wednesday evening. Research assistance may be accessed on each of the four research floors via the help desk.

Shuttle Service

SLIG will have shuttles available to take you to the FHL during the week and the schedule will be published in the syllabus material and will also be posted in the Hilton Lobby during SLIG.

Refreshment Breaks!

Don't forget to hydrate and take breaks during your research time at the FHL! As avid researchers, we can forget to take a break, but there is a break room with vending machines to keep you fortified during your visit. 

Sound planning leads to successful results!

Do You Need A Last Minute Gift?

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy has some course openings  ... what better gift than receiving a week spent taking your genealogical education to the next level! 

The following courses have openings:

• Course 2: Immigrants to the United States after 1890
• Course 5: Researching New York: Resources and Strategies
• Course 7: 1619-2019 African-American Genealogy
• Course 8: Exploring Native American Research
• Course 10: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
• Course 12: Researching Like a Professional
• Course 13: Burned Counties and More: Overcoming Record Loss
• Course 15: Writing a Quality Family Narrative

What a great last minute gift to receive or to give to yourself! 

Registration can be accessed here.

SLIG and SLIG Academy Countdown Checklist

We are counting down to SLIG and SLIG Academy  – and the countdown clock seems to move more rapidly during the holidays for some reason!

Here is a list of action items; please 'check it twice' to make sure you are ready by each deadline noted:

1. Special Events RSVP and Guest Tickets: Please register for special events - commemorative event, closing dinner - by Dec 13th if you haven't already.
   • We just updated the system to make it easier to request special meals. If you don't need one, please select "menu as published." If you do but already registered for special events, the registration team will be in touch in the next couple of weeks via email.
   • Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to add special events to your existing reservation as well as how to view selections already made.
   • Email the registrar to modify special event selections already made.
2. Tech Day and Optional Tours: If you plan to attend SLIG Tech Day (Saturday, Jan 19th) or take one of the optional city tours (Sunday, January 20th) and haven't already signed up, please do so as quickly as possible to assure a reserved seat in the class, workshop, or tour of your choice.
   • While there is no "deadline", space is limited; and unsold seats will be made available to UGA members not attending SLIG on December 15th.
   • Use the separate form on the SLIG Registration page. 
3. Badge Name, etc. Please review/edit your personal information – name badge, certificate name, city/state/country – by January 2nd (now is even better). We only merge the information provided; we won't be correcting it.
   • Make sure you check for spelling, completeness, and use upper/lower case characters in all proper names except state codes which should be two uppercase letters.
   • Detailed instructions here.
4. Lodging: 
   • If you need to modify your lodging reservation, please email hospitality@slig.ugagenealogy.org. Although we have now transferred data to the hotel database, the hotel is unable to access it to make modifications or send confirmations until after the cancellation date. The good news is that we will now be able to adjust reservations more quickly.
   • If you need to cancel your lodging reservation, please do so immediately rather than wait until the Dec 13th deadline so we can replace your reservation with someone from a waitlist at the group rate if at all possible.
   • Last, but not least: please remember that cancellations made after Dec 13th are not eligible for a deposit refund.
5. Cancellation Deadline: We are always sad to see these come in, but we know life sometimes changes when we are busy making other plans. This is a gentle reminder that tomorrow – Friday, 11/30, 11:59 pm Mountain Time – is the cancellation deadline. No refunds are available after that date, but you will receive the electronic and print syllabus.

Need help by phone?  Our committee lives all over the United States, from the east coast to west. Most are available by email or social media. But for phone assistance, please call 801-259-4172 after 9:00 am and before 5:00 pm in the time zone noted:

• SLIG Registrar, extension 2: Pacific Time
• SLIG Director, extension 3: Mountain Time
• UGA Administrator (finance, membership), extension 1: Mountain Time

Items to watch for:

• You may receive a letter from your course coordinator (or forwarded from them through this system) if you have homework or other things which you need to prepare.
• We will send additional information in a few weeks about dining and transportation and such.

We look forward to seeing you in January!

Peg Ivanyo, Director