Among other things, the site offers access to four databases - Ancestral File, International Genealogical Index, Family History Library Catalog and Internet Index to the Pedigree Resource File. Alan E. Mann and Marvin R. Zautcke wrote an excellent overview, Family History via the Internet, which was published in the July edition of the church's Ensign magazine. Mann and Zautcke write for a Mormon audience, but most of the information is relevant for any genealogist. Importantly, all of the genealogical services of the church, including its Web site and data collections, are available free to all comers. Ancestral File is a collection of millions of names of individuals and families gathered from throughout the world.
Many people mistakenly accept information gathered here as fact.
Unfortunately, much of the information is unreliable. All users are cautioned to verify information from sources of vital data - birth, death and marriage certificates, church baptismal records, census and tax records, voting registration books and other documents. The International Genealogical Index is an index of more than 330 million names of dead folks, whose records have been gathered since 1970. This provides clues to genealogists on where to look for vital records that may contain information on their ancestors. The Family History Library Catalog describes books, microfilms and microfiche in the Church's Family History Library in Salt Lake City.