Michael De Groote has written an article in the Mormon Times that should be required reading for any of us who use the facilities at the Family History Library in Salt Laker City or at any of the local FamilySearch centers around the world. De Groote writes about a speech given this week by David Rencher, Chief Genealogical Officer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rencher pointed out the fast changing methods by which we look for records of our ancestors.

Amongst the article's major points:

• Several popular family history products and services are at the end of their usefulness as technology provides better solutions.


• Microfilm technology is nearing obsolescence.


• Personal Ancestral File (PAF) is being phased out, being replaced by an Internet-based system as part of the FamilySearch web site.


• Census records on compact discs, the International Genealogical Index (IGI) and Pedigree Resource File and compact discs of the Family History Library Catalog are all being phased out.


• And more.

Interesting stuff. You can read the article at http://morm