Before going to the FHL in Salt Lake, you need to  check and see if
the films,that you want look at are there.  You can do this by
checking the Library Catalog, at Familysearch.org, if the films are in
the the FHL, it will say above the film number FHL International or
FHL USA, etc.  If it is in the vault, It will say Vault.  You can
order the film into the library by calling the Library at (801)
240-2334. That is the direct line to the International floor
attendants, just say that you want ot order a film, into the the
library.  It usually takes about 2 days to arrive.  Also, they give
priority to patrons, who come from outside of Utah, to use the library.

Also, when are you planning on going to the Library, in March?  Maybe
we can meet at the Library?

Thanks,
Jonathan

--- In ranchos@yahoogroups.com, Alicia Carrillo <alliecar@p...> wrote:
> 
> This may seem like a silly question to some, but for my birthday in
March, I plan on gifting myself a trip to Salt Lake City to do some
genealogical research. My question to those who are experienced at
this is, do you need to request and reserve your film there ahead of
time? or can you just arrive and make the request at the time of arrival?
> 
> Thanks for your help and if there's anything else I should know
before I go, it would be great to glean that from this group.
> 
> Muchas Gracias, Alicia..................

Alicia, I have to agree with Evie.  I visited the FH Library in Salt 
Lake in November of 2003.  I found many films from Mexico were 
there, but not all of the specific films I was interested in.  When 
I asked about them I was informed that they were in the Vault and 
that it would take a couple of days to get copies of them sent to 
the library.  If you are only going for a few days it's best to call 
ahead and be prepared with the films you are most interested in 
viewing.  

I was only there for a few hours because I had missed a connecting 
flight to another destination, but it was a very productive visit.  
I had thought about gifting myself a trip to Salt Lake for my 
birthday (coincidentally in March also).  Hey, I guess great minds 
think alike!  :-)

Maria

--- In ranchos@yahoogroups.com, "Evie Villegas" <evievillegas@h...> 
wrote:
> Alicia, I made the trip several years ago and was disappointed to 
find that 
> all of the Mexico records were in the vault and, therefore, 
unavailable 
> without prior reservation.  Perhaps this situation has changed by 
now.  
> However, I would suggest that you call or write and reserve those 
films you 
> wish to view, just to be sure.  Evie
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - 
it's FREE! 
> http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

That is not silly at all. I believe this is one of the best gifts you 
can give to yourself. I myself wanted to go to Salt Lake City in 
several occasions, but I just haven't had the time. 

According to some nice people that I met at a Family History Center a 
while back, you can just go to the Family History Library and check 
all the films they have there. However, it is a good idea to call 
them in advance just to make sure that some specific films you are 
looking forward to check are there. They could be at another FHC in 
the US at this time, but of course, if you have several surnames and 
locations to research, I believe that a trip to Salt Lake City is 
worth it. Well, that is just my opinion. I am sure that other members 
from this group will reply to your message and tell you what they 
think about your trip.

ABOUT THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY
 
     
 

Family History Library Building: 

? Located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84150-
3400
? Dedicated October 23, 1985
? 142,000 square feet on five floors
? Humidity, temperature, and lighting designed to protect the 
collection from deterioration
? Public phone number: 801-240-2584 or 800-346-6044
? FAX: 801-240-3718
? E-mail: Click here to send us an e-mail
? Website: www.familysearch.org

Background:

? Founded in 1894 to gather genealogical records and assist members 
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with their family 
history and genealogical research
? Largest library of its kind in the world
? Open to the general public at no charge
? Visited by an estimated 1,900 patrons or more each day

Records Collection:

? The collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed 
genealogical records; 742,000 microfiche; 310,000 books, serials, and 
other formats; 4,500 periodicals; 700 electronic resources.
? The Ancestral File database contains more than 36 million names 
that are linked into families. 
? The International Genealogical Index database contains 
approximately 600 million names of deceased individuals. An addendum 
to the International Genealogical Index contains an additional 125 
million names. These names have been patron submitted or extracted 
from thousands of original birth, christening and marriage records.
? The Pedigree Resource File database contains over 80 million names 
that are linked into families.
? Records available are from the United States, Canada, the British 
Isles, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
? In 2003, the collection increased monthly by an average of 4,100 
rolls of film, 700 books, and 16 electronic resources.
? A majority of the records contain information about persons who 
lived before 1930.
? Approximately 200 cameras are currently microfilming records in 
over 45 countries. Records have been filmed in over 110 countries, 
territories, and possessions.

Patron Resources:

? 202 patron computers
? 509 microfilm readers
? 36 microfiche readers
? 28 microfilm and microfiche copiers
? 4 microfilm scanners
? 15 book copiers
? Seating capacity for 396 at tables
? Orientation and research classes

Personnel:

? Currently 125 full-time and part-time professional staff
? Approximately 400 trained volunteers

Family History Centers:

? Family history centers are branches of the Family History Library.
? Over 4,000 family history centers operate in more than 88 countries.
? Local family history centers are staffed by helpful volunteers.
? About 100,000 rolls of microfilm are circulated to family history 
centers each month.
? Click here to locate the nearest family history center, or call 800-
346-6044 in the United States and Canada. 

  
 

--- In ranchos@yahoogroups.com, Alicia Carrillo <alliecar@p...> wrote:
> 
> This may seem like a silly question to some, but for my birthday in 
March, I plan on gifting myself a trip to Salt Lake City to do some 
genealogical research. My question to those who are experienced at 
this is, do you need to request and reserve your film there ahead of 
time? or can you just arrive and make the request at the time of 
arrival?
> 
> Thanks for your help and if there's anything else I should know 
before I go, it would be great to glean that from this group.
> 
> Muchas Gracias, Alicia..................