Have you been using FamilySearch.org’s Full-Text Search tool from home? You might be surprised to learn that you’re likely missing important records—and there’s no way to know it from your computer.
Understanding FamilySearch Access Levels
Most genealogists are familiar with FamilySearch’s restrictions on some indexed records. When searching indexed collections, you’ll sometimes encounter records marked as viewable only at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, a FamilySearch Center, or a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This is where the Sahyun Genealogical Library at the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society (SBCGS) comes in—as an Affiliate Library, we provide access to these restricted indexed records right here in our community.
The Full-Text Search Surprise
Here’s what many researchers don’t realize: FamilySearch’s powerful Full-Text Search tool—which uses advanced technology to search handwritten and unindexed records—operates under the same access restrictions, but with a crucial difference.
When you perform a full-text search from home, you’ll see results that are freely available to everyone. These records will appear complete and comprehensive. There’s no message telling you that additional records exist. No indication that you’re seeing only a partial result set.
But here’s the kicker: When you perform the exact same search from the Sahyun Genealogical Library, you may discover additional records that simply don’t appear in your home search results. These location-restricted records remain completely invisible to researchers working remotely.
Why This Matters for Your Research
Unlike indexed record searches, which clearly indicate when records are restricted, the Full-Text Search tool provides no hint that you might be missing results. You could be searching for your ancestors, feeling confident you’ve conducted a thorough search, while crucial documents remain hidden from view.
The only way to access the complete universe of full-text searchable records is to conduct your search from a FamilySearch Library, FamilySearch Center, or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.
Your Local Solution
You don’t need to travel to Salt Lake City to unlock these hidden records. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, the Sahyun Genealogical Library provides you with access to the full range of both indexed and full-text searchable records right here in Santa Barbara County.
When you visit our library to conduct your FamilySearch research, you’ll be searching the complete collection—not just the publicly available subset. That missing marriage record, probate document, or land deed might be waiting for you in those location-restricted collections.
Make Your Research Complete
We encourage all genealogists using FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search to visit the Sahyun Genealogical Library and re-run searches you’ve already performed at home. You may be amazed at what additional records appear. Our knowledgeable volunteers are here to help you navigate these searches and make the most of your research time.
Don’t let hidden records keep your family history incomplete. Stop by the Sahyun Genealogical Library at 316 Castillo Street in Santa Barbara and discover what you’ve been missing. We are open:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Most Sundays: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- 3rd Saturday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Sept – July)
Content provided by Robin McCarthy and drafted by Claude.ai
