Trove Tuesday - Recycling Salt Lake CIty

When I originally penned this post five years ago I was in Salt Lake City preparing for the Rootstech Conference. Today I am once again preparing for Rootstech  but my task is packing my bag for my annual pilgrmage to Rootstech  -  The Greatest Geneashow on earth.

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Trove Tuesday - Salt Lake City

Today finds me in Salt Lake City, Utah researching in theFamily History Library prior to the Rootstech Conference.

It was fitting then that my Trove Tuesday Post should centre on this city and genealogy. I put the search string "Salt Lake City" genealogy into a Trove newspaper search and was rewarded with   16 hits.

The article I have chosen to share comes from a 1947 edition of the Cairns Post: 1947 'MORMONS SEARCH WORLD FOR DATA.', Cairns Post(Qld. : 1909 - 1954), 20 December, p. 9, viewed 4 March, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42556087. (you can read the whole article here)

The article states that the microfilmed records "may be examined by anyone interested" and that is what I am doing today sixty-six years after this article appeared in the newspaper in Cairns, Australia.

The Poffs

 A few years ago Dan Poffenberger represented Familysearch at our Australian Congress in Adelaide where he gave a couple of impressive talks. I have caught up with Dan several times when I have visited Salt Lake City. I even got to chat with him in the Rootstech video studio in 2013.



Last night I got an email from Dan asking if we could catch up in The Family History Library. Dan's news was that he is now the Supervisor on the British Floor of the Library where we Commonwealth folk hang out.

I just spent a half hour chatting with Dan (thanks Roger Moffat for snapping the moment). It was interesting to hear news of Dan's research, he has more information on the Poff(enberger) family that he told us about in Adelaide. We chatted about work on the British Floor, the resources of the Library and the online free education opportunities offered by the British Floor store staff.

Meeting with Dan

Dan, a committed family historian, is such a beaut ambassador Familysearch.

Spurred on by Randy

As I sat in bed this morning thinking about how I would spend my precious day at home I thought about doing some photo organising, writing some Tripadvisor reviews, researching my next holiday with Mr GeniAus or working on my Irish lines (a priority).

Then as I was savouring my morning coffee I came across this post from Randy Seaver, RootsTech Conference and the Family History Library - a Win-Win-Win-Win For Me, and I got a wakeup call. I realised that I wasn't as organised for my forthcoming visit to Salt Lake City as I could should be. Perhaps I am becoming blase about visiting Salt Lake City and forgetting what geneatreasure it has at The Family History Library for the organised genealogist. There is the temptation when at the Family History Library to indulge in a bit of  Tangential Genealogy so I need a plan.

Here I am, closeted in my geneacave, with the aircon on cool and a bottle of icy water beside me. My first task is to go to the "To Do" list I have compiled for the Family History Library. I use the Named List Function in my Family Historian database for this purpose.

My Named  Lists in Family Historian

I use these named lists for all sorts of tasks, one being to create "to do" lists for various repositories and resources I wish to consult. In the highlighted FHL SLC list I presently have 19 tasks each of which is connected to an individual. In the middle pane at left one can see GOWANS, Catherine highlighted and in the bottom pane  I have notes or details for the task associated with Catherine. My first job this morning is to go over these 19 tasks and make sure that I have clearly referenced the resources I wish to consult. For this I am checking The Familysearch Catalog.

Once I completed this task I turned to Mr GeniAus' Gowans cousins in the United States. I am hoping to find some more info on them and would love to track down some living descendants of his ancestors from Scotland in the US. Revisiting Familysearch, Ancestry, Findmypast and the California Digital Newspaper Collection has allowed me to update my records for the US Gowans. I have added several new tasks to my FHL SLC list to further research on that line.

I'm going to upload a revised tree to my family site, www.geniaus.net, that reflects my new finds and then, as I've spent eight hours at the keyboard, I'm going to move on to some more active pursuits.

Before I head to Salt Lake City I'll  see if the library catalog has anything new on the towns and villages where my ancestors lived. I will add those that look promising to my named lists too.

30th Anniversary for Prime Geneadestination

Congratulations to The Familysearch Library and those who serve there on your 30th Anniversary. Thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who so generously share this resource with us.

About to discover the treasures of The Family History Library

As one who has been privileged to visit in person several times I recommend that all genies make a pilgrimage to this institution at least once on their lifetime. I'll be visiting again when I attend Rootstech 2016 and have added extra days to my visit for library research. Thirty years ago one had to pay a physical visit to avail oneself of the resources at The Library but today we can visit virtually and access a huge range of resources to support our ancestor hunting habit.

Meeting up with friends at The Family Hisoty Library

The people at Familysearch have shared this nifty infographic that compares The Familysearch Library now with that of thirty years ago.

For those of you who would like to read about the history of the service Familysearch has shared this information.

(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, 22 October 2015)—FamilySearch’s Family History Library (FHL) in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on October 23, 2015. When the new facility was completed in 1985, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was already considered the foremost authority on family history research. During the past three decades, the library has been hailed by genealogists as the top research and collections library in the world—a designation it still maintains—in part, because it has evolved to keep pace with the changing demographics and demands of family researchers and the communities it serves. 

“The Family History Library in Salt Lake City is unique in all the world,” said Diane Loosle, director of the world-renowned library. She explained the focus of the library has always been to increase access to the world’s genealogical records and help patrons make personal family discoveries. 

“To the family historian, this library is like Disneyland,” says Loosle, “There’s no place like it. People dream for years of coming. It is the largest facility of its kind and the largest of FamilySearch’s 4883 family history centers globally. Many people begin their journey of discovery at one of our facilities.”

 The Family History Library has been attracting guests and visitors from all corners of the world for three decades due to its expansive collection of resources and knowledgeable staff. “Most mornings before the library opens, people begin to queue up in front of the doors waiting to get in,” Loosle said. 

It appears the masterminds behind its construction had a vision of future demands. Plans that seemed almost grandiose when construction of the edifice was announced in 1983 have not only materialized, but have also led the way through the years to accommodate ever-improving research and information gathering options. It has come a long way since its humblebeginnings in 1894 as a one- room repository of the Genealogical Society of Utah, just around the corner and up the street in a small building called the Church Historian’s Office at 58 E. South Temple.

The five-story building in downtown Salt Lake City today continues to serve as a repository and physical point of access forFamilySearch’s now billions of records. Instead of growing numbers of microfilm and microfiche, the influx of new records today continues digitally through online indexing, patron submissions, partner exchanges, donations from various government, religious and private entities and local records preservation and access initiatives world-wide—most of which is made available at FamilySearch.org.

The library continues to move with digital innovations, benefiting from the latest technology to preserve and provide access to the world’s genealogical records and increase the success of personal discovery. Progress in gathering, copying, and making records available has been dramatic and fast. Over 300 camera teams are digitally preserving historic records worldwide—over 100 million images per year—that are published directly online. 

In this age of 24/7 access to information and growing thirst for digital services, libraries across the nation are evolving to meet the changing demands of the communities and patrons they serve, and the Family History Library is no exception. 

About 25 percent of the 2.4 million rolls of microfilm stored at the Granite Mountain Vault have been digitally published online. The Family History Library itself has about 1.5 million rolls on site. As physical films are digitized, they are removed from the library. Insofar as possible, the records teams plan on digitally publishing all of the microfilm online for 24/7 access.

In 1985 family history research was a very individual experience requiring each person interested in a specific record to scroll through microfilm or search microfiche. In 1985 over 600 microfilm and fiche readers were housed in the Library. Though microfilms and fiche still play an important, though less frequently used role, a large portion of today’s research is now computer-based. Today the Family History Library boasts 550 Internet-enabled patron computers while still providing access to over 200 film and fiche readers. The Library also offers free access to film, book, and photo scanning equipment to help patrons digitally preserve and share family records. 

The library is the hub of a worldwide genealogical library system—including 4,883 satellite branches in more than 100 countries—called FamilySearch Family History Centers or affiliate libraries.  The library began serving about 2,000 patrons a day or 700,000 a year in 1985, and today, with FamilySearch.org and its satellite branches, it serves over 45 million guests per year.  

“We know that many people will never have the opportunity to visit the Family History Library in person,” said Loosle. “So FamilySearch has been expanding its reach. We want everyone who desires to discover their ancestors to be able to do so, no matter where they live.”

Managing the Library Requires a Village

Visitors to the Family History Library find an amazing collection of resources collected over 120 years and hosts of friendly people with expertise available to help them. The Library delivers with an impressive cadre of 45 full and part-time staff, and perhaps unprecedented for libraries, 550 full- and part-time volunteers or “missionaries.”  The volunteers hail from all over the world, many of them dedicating up to 18 months—at their own expense—to help patrons make successful discoveries.

The main floor of the library is specifically designed to assist inexperienced patrons in getting started. The floor has been outfitted with computers supported by volunteers trained to assist beginners. Volunteers and expert reference staff are also available for more in-depth research on the other floors dedicated to records from certain areas of the world.  

On its lower level, for example, is found the largest number of Chinese clan genealogies outside Mainland China.  This level is also used for storing family histories, and overflow films, and books available by request.  Requests for digitalization of these and other personal books can be requested here, and is  done at another facility in Salt Lake or at many of theFamily History Centers and affiliate libraries.  

“The library is not a repository for original documents as is the case with specialized archives; it is not an archive in that sense,” noted David Rencher, chief genealogy officer for FamilySearch.  “But it accepts donations of published works of genealogical significance.”  Books and serials are continually added to the library’s shelves—over 600,000 in fact—and the library is heading up an initiative with other public libraries to digitally publish historic books of genealogical relevance online—over 225,000 have been digitally published online to-date. 

Future of the Family History Library 

The library is focused on continuing to expand access to the world’s genealogical record collections to satisfy growing consumer demands.  In 1985, the average patron was mostly retirees or professional researchers.  “Today, the patron faces are changing.  It is common to see working professionals, families, and even a growing number of youth amidst the stereotypical retirees and serious researchers,” said Loosle. 
        

Loosle sees a bright future for the library. “The library is still the best place to do family history research and will continue to serve that purpose.” In addition, the library has created a lab for testing discovery concepts called the Discovery Center, afamily-friendly area where families, and particularly young people, can begin the journey of self and family discovery through fun and engaging activities.  Over time, similar experiences are planned to be incorporated in the Family History Library. We anticipate the exciting additions will attract thousands of new patrons who want to discover their familyhistory.  

The library will continue to develop and offer timely, free guest classes broadcasted as webinars.   The schedules, necessary connection links, downloadable handouts, and recordings to past webinars are accessible online through the FamilySearch Wiki. The library also hosts a community block party in June.  This year over 3,200 participants came and enjoyed a free family day including bounce houses, face painting, cultural entertainment, family history centric activities and classes.  The 2016 party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 11. 

Begin your family discovery at the Family History Library, online at FamilySearch.org or through a local FamilySearchFamily History Center.   

Changes at the Family History Library

I took myself on an orientation tour visit to Family History Library in Salt Lake City today to familiarise myself for my research days prior to Rootstech this week.

I was expecting to see some great changes since my last visit in 2013 but they didn't seem to be as radical as I expected from reports I'd read. I noticed that the hours had changed slightly, the library isn't open until 9pm on a Saturday evening any more.

These banners were new

The new (not so new now) FamilySearch logo is displayed on the door

Australia gets its own heading on the directory. I'm pretty sure it was part of The British Isles last time I was here.

There still seems to be quite a few Australian books in the collection

The big timber desk on B2 has been replaced with a laminate structure and some easy chairs

There is a World War 1 display on the US floor and the books from there have moved downstairs

There is a new kids' activity area on the Main floor

I did spot the new photo scanning area on the Main Floor and note that the service desk had been replaced on another floor I visited.

The library still seemed to be alive with volunteers and there was a sign to let you know to direct one type of query to those wearing red lanyards and another to those with blue. I'll take proper notice when I need to ask a question.

The big change I noticed (and I didn't take a photo) was in the appearance of the welcome (first) screen of the patron computers. I found it quite confusing, with headings all in white. Some of these headings were hyperlinks and some were just plain text. I found this so frustrating as I had some futile attempts to follow them. I would like to see a proper menu on a well designed welcome page. Trying to find a list of and access the subscription databases available in the library took me way too many clicks. Perhaps I need some tuition! I think that it's a shame for such a superb facility to have such a daggy.

All in all I don't think the changes will have a great impact on my research days at the library next week.

Arriving Early for Rootstech?

Don't forget to check out the schedule of free classes on offer in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City in the days prior to and after Rootstech.

On my last two visits I have attended some of these classes and found them most valuable.

Family History Library Lecture 2012

6,800 - that's some party

With 6,800 attendees the Rootstech Conference will not be a boutique event. I will count myself lucky if I get to meet, chat with and remember 68 of the people that are attending.

I don't believe in jet lag but have been suffering from a bit of insomnia since I arrived in Salt Lake City so after midnight I decided to take a sleeping pill and it worked. I was intending to attend a lecture at the Family History Library this morning but slept in so I thought I had missed it.

When I huffed and puffed into the venue for the next talk I discovered that the speaker's plane had been delayed and that the talk had been cancelled - I'm glad I had that good sleep and didn't set an alarm to arrive on time.

As the second speaker was also delayed my mate, Audrey Collins, stepped in and presented a talk "There and back again" in which she told us that our ordinary ancestors often travelled far and wide. She demonstrated, with a range of examples, that if we can't find our ancestors in local records we should cast our net wide and we might be rewarded with surprising results.

Audrey's title slide

Since Audrey's talk I have been down on B2 working away on my research while Mr Geniaus (who doesn't do genealogy or research) is looking for his ancestors on the library's collection of subscription databases.

Shortly I'll be heading off to The Lion House for the Rootstech Official Bloggers Dinner where I'll renew friendships with old bloggers and meet the new bloggers.  Once the Conference starts my blog posts may not be so frequent.

Remember Dan

Dan Poffenberger

Those who attended the Australian Genealogy Congress in Adelaide last March will remember Daniel Poffenberger from his presentations at the Conference.

While I was working in the library just now I saw this tall guy with a broad smile. When he came near I said "Are you Dan?" (his name badge was twisted around and I couldn't see the name on it).  Dan sat down and we had a great chat. Partway through a lightbulb went on in my head.

You see I had one video interview slot at Rootstech left to fill. I asked Dan if he would consent to an interview and he agreed. YAY! So after I interview him tomorrow you will be able to hear all about Dan's work as a genealogist in The Family History Library. I'll upload the video to YouTube and post a link here on the Geniaus blog.

Trove Tuesday - Salt Lake City

Today finds me in Salt Lake City, Utah researching in the Family History Library prior to the Rootstech Conference.

It was fitting then that my Trove Tuesday Post should centre on this city and genealogy. I put the search string "Salt Lake City" genealogy into a Trove newspaper search and was rewarded with   16 hits.

The article I have chosen to share comes from a 1947 edition of the Cairns Post: 1947 'MORMONS SEARCH WORLD FOR DATA.', Cairns Post(Qld. : 1909 - 1954), 20 December, p. 9, viewed 4 March, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42556087.

The article states that the microfilmed records "may be examined by anyone interested" and that is what I am doing today sixty-six years after this article appeared in the newspaper in Cairns, Australia.

Technology envy

I want a portable collapsible screen just like DearMyrtles that she is using for the Mondays with Myrt Hangout on Air.

Hint , hint Mr Geniaus.

Myrt's Big Screen

Bonus for those arriving early to Rootstech

Where will I be found on the days prior to the Official start of the Rootstech?

I'll be looking for ancestors in the Family History Library but won't be doing this all day as I'll take time out from the microfiche to hear some international geneastars give some lectures. I've heard that the Best of British: Audrey Collins, Else Churchill and Alec Tritton may be in the lineup.

I just noticed that there is now an email to register for classes on the page that lists the classes  so if you wish to make sure you have a seat for the classes you'd like to attend it might be a good idea to shoot an email off to the people at the library.
STOP PRESS: Although the website has a link to register for classes I have just had an email that this is not necessary. All one needs to do is rock up on the day.

Salt Lake City Preparation

If you intend doing a spot of research at The Family History Library prior to or after Rootstech it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Library's website.

Additionally if you read this Guide, Tips for visiting the library,  you should be able to make the most of your visit.

Pre Rootstech Activities

The Talk we attended in 2012

If you are arriving early for Rootstech 2013 you may be interested in the program of free talks at The Family History Library. 

Mr Geniaus and I went to a great one prior to Rootstech 2012. From memory we put our names down on an attendance list when we first visited the library.

Program details can be found here:

https://familysearch.org/locations/library_class_schedule

I'll certainly be doing some learning at the library prior to Rootstech. How about you?

Converted at Rootstech

Straight after Rootstech Mr Geniaus and I boarded a plane for Florida and headed for a cruise ship and warmer climes. I am blogging from somewhere near the Cuban coast where the temperature is a pleasant 26 degrees centigrade

Mr Geniaus at work

Rootstech 2012 was an amazing experience so much so that my non-genealogist husband has agreed to return for Rootstech 2013 and to set aside more time for research in the Family History Library. I think he has caught the genealogist bug. He spent hours at the Library scanning reels of microfilm looking for evidence of his English ancestors in small villages. He was frustrated that he was unable to knock down a brick wall that may connect us with descendants of James Gowans, the Scottish clockmaker, in New York. There is evidence on the US 1900 census that Mira/Maria Gowans lived on 261 West 20th Street, New York, New York and after that we cannot find a trace of her. 


At Rootstech Mr Geniaus had access some of the best genealogists in the US and he asked each of them for guidance with his problem but despite following their advice his searches brought no results.


Unlike me Mr Geniaus likes to plan far ahead so we already agreed that we will stay on after Rootstech and spend a week researching in the Family History Library and we'll include in our itinerary New York where there is a copy of Maria's mother's probate file from 1902 held in the Surrogate's Court. Perhaps this will hold a clue to Maria's whereabouts after 1902!


I think I have a family history convert!

Blurred vision brings bounty

My new glasses just don't seem to be doing their work as my eyes are very tired......but the bounty received has made the discomfort worthwhile.

Together with Mr Geniaus, my research assistant, I spent quite a few hours at The Family History Library looking for info about his 3 x Great Uncle, John Gowans, who moved from Scotland to New York around 1860. We are particularly interested in locating any descendants.

As time is short I printed out all the information I have on John and his two children and told Mr Geniaus to ask one of the mob of consultants/volunteers in the library for assistance while I set about other tasks. After talking to three helpers who were very friendly but not too fmiliar with New York records Mr Geniaus realised that he could search the catalog all by himself.

While I found a number of references in newspapers and directories and to John and his son James Mr Geniaus found some promising microfilms and repaired to the US Floor to take a look at them. Bingo! He found three death certificates: one for John, his son James and his wife Anna Bouton. I just googled the cemetery, Green-Wood in New York, in which Anna and James are buried and found that thye have a database of burials on their site. I now have the location of their shared grave. I am sorry that I am not visiting New York on this trip - I guess we will just have to return to visit the graves.

We already knew that there was a daughter Mira or Maria who we have found on three censuses, the latest being 1900 and was hoping to find either a marriage,

Pictorial Posts

A huge case of verbal diarrhoea is about the descend on Salt Lake City as over 80 bloggers write about their experiences at the Rootstech Conference that is only four sleeps away.

Geniaus will be adding to this flow of words but will also be punctuating her posts with snapshots. This pictorial post shows some snaps from our visit to The Family History Library yesterday.

B2 - The British Isles Floor where Australian Records are found!

Plenty of space on B2

My Research Assistant, Mr Geniaus, on the job

We'll be back on Monday 

An Outstanding Performance at Ku-ring-gai

Wendy Blaxland's background in teaching, drama, and the theatre was obvious when she addressed the monthly meeting of the Kur-ing-gai Historical Society Family History Group yesterday. A natural speaker, Wendy had those gathered enthralled as she told the stories of her famous Blaxland ancestors and some 20th century family members.

Wendy signing one of her children's books

Wendy is a direct descendant of Gregory Blaxland who led the first crossing of the Blue Mountains. She related the history of the two Blaxland Brothers, John and Gregory,  early free settlers in New South Wales, who became entrepreneurs and built  beautiful homes on either side of  the Parramatta River. John's house that became the original Newington College has now been restored and is part of the Silverwater Gaol while Gregory's more modest home Brush Farm has been restored by Ryde Council who have owned it since 1990.

Audrey Blaxland, Wendy's mother, was an actress and drama teacher who began her acting career at the Independent Theatre in the 1940s where she met Wendy's father. Wendy shared with us stories of Audrey's involvement with the Pymble Players and the Marian Street Theatre where Audrey spent 12 years as the Principal of the Marian Street Theatre School. Wendy who has been involved in the theatre since she was five years old is still deeply involved with the Marian Street Theatre for Young People as a producer, writer and board member.

Bohemian artist, Elizabeth Blaxland, an artist, sculptor and teacher at the East Sydney Technical College was the other 20th-century subject discussed. When Wendy first met her aunt, Elizabeth, who was in her 90s they immediately developed a strong bond. A number of Elizabeth's works are in the Manly Art Gallery.

I only wish that some of the genealogy presenters whose talks I have endured heard could have seen Wendy's presentation. It was an examplar that we could all follow. Wendy spoke naturally from the heart without notes, she used elements of humour and surprise choosing words that tugged at our emotions. She drew us into her world through voice and eye contact supported by the use of artefacts.

If you ever get a chance to hear Wendy speak grab it.

Thanks to Jo Harris, Leader of The Family History Group at Ku-ring-gai for organising such a super afternoon.

Will I be seeing you at Rootstech 2012?

My flights are booked so I am definitely going to Rootstech 2012.  I know that it is seven months away but, one needs to take advantage of good airfares when they are available.

I am not a member of the LDS Church so why am I travelling all the way from Australia to Utah for a three day conference?

* I found that the content at Rootstech 2011, that combined technology and genealogy, suited my interests. No event in Australia provides such a range of  presentations on this topic area.
* There is an opportunity to hear world renowned keynote speakers that don't travel to Australia.
* The conference program that caters for a couple of thousand attendees has multiple streams has enormous breadth and depth.
* I can meet in person the geneabloggers and geneatweeters with whom I communicate each day.
* I will be able to renew the friendships I made with conference attendees in 2011.
* There is an opportunity to meet up with the developers of software that I use like Darrin Lythgoe.
* The conference represents excellent value with a low registration fee and reasonably priced accommodation right next door the the conference venue.


* I get an opportunity to promote Australian genealogy to an international group.
* I can use the facilities of The Family History Library with its free access to print and microform resources on open access. I spent two days there this year and only looked at the online and print materials. In 2012 I will concentrate on the microforms.
* The air is fresh and crisp in SLC in February - a respite from Sydney's summer humidity.
* I can see a bit more of the United States on my way to and from the conference.
* I can visit my favourite department store, Macys, and bag a few bargains.

Next year I am taking Mr Geniaus along to Salt Lake City with me. Although he has no interest in genealogy research he is interested in his ancestry. As the cost of registration is so reasonable I will be registering him for the conference so that he can attend the social functions and some conference sessions. The Rootstech program is so varied that even he should find something of interest!

Will I be seeing you at Rootstech 2012?

Speedos - Carnival of Genealogy Edition 106 - Fourth Annual Swimsuit Edition

The latest and greatest gear for budding Olympians in 1961 were Speedo swimsuits. Made of nylon these lightweight and quick dry costumes did not weigh swimmers down in the water like earlier models.

Although we resembled drowned rats my best friend Lee and I thought we were pretty cool as we posed in our new Speedos at a family picinic at Carss Park on the October long weekend in 1961.

Lee and Geniaus - Carss Park October 1961

This post was prepared for The Carnival of Genealogy Edition 106 - Fourth Annual Swimsuit Edition

Another item is crossed off my bucket list, or is it?

Today I spent eight hours at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and have a five hour visit planned before I fly out  later tomorrow. But I am not satisfied. Did I really think that I could accomplish what I wanted to in thirteen short hours?

The Family History Library

When I managed to visit The British Library and The Library of Congress  I was satisfied after spending just an hour at these institutions snapping photos and walking around drinking in the atmosphere. My disappointment at not having more time in The Family History Library is because it is such a useful resource for my genealogy research and I will not be able to satisfy my appetite on this visit.

Tidy Collection of Family Histories at the FHL

Like many of the attendees at the Rootstech Conference I added a few days to my trip so that I could avail myself of the facilities of the Family History Library. My friends in Australia will be wanting to know how I found the experience so I here's a PMI report.

Plus (in no particular order)

Wealth of resources for the family historian
Access is free
Majority of records in open access - no need to fill out annoying request slips and wait for delivery
Free WiFi for personal devices
Orientation film running all day
Can take bags and gear into library
Open hanging racks for coats around walls
Lockers available for those who want them
Lots of photocopiers and printers
Lots of computer terminals
Plenty of patient volunteers to help with queries
Large work areas where one can spread out
Spare power outlets for patron gadgets
Tolerance to chatting from genealogists working collaboratively
Comfortable adjustable ergomomic chairs
Notepaper and pencils supplied beside terminals
Spotlessly clean and tidy (I am suspicious of tidy libraries but in this case it is because the volunteers pounce on each book as soon as it lands on reshelving trolley)
Users can use USB flash drives on library computers
Good even lighting

Minus
Volunteers prowling around peering over users shoulders are offputting (price paid for bringing bags in?)
Volunteers with nothing to do congregating for chat sessions in public areas are distracting especially the two  women that stood right behind me
Early closing on Mondays
Use of Internet Explorer Browser
Septegenarians on security at entrance not checking bags  (or maybe I have an honest face)
Lack of natural light
Seems to be geared towards patrons asking for help rather then encouraging them to be independent learners

Interesting
Opening time of 8:00 am
Volunteer demographic gives impression that library is a retirement activity for elderly LDS people
Peaceful atmosphere  regulary punctuated by Oohs and Aahs as researchers find treasure

Entrance Foyer at the FHL

The positives in this library certainly outweigh the negatives. I wish some of our institutions in Australia would evaluate some of their archaic 19th century practices and follow the lead of the FHL. Would it hurt if patrons talked in he NLA, just create some quiet rooms and allow for collaboration and discussion the the main reading room? Why can't we use a USB flash drive in the SLNSW computerse?  Why can't I take my bag into these libraries?

The FHL was crowded for the WDYTYA Party on Friday

I now have a job on my hands convincing Mr Geniaus that I need a return visit to Salt Lake City to finish looking up the 30 A4 pages of references I compiled before leaving Australia.  Wish me luck!