Record Linking Through The BYU Record Linking Lab: A fun alternative to indexing.

 

The BYU Record Linking Lab has developed tools in the last few years to help grow the FamilySearch family tree. The main way this is done is by linking records that are in FamilySearch to individuals already in the tree. Many of these records contain the names of individuals that are not yet in the tree and can be added through the record linking tool in FamilySearch. 

If you have individuals in your ward or stake who enjoy volunteering but do not enjoy indexing, record linking may be a great alternative. The linking lab has a large number of tools to make this quick and easy.  Record Linking Lab Volunteer Page 

Two tools that are especially good for beginners are the "Random Hint Button" and the "5-a-Day Project." The "Random Hint Button" will provide you with a unique hint using the record linking tool in FamilySearch, and if you sign up for the "5-a-Day" project, the BYU record linking lab will email you 5 links each day that will take you to the same record linking tool. 

Linking records grows the tree and makes it possible for more people who go into FamilySearch centers to find their family the first time they use FamilySearch.  For more advanced volunteers, you may suggest some of the bigger projects being done by the Record Linking Lab. These can be found at the Family History Volunteer Opportunities page. These projects are designed specifically to increase coverage in the tree for groups like African Americans, Native Americans, and people from Puerto Rico and the Ukraine.