I’ve mentioned that I use Family Search quite a bit and it is free so I try to help out by volunteering to index records.

Family Search has discontinued their photoduplication services. I had used this service for several records each year because the actual record usually has much more information than the abstract online or an index. But these records may eventually be fully digitized and available online. Meanwhile, it is a service I miss.

But this gives me an idea. Actually three, but I don’t know if they will be useful.

1. It occurs to me that many of us who index have probably requested copies of records from Family Search over the years. Would it help getting these records online if those of us on the receiving end could index the record (if it hasn’t been done already)?

Would it then be possible for Family Search to match up the image they have already copied with the index of the record? This might speed up the process of getting more records online. On the other hand, it may just serve to slowdown the process.

2. When we index, each batch is associated with a number of points. This number reflects both the number of records and their difficulty. At present the number of points is just a way to keep track of how much the indexer has done.

I’d suggest these points be part of a reward program in which indexers can request copies of records via the photoduplication service. Perhaps something like so many points allows the request of 1 record. This would reward indexers and so add an incentive which could result in current indexers doing more and new people becoming indexers.

Of course being a volunteer indexer is in itself a rewarding experience. But it seems that adding a rewards program such as suggested here might be worthwhile.

3. For years, the photoduplication services were low cost and operated via the mail. Recently they started with online requests and email and the services were free. I’m sure in both cases the services were run at a loss. If the program could be run at a profit while still providing a relatively inexpensive service , could these funds be used to enhance programs to get more records online?