At RootsTech 2020, Ty Davies, the Records Portfolio Director for Family Search, talked about the amazing developments occurring with respect to indexing, including the following:

• At the rate we are indexing it will take us 170 years just to index the images currently available.
• The process of indexing takes about two years from the photographing state to going on line.
• With new developments in computer assisted indexing, the process can be accelerated from two years to 7 days!
• The need for individuals to assist with indexing will not be replaced by computer assisted indexing.
• There are over 312,000 indexing volunteers.

For years those involved in indexing had no idea if the records they were indexing actually helped someone engaged in family history. Last year FamilySearch rolled out its Thank a Volunteer feature allowing patrons of FamilySearch to now see that a volunteer did the indexing and send them a thank you. In the first three months of this program over 100,000 thank you messages were sent.

A few weeks ago there was an article in the Church News about how engaging in indexing helped a returned missionary overcome a pornography problem. In a 2012 conference address by Elder Richard Scott, he shares the story of how a young man addicted to video games cured his habit by getting involved in indexing.

Each time I log in to FamilySearch I learn of new hints made available to me because of the indexing efforts of so many. Indexing is convenient and vital to making the world’s records searchable online. The more indexing that is done the more expansive and accurate  our family trees will be. The Granite Family History Center is an excellent place for learning about and participating in indexing for the following reasons:

• Our large touch screens make indexing much easier.
• With multiple computers and rooms we can accommodate small, medium and large groups who want to index together.
• Trained consultants can help patrons of all skill levels learn more about indexing, whether it is one-on-one, or in groups.
• Numerous meaningful and fun activities have been designed for youth and adults to help them enjoy and become more proficient in indexing.
• The Spirit of Elijah is alive and well at the center.

Don’t hesitate, schedule a time now to come and visit us at the FHC for an indexing activity. Bring your family, your friends, your ward members, and discover the joy that comes from this great work! –Dave Castleton, Director- Granite Family History Center