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The most effective method for finding new ancestors for my family tree has been through searching the actual PDF records. These often list god-parents, witnesses, grandparents, neighborhoods, and the names of the priests. ALL of this is useful information to help cross-check sources, to make links between family members more plausible. However, sometimes, the page is not available for viewing, so I don't feel comfortable attaching records that don't match PERFECTLY. I don't know who decides which sources to show, however, this lack of accessibility when I'm doing research from home is hugely detrimental to my progress.
Additionally, most of the records relevant to my family tree are written in Spanish. Because I can translate them, and have had access to the entire original source entry, I have discovered entire generations of family members whose information I gleaned from the PDF sources, instead of indexed entries. For the benefit of those who are not multi-literate, I suggest providing a translation of these whole texts, in addition to indexing, to provide the best quality information.
Please note: I am aware neither of these suggestions are able to be quick fixes. I just hope this is where we might be heading.
Comments
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Many of the records on the FamilySearch website are "image only", meaning they have not been indexed / transcribed in any language. FamilySearch will probably see the need to index those records as a priority, so I feel you will have a long wait before your idea might be implemented. Worth asking, though.
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