Suggestions for “FamilySearch” records under Search Records in Person details
In the details page of a person, I click “FamilySearch” under Search Records, and hope to see records associated with the person I am researching. But, there are many other records that I must sift through. This is very time consuming. Most of us doing Family History have limited time. The more efficient Family Search is, the more we can all accomplish.
Here are some suggestions:
1) If the record is attached to the person I am searching, do not show it; I already have it.
2) If the record is associated with another person show that person’s ID#.
a) If there is no ID#, then I know that record is not attached to anyone.
b) If the ID# is shown, and other details match, it may be a duplicate person I need to merge.
c) Mouse over to see other person name and brief details, click to see more info in a popup.
3) Set defaults, such as showing:
a) **** as the person I am researching, including unspecified sex,
b) same birth country or state,
c) birth year within 3 years, with option to expand,
d) death year within 3 years, with option to expand,
d) if parents are not the same, do not show (give option to show all parents),
e) exclude those not of the same race, with option to show all.
4) If I find a record that definitely DOES NOT match my person, provide a checkbox. If I find a record that MIGHT match my person, but I need more research to confirm it, provide a checkbox. The checkbox options could be an icon meaning “NO (not my person)”, or “? (might be might person)”, or “YES”. This helps others who are searching, or myself when I come back, to not waste time or to provide info. The checkbox/icon should have a text box with it to add notes, such as “this person has the same name as X, but the death date and place does not match”
5) In the “Data Sheet” format, provide filters like those used in Excel spreadsheets.
6) Under preferences, is the option to export up to 100. If there is more, there needs to be an option to export all, or to export multiple batches.
7) In the fixed table format is the option to show all information. The data sheet format should have the same option. Recognizing space constraints;
a) provide option to hide the search criteria window on right side.
b) allow users to hide columns with one click,
c) allow users to resize columns,
d) allow users to move/drag columns
8) Provide a way to distinguish between maiden name and married name. If I am looking for Jane Smith (maiden name) and I see Jane Smith; wife, or Mrs. Jane Smith, I know this is not the person. In this case, “Smith” should be flagged with a different color or in Brackets or italicized. If both spouses have the same last name it is very very likely a maiden name. If I see Jane Smith, daughter, or if she is under age 15, or if the record says single, then it MIGHT be the person I am looking for. If there is no indication if it a maiden or married name, then I will have to research.