Research on the internet
Although it is still not possible to do all of your family history research online, more and more genealogical resources are being added to the Internet every day. Not only has the Internet made genealogical research a great deal easier, it has changed the way that research is carried out.
The Internet has improved access for family history research in a number of ways:
- Providing access to the catalogues of many record offices and libraries.
This helps you to be better prepared before your visit to a record office or library and to make the most of your time during those visits. Online catalogues are generally available free of charge. - Providing access to the content of archives, usually with accompanying indexes.
The indexes are normally available without payment of a fee, but a fee is charged for access to the digital images or to get complete information - either on a subscription or pay-per-view basis. - Providing access to online databases.
Some online databases may be free of charge.
The Internet also benefits genealogists in another significant way – it makes it easy to send messages around the world in order to find relatives and to share research results.
For some of the more useful family history websites, see PRONI leaflet Websites for Family History (26KB) 
. Please note, PRONI cannot endorse the reliability and accuracy of the content of any of the websites listed.
. Please note, PRONI cannot endorse the reliability and accuracy of the content of any of the websites listed.
