what does it mean when mormons say they broke a record indexing names?

[Diane (PFLAG)]

Indexing in this instance refers to transferring names, dates, etc from old census records, birth records, death records, christening records etc. to a computer database... Sometimes these records are the hard copies, sometimes they are on microfilm <Similar to a film strip> sometimes on microfiche <a flat 5X7 sheet that works like a film strip>... The images are typically very small on the film.. With the corresponding machine one can view the information on the film, magnifying it, adjusting light levels to see different parts better etc.....

Indexing these records onto a computer database will make them easier to find, utilize, search etc.. Microfilm/fish is like using a dictionary in book form, using a database is like using a dictionary on the internet.. The internet is much faster, more accessible to more people simultaneously <with microfilm or fiche you need to have the film and the machine to view it, one person at a time being able to use the resource>.

Indexing names takes quite a bit of time... Breaking a record indexing refers to the number of names one indexed in a given amount of time without error <With the current indexing project several people index the same information, they are looking for each persons transfer on the information to be identical.. Within the database the different transfers are compared for accuracy of information with a message regarding any difference alerts a director of the project to check who's right so they are sure the information is error free..