Every stake, ward/branch (local units) has a directory. The directory just happens, right? Names and contact information just show up, don't they? Well, yes and no. Some mysterious force emanating from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City often updates the directory, especially when people move in or out of the area. However, it can be updated by you, your local leaders, or leaders elsewhere.
Keep in mind that you will need an LDS Account enabled with your Membership Record Number (MRN) in order to access the directory or alter your information.
What Is the Directory?
The directory is a comprehensive list of all members’ contact information in your local unit, as well as leadership and other positions. Previously hard-copy, but now online, the online directory may contain email addresses, photos, and more.
How Do I Find the Directory?
Go to lds.org and look at the top of the screen for “Sign in/Tools” and click on it. A drop down menu will appear. Select “Directory” and enter your LDS Account information. Hit “Enter” and the directory should appear.
You only have access to the directory in the local unit you are currently living in. If you move, save any information from your old directory before your records are transferred to your new local unit and you have a new directory.
What Information Does the Directory Contain?
- Names of individuals grouped by household
- Addresses
- Map
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Photos
- Lists of unit leaders
- Lists of unit organizations
- Email groupings
Your household is your surname arranged alphabetically. Clicking on it brings up your entire household’s information. Your home address, a map link to find your home, phone number, and email are also listed. Individual information appears under the household information. This is usually cell phones and personal email addresses.
Heads of households, usually husband and wife, have access to MRN’s for everyone in their household. Click on the “Show Record Number” that appears under each individual household member’s name.
Spaces for individual photos exist, as well as a photo for the entire household.
The Directory Contains Organizational and Grouping Information
Any organization you are assigned to, or have a calling in, will also list your individual information. For example, if you are Ward Mission Leader, your information will appear next to that calling under the “Missionary” tab and you will appear in the “Adults” list as well. A 12 year old girl is listed in her household and also as a “Beehive.”
Groupings are convenient, because you can select a grouping to email. For example, you can choose to email the Bishopric, Young Women or the Primary Leaders, etc. Look at the top of the list, just under the name. You should see an email icon with “Email the [name of organization].” Click on it and it automatically adds all the emails you need to an email form.
How Can I Update Information In the Directory?
Keeping the directory up to date with current phone numbers and addresses is the local unit’s responsibility and each member’s responsibility.
Updating your own information is easy and recommended. You control what information it contains and who has access to it. Look for the “View/Edit” features above your household information. Select “Edit” and you can update, change, or remove information from view.
Other than you, only leaders can alter your information. Generally, they only do it at your request or if something is obviously out of date. If you serve as a Home Teacher or Visiting Teacher then you can give leaders updated information that they can then input.
What About Privacy?
There are three privacy settings:
- Private - “Leadership only.”
- Ward - “Visible to ward or branch members and visible to leaders in the stake or district.”
- Stake - “Visible to ward or branch members and visible to stake or district members.”
Selecting “Stake” is the most visible and “Private” is the least. Selecting “Private” prevents others from seeing you, but you still have access to everything. In addition, you can still receive emails from leadership.
How Can I Find People or Leaders?
Search for people via groupings like branch, ward, stake or organization. Or, use the general search box labeled “Filter Results” and search stake wide or just a unit. You can enter portions of names you are looking for.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Most directory information comes from the Member and Leader Services system (MLS). This is the master information at Church headquarters. If unit leaders change information on the MLS, it should eventually update the directory as well.
Copyright and trademark laws affect what photos you can put on the directory, or anywhere on the lds.org tools. In general, only add photos you take yourself and that do not contain any identifiable copyrighted or trademarked items, like baseball caps or logos on clothing.
You can print off the directory or sync it with other tools. Look for the “Print” button in the upper right hand corner and follow the directions.
Remember to always follow these basic guidelines for lds.org tools and you will prevent a lot of problems.
