Changes

Access to '''digitised microfilms''' of records in the Family History Library, which are not otherwise available on home computers, is available at these centres. However, ordering of the previously available microfilms ceased in 2017, to be replaced by digitised versions, refer details below. You do not have to be a member of the LDS to use a centre or their resources. Read the FamilySearch Wiki article [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Introduction_to_LDS_Family_History_Centers Introduction_to_Family_History_Centers Introduction to LDS Family History Centers] for more details.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA retains an extensive collection of microfilms, including all those not available to view digitally,<ref> [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/i-want-to-search-the-microfilms-at-the-family-history-library I want to search the microfilms at the Family History Library]. [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-preorder-films-at-the-family-history-library How do I preorder films at the Family History Library?] FamilySearch HelpCenter articles. [https://www.familysearch.org/family-history-library/microfilm-fiche-and-cds Microfilm/Fiche and CDs] with link to pre-order films, from [https://www.familysearch.org/family-history-library/welcome-to-the-family-history-library Family History Library]/Collection. FamilySearch. </ref> (which can be ordered before your visit (including those held at Granite Mountain Record Vault) so they will be ready when you arrive, (but you must allow sufficient time), or you may decide to hire a researcher<ref>Nielsen, Jeniann. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200804205858/https://getsatisfaction.com/familysearch/topics/the-need-for-photoduplication-service-has-not-gone-away The need for photoduplication service has NOT gone away!!!] ''FamilySearch Feedback Forum'' 27 July 2019, now archived.</ref>). Books stored off site must also be pre-ordered otherwise you will be unable to access them.

After signing in to FamilySearch, some digitised microfilm databases will display, in the catalogue entry, a camera icon with a key symbol above which advises "this film is viewable with additional restrictions". (If you are not signed in, a key, or microfilm only, or even no symbol may also appear, even for databases viewable on your home computer). However, members of the public can view '''most''' (but not all) of these databases at a FamilySearch Centre on a '''FamilySearch Centre computer''', through the FamilySearch Portal. (Access through your own laptop or other device is not possible, even if you are physically present at the FamilySearch Centre as only the FamilySearch computers have the special access portal installed which is necessary for connection to the restricted records). Some digital databases may also be viewed at Affiliate Libraries, which may have longer opening hours than a FamilySearch Centre. Contact your FamilySearch Centre prior to visiting to advise your requirements and, if it is possible, '''book a suitable computer''' (after enquiring whether internet image viewing varies by day or time, or there is poor viewing generally, refer section above). For the general public, ''' FamilySearch records which were available on microfilm, which have since been digitised, and which originate from the British Library in London can be viewed at a Family History Centre''' and additionally currently (2021/02) can also be viewed at an Affiliate Library. Note however in the past access at Affiliate Libraries has varied, and some microfilms originating from the British Library have not been available at Affiliate Libraries. LDS church members may have additional access.

*To access the digitised records, '''you will need to Sign In on the computer at the Family History Centre or Affiliate Library using your personal Sign In details''', refer [[FamilySearch#India Records| FamilySearch, section India Records]], so '''take your user name and password with you''', or you may experience delays.<ref>November and December 2017 Newsletters from [http://www.sag.org.au/engage/keep-up-to-date-with-us/our-enewsletter-sag-e/past-sag-e-newsletters.html Society of Australian Genealogists], a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, and April 2018 Newsletter from [http://www.sog.org.uk/uploads/Newsletters/SoG_monthly_newsletter_apr_2018.pdf Society of Genealogists], London, a FamilySearch Affiliate Library</ref>. At the Family History Centre, you will first need to open the FamilySearch Portal (which must have been previously installed) on the computer, and then sign in with your personal sign in details, and at an Affiliate Library you will need to make sure that you select a computer which has the FamilySearch portal installed, (exact name not known, perhaps may not include the word portal) and then follow a similar procedure.

The Society of Genealogists '''closed''' 17 July 2021 for a "few months" (possibly the rest of 2021, or beyond?) as it is moving to a new location, which should be in London somewhere, but at the time of the August 2021 Newsletter, had not yet been negotiated.