Changes

'''Update effective 6 July 2021'''. The Family History FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City reopened 6 July 2021 after being closed since March 13, 2020, due to precautions pertaining to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Some FamilySearch Centres and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries are also '''open''', depending on location. This is a decision which is made '''locally'''. If you live in an area where churches and libraries generally are open, check with your local FamilySearch Centre and/or check with your local Affiliate Library about FamilySearch access. '''In addition'''<br>'''Update effective 12 August 2021'''. A new computer portal for accessing restricted records was introduced at FamilySearch Centres ('''not''' Affiliate Libraries) which requires changes to each computer in the FamilySearch Centre. Before visiting a FamilySearch Centre , firstly check that computers are available (there is currently (2022/06) a wait for replacements, or you can now (from c January 2023) bring your own laptop or Chromebook, and secondly '''check that the portal is fully functional''', so that restricted records can be accessed.<ref>[https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/102177/family-history-center-portals Family History Center Portals] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 15 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021. [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/451414/#Comment_451414 FHC premium sites need passwords for access] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 19 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022. [https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/family-history-center-premium-content-browser-extension Family History FamilySearch Center Premium Content Browser Extension] FamilySearch Help Center article. 2022/06 some Centres were without the Portal due to the requirement to have a fixed IP address (Internet service). 2022/08 many Centres were experiencing access problems (computer system).</ref>

'''FamilySearch Centres''' are local branches of the LDS '''Family History FamilySearch Library''' (until 10 January 2023 known as the Family History Library) in Salt Lake City and can be found worldwide. '''FamilySearch Centre''' (Center) is the umbrella term used for all of the centre locations. However most are still individually Until 10 January 2023 some Centres were called '''Family History Centres''' (Centers))

Access to '''digitised microfilms''' of records in the Family History FamilySearch 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/en/wiki/en/Introduction_to_Family_History_Centers Introduction_to_FamilySearch_Centers Introduction to LDS Family History FamilySearch Centers] for more details.

'''[https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenterscenters/locations/centerlocator Find a Family History FamilySearch Center and or FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries]'''. Enter your location details, including country. If you live in a state or county, depending on country it may help to enter the state as the location, then increase the size of the map to see the Centres in the region, and greatly increase the size if you live in area where there may be two or more Centres in the same city (as otherwise the multiple Centres may not display). Alternatively, it may be sufficient to enter city and country. However, it is suggested you always increase the size of the map to check that all Centres are displaying. <br>This link is also available from the FamilySearch Home Page, click on icon marked ? (top right hand of the webpage), then click 'Help Centre', or alternatively 'Contact Us' but at times the Search may not operate, or provides erratic Search results. If so, leave for a while and try later. Learning/In-person Help<br>At least some of the Centres do not provide opening times. In most centres the phone is only connected during opening times, so it may be difficult to actually make contact and find out when the Centre is open. In addition, the Centres usually do not have provision for mail enquiries. If necessary clarify by contacting FamilySearch through 'icon marked ?/ Contact Us' <ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/the-information-about-a-family-history-center-is-incorrect The information about a family history center is incorrect] FamilySearch Help Center article.</ref> (provide full details of your attempts to date). There is also some information in the FamilySearch Wiki '''[https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/en/Category:Family_History_Centers FamilySearch_Centers Category:Family History FamilySearch Centers]''', but not for all Centres, and Affiliate Libraries are listed separately, see External links below.You could also try [https://www.familysearch.org/en/fieldops/familysearch-support-contact-us FamilySearch Support Contact Us] for your geographic area. '''Update''' 17 Jan. 2023. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have additional access at Church meetinghouses worldwide.<ref> Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/490684/#Comment_490684 FamilySearch Center's are few around me] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.</ref>

'''All microfilms have now been digitised, and are available through the Catalogue Search on FamilySearch, not in the Records section. A camera icon (with no other symbol) means the record may be viewed on your home computer, a camera icon with a key above it means the record is available on a restricted basis'''. (No icon at all indicates the record is not available to view digitally) (See images etc<ref>[http://searchtip.genealogytipoftheday.com/?p=2307 Digital Icons at FamilySearch] searchtip.genealogytipoftheday.com; [https://web.archive.org/web/20190114034622/http://dearmyrtle.com/blog2/index.php/2017/09/24/thank-you-for-the-new-icon-familysearch/ Thank-you for the new icon, FamilySearch] dearmyrtle.com, now archived. [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/what-are-notes-or-film-digital-notes-in-the-catalog What are Notes or Film/Digital Notes in the catalog?] FamilySearchHelp Center article.</ref>.) (Note, you need to be signed in, refer below, or a key or microfilm only, or even no symbol may appear for all records.) For non-LDS church researchers, ''' records which originate from the British Library are available to be viewed on a FamilySearch computer , or your own laptop or Chromebook at a FamilySearch Centre''', and additionally most, but perhaps not all, are viewable at Affiliate Libraries, although this may vary over time. See "Viewing 'Protected' access online books and databases" below.

Update September 2021: Microfilm digitisation has been completed, but microfiche still is not Note that the digitisedmicrofilm reader may be very sensitive to internet speed, so the following wording will probably apply to microfiche. If you have a film if you need that has not been are viewing digitised, (as shown by the fact that there is no DGS number), you can reach out to FamilySearch support to express microfilms on your interest in home computer and having that particular film being prioritised earlier in the scanning processproblems,<ref>The now withdrawn wording was [https://web.archive.org/web/20200808065215/https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-try to pick a-microfilm-be-digitized How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?], archived wording at 8 August 2020. FamilySearch.</ref> through the 'icon marked ?/Contact us' at the top right hand corner time of lower internet demand such as early or late in the webpageday. Personal experience (Recent changes mean that in practice you need to post in FamilySearch Community. Post your request in the Q past) was that 1pm, weekday and A sectionSaturday, category [https://communityaccess was extremely unsatisfactory, early Sunday morning was much better.familysearch.org/en/categories/search Search] stating it is Unsatisfactory viewing conditions may also be experienced at some Centres, either due to internet speed, or for the attention of the other reasons - the Historical Records Team. As part of the process you will be asked may wish to register with the Community sectionenquire about this aspect, and if so, whether any particular day or time is better and if you have not registered previously).<br>You may also request that books from the FamilySearch catalogue be digitised.<ref>[https://www.familysearchmore than one FHC or Affiliate Library in your area, compare viewing conditions.org/help/helpcenter/article/can-i-request-that-familysearch-digitize-a-book Can I request that FamilySearch digitize a book?] FamilySearch</ref>

Note that researchers have commented that it is much slower viewing records which have been digitised, compared with the digitised same records on microfilm reader may .<ref>Clark, Noel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200929231947/https://mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/emails?listname=&thread=87364 LDS FHC Microfilms to be very sensitive to ending August 31st] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 16 July 2017, archived.</ref> This finding is magnified if there are problems with internet speed, so if it may be worth enquiring whether any Centres near you are viewing digitised microfilms on your home computer, try to pick including genealogical societies, have retained a time copy of lower internet demand such as early or late the microfilm you are interested in. For some Centres, this information may be obtained through the FamilySearch Catalog where there is an Availability option in the daySearch. Unclick the Online option and select your local FamilySearch Centre from the menu available. '''Always confirm''' by telephone with Personal experience was your local FHC to ensure information is current. Note however that 1pmover time fewer Centres continue to hold microfilms for various reasons including the inability to maintain functioning microfilm readers, weekday and Saturdaythis trend will increase in the future. The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA retains an extensive collection of microfilms, access was extremely unsatisfactoryincluding 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 How can I search microfilms at the FamilySearch 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 FamilySearch Library?] FamilySearch Help Center articles. [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/microfilm-fiche-and-cds Microfilm/Fiche and CDs] with link to pre-order films, early Sunday morning was much betterfrom [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library]/Collection. FamilySearch. Unsatisfactory viewing conditions may also </ref> which can be experienced ordered before your visit (including up until Sat. July 15 2023 <ref>Stephanie V. [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/147579/microfilm-request-change Microfilm Request Change] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 30 June 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.</ref> those held at some CentresGranite Mountain Record Vault) so they will be ready when you arrive, either due to internet speed(but you must allow sufficient time), or for other reasons - you may wish decide to enquire about this aspecthire a researcher<ref>Nielsen, and if soJeniann. [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, whether any particular day or time is better and If now archived.</ref>. Books stored off site must also be pre-ordered otherwise you have more than one FHC or Affiliate Library in your area, compare viewing conditionswill be unable to access them.

Note You may also request that researchers have commented that it is much slower viewing records which have been digitised, compared with books from the same records on microfilm.<ref>Clark, Noel. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200929231947/https://mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/emails?listname=&thread=87364 LDS FHC Microfilms to FamilySearch catalogue be ending August 31st] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 16 July 2017, archived.</ref> This finding is magnified if there are problems with internet speed, so it may be worth enquiring whether any Centres near you, including genealogical societies, have retained a copy of the microfilm you are interested in. For some Centres, this information may be obtained through the FamilySearch Catalog where there is an Availability option in the Search. Unclick the Online option and select your local Family History Centre from the menu availabledigitised. '''Always confirm''' by telephone with your local FHC to ensure information is current. 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/can-i-wantrequest-tothat-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-dodigitize-i-preorder-films-at-the-family-historya-library How do book Can I preorder films at the Family History Library?] request that 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 digitize 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!!!book?] ''FamilySearch Feedback Forum'' 27 July 2019, now archivedHelp Center article.</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 Although details are minimal, from c January 2023 it appears that access through your own laptop or other device is not possible, even if provided you are physically present at the FamilySearch Centre as only the FamilySearch computers have the special but to access portal installed which is necessary for connection to the restricted records, as you will need to download the licensing agreements specify FamilySearch computers onlyPortal while connected to the LDS Church Liahona WiFi). 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.

A similar restriction may also apply to a limited number of [[Online books#Family History Books| online books]] which are in the FamilySearch Digital Library, (accessible both through the FamilySearch catalogue and by searching in the FamilySearch Digital Library). There appear to be at least five four different types of restriction wording seen by signed in, non-LDS church members either currently, or in the past:

:'''Update c 22 October 2019'''. All references to "Sign in to Familysearch.org as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" appear to have been removed, to be replaced by the following wording for signed in, non-LDS church members: "You may be able to view this image by visiting one of our partners' sites or the legal record custodian (fees may apply)". (FamilySearch article.<ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/what-are-the-image-restrictions-in-historical-records What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?] FamilySearch Help Center article.</ref>)

*"Access the site at a family history FamilySearch center. Access the site at a FamilySearch affiliate library".*"This book may only be viewed online at the Family History Library, a family history center, or one of FamilySearch’s partner libraries". This message only applies in respect of a limited number of digitised books available in the FamilySearch Digital Library. Some FamilySearch Digital Library books cannot be viewed online at all, when the message is "This book cannot be viewed online due to copyright restrictions".:'''Note''': Partner libraries are few in number, (refer external links below), and are not the same as affiliate libraries. In practice, this means most people need to access the digital file at a Family History Centre.

*To access the digitised records '''you will need to Sign In on the computer at the Family History FamilySearch 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 Newsletter, now no longer available, 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 [https://web.archive.org/web/20200720120926/http://www.sog.org.uk/uploads/Newsletters/SoG_monthly_newsletter_apr_2018.pdf Society of Genealogists], London, a FamilySearch Affiliate Library(archived page).</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. (Although details are minimal, from c January 2023 it appears that access through your own laptop or other device is possible, and provided you are physically present at the FamilySearch Centre but to access the records you will need to download the FamilySearch Portal while connected to the LDS Church Liahona WiFi). 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) . "...you need to log out of FamilySearch before you connect to the Library's wi-fi and then follow a similar procedurelog in again, for the system to recognize you and allow access". (You can log out of FS before you leave home).<ref>Áine Ní Donnghaile [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/546829/#Comment_546829 Affiliate libraries...] ''FamilySearch Community Forum'' 7 March 2024. Accessed 9 March 2024.</ref> *Before you visit a Centre or Affiliate Library, enquire whether it is possible to take a copy of a required record, what means are available, whether there is a charge, whether you can download to your own laptop, or whether you can/need to bring a device such as a USB flash drive/memory stick, or whether is is possible to take a screen shot of a record and send it to your home computer. The only way to keep a copy of the record for future reference may be to either to print out a copy on paper, or by using a memory stickor laptop. (If you directly "attach" a copy of the record to a person in FamilySearch Family Tree, you will not be able to view the record outside the Family History Centre/Affiliate Library.)

Society of Genealogists is a FamilySearch '''Affiliate Library'''.

The Society of Genealogists '''closed''' 17 July 2021 for is also a "few months" as it is moving to FamilySearch scanning centre where your family history or a new locationbook of genealogical value may be scanned, which should be in London somewheresee [https://www.familysearch. From mid May 2022 there is limited access for SoG members in the temporary premisesorg/en/library/digital-library-book-scanning FamilySearch Book Scanning].

*The Rockhampton Family History Centre in Queensland, Australia has /had a set of indexes for baptism, marriage and burial in the three presidencies. Current situation not known.

*FamilySearch Affiliate Library: [http://www.gsnt.org.au Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory Inc] . Location of the Library is 84 Smith in a northern suburb of Darwin at Unit 1, Harry Giese Building, 1 Willeroo Street Darwin(off Henbury Ave), between Searcy and Whitfield Streets - opposite the in/out ramp of the China Town CarparkTiwi NT. A visitor research fee applies if you are not a society member.

*[https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/welcome-to-the-family-history-library Family History FamilySearch Library] FamilySearch website launched c mid February 2021. Includes **[https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/familyrecord-history-library-records-look-uplookup-service Services/Records Look Up Service] introduced 24 May 2021. Note however, although not specifically stated, the Look Up Service does '''not''' apply for records where the record restrictions state "You may be able to view this image by visiting one of our partners' sites or the legal record custodian (fees may apply)".*:'''Update'''. This service is to cease 17 July 2023.**[https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/family-history-library-site-map FamilySearch Library [web<nowiki>]</nowiki>Site Map] which includes Donations/Literary Donations in respect of books etc.:Prior to the Feb. 2021 new website, and still concurrently:[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History FamilySearch Library] FamilySearch Wiki. :*Includes a link , which however now mainly links back to the Family History FamilySearch Library on Facebookwebsite. Also see [https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Category:FamilySearch_Library Category:*includes a link to "How to donate to the Family History FamilySearch Library" in respect of books etc] FamilySearch Wiki.:General email address is <nowiki>fhl@FamilySearch.org</nowiki> <ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/what-are-the-family-history-library-hours What are the Family History FamilySearch Library hours?] FamilySearch Help Centre Article Id: 1277April 20, 2020.</ref>:To report an error in the FamilySearch catalogue, for microfilms, microfiche and digital images contact the FamilySearch Library at: <nowiki>FHL-SLC-FilmRequests@churchofjesuschrist.org</nowiki>, and for all other items contact the FamilySearch Library at <nowiki>books@familysearch.org</nowiki>.<ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-a-correction-to-the-familysearch-catalog How do I request a correction to the FamilySearch Catalog?] FamilySearch Help Center Article Id: 8463, September 14, 2022.</ref>:[https://www.facebook.com/familysearchlibrary/ FamilySearch Library on Facebook]. May be an alternative means of contact for Facebook members.:For non standard telephone enquiresin respect of the FSL (Salt Lake City), try the Family History FamilySearch Library Director's assistant (details<ref>Archibald, Amy. [https://web.archive.org/web/20190109092613/https://getsatisfaction.com/familysearch/topics/have-you-considered-having-a-return-book-cart-on-the-second-floor-for-those-of-us-who-retrieve-a-book Have you considered having a "Return book" cart on the second floor for those of us who retrieve a book from the third floor?] ''FamilySearch Feedback Forum'' 8 January 2019, now archived.</ref>). :[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Category:Family_History_Library Category:Family History Library] FamilySearch Wiki

**[https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/familysearch-affiliate-library-how-toaffiliates/ How to Become a about FamilySearch Affiliate LibraryLibraries] June 6, 2019FamilySearch***[https://www. FamilySearch Blogfamilysearch. org/en/affiliates/onboarding Information on Becoming an Affiliate Library] The contact email address is now <nowiki>affiliatelibraries@familysearch.org</nowiki> (changed introduced 26 June 2021). ***[https://www.familysearch.org/en/affiliates/faq Affiliate Library Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)]

**[https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/familysearch-affiliate-library-faq/ Frequently Asked Questions: FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries] June 6, 2019 FamilySearch Blog.**[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-we-become-an-affiliate-library How do we become an affiliate library?] FamilySearchHelp Center article.**[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/our-affiliate-library-needs-access-to-restricted-images Our affiliate library needs access to restricted images] FamilySearch Helpcenter Help Center article.

*FamilySearch [https://www.familysearch.org/en/info/archive Archives Department Information] gives an email address of <nowiki>archives@familysearch.org</nowiki> as "Contact Us" applicable for archives, churches, and other record custodians.

*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Center_Portal Family History Center Portal] FamilySearch Wiki. Several premium online research services , usually pay websites, are available at Family History FamilySearch Centreswith free access. These websites must be accessed on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre, (Church members may have additional access at church meeting houses) and are '''not''' available at Affiliate Libraries. Includes (at 2023/Feb./03) [[findmypastFindmypast]]probably the Library version (or perhaps an even more limited version as the wording at Feb. 2023 is "not all of the content from Findmypast is available") which does not include newspapers, with the same ownership British Newspaper Archive available at select locations only (previous wording '''some''' UK Family History Centres); Ancestry-Institution Version, fold3 (owned by Ancestry) and MyHeritage-Library Edition and in the United Kingdom only, Geneanet, and at select locations only (previous wording '''some''' UK Family History Centres) The Genealogist. Note MyHeritage has purchased Filae, a resource for accessing French archives and tracing [[French]] ancestors and MyHeritage now contains many French records, but whether and elsewhere these are stated to be included in the MyHeritage-Library Edition is not known. <ref>[https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/introducing-myheritage-library-edition Introducing: MyHeritage Library Edition] Ottawa Public Library.</ref> (Filae is a Partner for Latter day Saints Church members.) From April 2023 NewspaperArchive an an American pay website (mainly US newspapers) is available for free (Previously The Genealogist was previous periods either not available or only available in selected locations). It is suggested you check before visiting whether the FamilySearch Centre you intend visiting has the UK, but this appears to have been withdrawn)website you are interested in as '''changes are possible'''. :For actual access to these websites, at the Family History FamilySearch Centre, on a FamilySearch computer, first open the FamilySearch Portal, then open the premium website, then sign in through FamilySearch.<ref>genbug08. [https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/385443/#Comment_385443 Family History Centers] ''FamilySearch Community [Forum]'' 14 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.</ref>