Changes

'''Update effective 6 July 2021'''. The Family History 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'''

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 in time 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://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Introduction_to_LDS_Family_History_Centers Introduction to LDS Family History Centers] for more details.

The previous microfilm ordering service has ceased to be now been replaced, over time, by digitised microfilms. The last day for ordering microfilms was 7 September 2017.<ref>[https://familysearch.org/ask/faq#overview Digital Records Access Replacing Microfilm] FamilySearch </ref> Some Centres have retained some microfilms in their own permanent mini collections.

'''Some All microfilms have already 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 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?] FamilySearch.</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 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.

Most microfilms are expected to be digitised and available before the end The digitisation of microfilms was completed in September 2021. Microfiches Some years ago it was advised microfiches will be digitised after the digitisation of microfilms has been is completed, (but there is no current information). However, some microfilms may not be available digitally for many years, perhaps decades, due to restrictions in the country of origin of the records, relating to data privacy restrictions, which may be more restrictive for digital images than for microfilms.<ref>Paller

Update September 2021: Microfilm digitisation has been completed, but microfiche still is not digitised, so the following wording will probably apply to microfiche. If you have a film you need that has not been digitised, (as shown by the fact that there is no DGS number), you can reach out to FamilySearch support to express your interest in having that particular film being prioritised earlier in the scanning process,<ref>[https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?] FamilySearch. Currently (2021 March) microfiche cannot be digitised.</ref> through the 'icon marked ?/Contact us' at the top right hand corner of the webpage. (Recent changes mean that in practice you need to post in FamilySearch Community. Post your request in the Q and A section, category [https://community.familysearch.org/en/categories/search Search] stating it is for the attention of the the Historical Records Team. As part of the process you will be asked to register with the Community section, if you have not registered previously).

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA retains an extensive collection of microfilms, including all those not yet digitisedavailable 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>).