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 has now ceased (September 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.

In addition, there are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries, which may be public libraries, or libraries connected with genealogical societies, etc. Often an Affiliate Library will have longer operating hours than a FamilySearch Centre, or perhaps may be larger institutions with more computers available to view records. However, some records cannot be viewed at an Affiliate Library.

'''[https://www.familysearch.org/locations/ centerlocator Find a Family History Center and 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>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 'Help/ Contact Us'(provide full details of your attempts to date). There is also some information in the FamilySearch Wiki '''[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Category:Family_History_Centers Category:Family History Centers]''', but not for all Centres, and Affiliate Libraries probably are not listed.

'''Always confirm opening times prior to a visit''', as the website details, even if available, may not be up to date. Also confirm the address. Website details for some Centres do not include the address. (For one Affiliate Library noted, which is known to operate at two different addresses, only one address appears appeared on the FamilySearch web details, which is was different to the information appearing on the Affiliate Library's website, although this has now been corrected.).

The microfilm ordering service has ceased to be replaced, over time, by digitised microfilms. The last day for ordering microfilms was 7 September 21072017.<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.

:'''Note''', in the past, signed-in LDS church members had access to a wider range of records than non LDS church members, and it is believed this situation continues. In particular, LDS church members were able to view the India church records originating from the British Library on their home computers, and it is believed this is still the current situation.

Note that the Centres listed below are a selection only of those available. Affiliate Libraries are listed included as they generally have longer opening hours. '''Note however, Affiliate Libraries currently do not have access to some FamilySearch records originating from the British Library, important for India research''', although Affiliate Libraries were able to provide access in the past to all records from the British Library.

For those in or near Sydney, NSW, Australia it is recommended that you attend the LDS Family History Centre at North Parramatta. This Centre holds many India related films of records from the [[British Library]] permanently onsite, including all the baptism, marriage and burial indexes, indexes relating to wills, Registers of European Soldiers Services to 1860 and some of the [[Biographical Records (IOR O series)| IOR O series]] records. This will save you a lot of time, as you do not need to order in these films. Currently In the past (c November 2009) Thursdays and Saturdays usually have had librarians on duty who have a particular interest in India. Enquire about the current situation. Details current at November 2009:

:Opening hours given on the website, (current at September 2017): 10.30am- 2.30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and 2nd and 3rd Saturdays. Closed School Holidays and Public Holidays. '''Note''', no details at all provided provided October 2019.