Misunderstanding of "All microfilms now digitized"
From the announcement of all microfilms are now digitized, I am receiving emails from people asking why they cannot see the records online now.
Would you please add to that announcement a clarification to the fact that even though all are digitized, not all will be online.
I just talked with a wonderful sister in FS support about some of the reasons, some of which I am aware of; however, that was not mentioned or made clear in the announcement.
One person that has contacted me is unhappy, and feels the Church has misled many researchers.
Another person writes a weekly genealogy column in a large newspaper and asked me to help him "get it right" so he can put it in his column - he cites records he's looking for that still have the film icon and is wondering why.
Also, it really helps if the FHC Leaders (Directors) were aware of this a little ahead of time and given statements of clarification for us to pass along to those who are "misunderstanding".
Thanks for helping us with a clarification of this wonderful project.
Linda
Comments
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Hello @Linda Laing
Thank you for using the Community and voicing your request. We are surmising that you are referring to the blog article "FamilySearch Completes Massive Microfilm Digitization Project" https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/familysearch-microfilm-collection-digitized/
If this is indeed where you obtained the information you are speaking about, then we suggest that you go directly to the blog and submit a comment there. We think that this is your best recourse to getting the message to those who can address this issue.
If this does not help you with your concern, please reply to this post and we will try something else.
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Good suggestion. I just posted comments there myself. Unintentionally, I'm sure, the author of this article has created a lot of confusion and disappointment, by not explaining that a huge amount of this digitized material will remain unavailable for the general public to view.
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Why can’t I view some films/images online?
"All of the microfilms are digitized and published on FamilySearch. However, that does not mean they are all “available” for viewing. While the majority are broadly accessible, some will have varying degrees of access limitations governed by contractual agreements or other restraints. Where access limitations exist, most will be available through the FamilySearch Family History Library, a local FamilySearch center, or a commercial website. There are also some digital collections that are not currently available. We apologize for any inconvenience in these circumstances."
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Yes, Amy. You have done well in emphasising that point against the Blog item, too. It's a shame the original article did not explain this, especially if it has been posted in outside sources, without your clarification.
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I've requested an edit to the blog article regarding this issue. It is up to the editorial team if they will edit it. The best I can do right now is to keep posting the FAQ and explaining that digital preservation doesn't equal accessibility.
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Amy Archibald,
I shared some of the blog comments to which you referred. Your last reply to me included this "Official" answer to the FAQ. Along with that well worded (and informative) answer, you included to me some comments of your own.
I wanted to tell you what a fabulous and sometimes miraculous job you've done in responding to a flood of questions. I'm surprised you didn't give up as many would have done under similar circumstances.
You did not give up or give in and continue replying some simplistic answer. Instead, you responded to each query with incredible feeling and sympathy for the plight so many expressed. I wanted to publicly applaud your superhuman efforts. I had never seen anyone offer such care and concern over such an important issue.
I truly hope all the highest officials at FamilySearch.org recognize what superb impact you've made as you've handled such a difficult issue without being given the authority of editorial authorship you needed and deserved. Hopefully the leaders / publishers of this church blog will some day soon make you a blog editor. No one could handle the job with more sensitivity than you.
Ron.V
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