Availability of indexed records

BarbaraMurck

What happens to records once they have been indexed? Are the indexed, searchable records only then available through FamilySearch, or are they also shared with the originating organization (such as a local government or church in another country)? Thank you.

Colin Yamamoto_1

As family search acts as a service indexing organization's records around the globe, i think that both parties will then have access to the finished files. I know we have been able to access them here, but it wouldnt make sense for this to be the only place where they can be browsed.

Melissa S Himes

Some of the records that are indexed will only have links to the images on the website of the owners. Like records that belong to Ancestry, Fold3, Find My Past, etc., may show an index or a partial index on FamilySearch and the researcher will be directed to access the partner's site to view the image. There is always a sentence in the What To Remember section of the project instructions as to how the collection will be used. For example: "The completed index and links to digital images will be freely accessible online to the general public when the collection is published." or "The completed index and images may have restrictions." It all depends on the negotiations between the owners of the records and FamilySearch as to how they will displayed.

BarbaraMurck

Thank you for your reply

Colin Yamamoto_1

youre welcome🙂

BarbaraMurck

Thanks, Melissa - I didn't realize that's what that statement meant. Got it.