Access to Records from the Philippines
Today I received an email from FHL regarding my request for remote records. The records originate from the Philippines therefore they are not available to the public, but I have been able to request copies of specific records until today. I was told that images are no longer available but basic information - name, dates and relationships can be sent. Not being able to view the entire record obstructs the ability to make determinations about its relevance and does not allow the researcher to fully "mine" the content for information. With very little public information available from the Philippines, receiving images from FHL was the only way to validate and further my family research.
I urge those administering the Family Search functionality to inform family researchers of known data limitations (limited access to records from the Philippines) and make negotiating terms with the Filipino government a priority by actively collaborating on a solution that truly allows Filipinos to discover their ancestors.
Best Answer
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@joannaque We can understand your frustration. I imagine that many of us have ancestors from places where it is difficult to obtain records. Please know that FamilySearch makes every effort to negotiate full access to records for all. But, record custodians have the ultimate say in who can and can't see records on our website. And, sometimes our contracts with record custodians change. It would appear that this is what has happened with the records from the Philippines that you hoped to get copies of using the Library Lookup Service.
You might want to explore the Research Wiki article about Philippines research to see what other resources are out there for you:
We wish you well in your continuing research.
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FYI
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ...
Please be, aware; and, advised ...
That 'FamilySearch', ALREADY does provide, "Articles", on the possible, ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", regarding the various "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
Here are just some of the "Knowledge Articles", in 'FamilySearch':
Why are there access limitations on Historical Records?
Why do some indexes have access limitations?
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/why-are-some-indexes-restricted
What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?
Now ...
That Said ...
For the vast MAJORITY, of the "Records", in 'FamilySearch', 'FamilySearch' is NOT, the "Record" Custodian.
The "Record" Custodian primarily governs; and, is more often than not, responsible for, the ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", placed upon THEIR "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
'FamilySearch', is bound, by the MANY "Contractual Agreements/Arrangements, between, 'FamilySearch'; and, the MANY various "Record" Custodians.
Of course, there are OTHER matters, that MAY also govern, the ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", regarding the various "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
I am certain, that 'FamilySearch', would LOVE to make, ALL of the "Records", it "Holds", FREELY available (and, accessible) to ALL; but, unfortunately, such can not always be the case.
Plus ...
The ACCESSIBILTY, to the many various "Records", in 'FamilySearch', can 'come and go', on a REGULAR basis.
The ACCESSIBILTY, to the many various "Records", in 'FamilySearch', is subject to those "Contractual Agreements/Arrangements; which, generally "Expire"; and, NEED to be "Renewed"; where, the "Record" Custodian, is at liberty to "Set" (or, "Change") ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", placed upon THEIR "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.
Such happens ... And, very often ...
Just my thoughts.
I know, that this certainly may not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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