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Return Family Search to what it was.

Kimberly Woodward
Kimberly Woodward ✭
May 14 in Suggest an Idea

Why are most of your catalogue records locked for viewing? Records that I could previously view are no longer available unless I go to a family search center. Very disappointed and I find your site is pretty much useless now.

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New · Last Updated May 14

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  • Brett .
    Brett . ✭✭✭✭✭
    May 14

    @Kimberly Woodward

    Kimberly

    Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.

    I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

    Just in passing ...

    That 'FamilySearch', ALREADY does provide, "Articles", on the possible, ACCESS, "Limitations"; and, "Restrictions", regarding the various "Records" in 'FamilySearch'.

    Unfortunately ...

    Like it or not ...

    Many records, that were once available, in 'FamilySearch, are becoming "Unavailable" ...

    [ The availably/accessibility, of "Records", in 'FamilySearch' ... come and go ... on a regular basis ... ]

    [ ie. There one day, gone the next ... ]

    There are MANY reasons for such ...

    Here are some "Knowledge Articles", in 'FamilySearch':

    Why did some historical records disappear from FamilySearch?

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/why-have-some-historical-records-disappeared-from-familysearch

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/why-have-some-historical-records-disappeared-from-familysearch

    Why are there access limitations on Historical Records?

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/why-are-there-access-restrictions-on-historical-records

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/why-are-there-access-restrictions-on-historical-records

    What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/what-are-the-image-restrictions-in-historical-records

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/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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  • A van Helsdingen
    A van Helsdingen ✭✭✭✭
    May 14 edited May 14

    The Catalog is undergoing maintenance, and over the last week I've experienced many problems. Simply refreshing a page can cause records to go from showing a microfilm reel symbol (indicating access is only through microfilm) to a camera symbol without a key, indicating the records can be accessed online from home.

    Could you mention the records you are trying to view? Someone on this forum who knows the records well may be able to suggest alternative ways to view those records.

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