Availability of German Records
I need to access the microfilms on this page: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/230444 (Specifically, DGS 102103585)
The description states "Not available to non-members of the LDS Church in Europe." I am a member of the LDS church and I am located in the United States, not in Europe. I also have no intention of sending copies of these records to people in Europe. So, why can't I access the records? Is there some way I can access them? Can I send in a microfilm request?
Answers
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Ok, so I found this post: https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/127254/can-i-access-a-restricted-record#latest
So I think I will try a remote look-up request. That is not ideal, I really would like to go through the records myself, to make sure nothing is missed. If there is any way you can make these records available, even if it is restricted to family history centers, that would make me happy.
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Have you visited your local FHC to see if they are available to view using one of the Center's computers? There are records that are not available from home but can be accessed at an FHC or some may only be available at the FHL in Salt Lake.
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When I try to access these records, I see a film reel symbol, which usually indicates that the records are not available online under any circumstances and must be viewed on microfilm at Salt Lake City. However since I'm not an LDS member it is possible that LDS members may see a different symbol.
In my experience of German Church records, sometimes things in the Notes section of the catalog about restrictions can be out of date, note that these records were first filmed in 1983.
DGS 102103585 has 6 items. Items 5-6 are from another parish (https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/231420?availability=Family%20History%20Library) FamilySearch must have permission to publish ALL 6 items, otherwise it cannot publish the film. I have been told that in some parts of German Lutheran records are owned at the parish level, thus it is possible for some parishes to refuse permission and for others to grand it.
One day FS may be able to divide films into their separate Items and publish those they have permission to publish and not the others. In the meantime, I suggest looking for these records on Archion ($)
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