Look up Service
I used the lookup service a great deal while it was up. It was invaluable to me as I live about 8 hours away from Salt Lake. I would like to make a request that this service be restarted. When I can get the book in another location I do. I have at times requested interlibrary loans, but have never received a loan from another library. Being able to contact the FHL and get page copies made was gold to me.
Please reconsider restarting this service.
Thank you,
Sarah
Comments
-
Presumably FamilySearch stopped this service as they did not feel they could prioritise it when there are so many other pressing needs to be met, and only limited resources.
Obviously this has affected many individuals, some living half way across the world from SLC. So, hopefully, this service might be restored some day, but I wouldn't be too optimistic about that.
2 -
@Jael Raymond Have you tried the feedback button on the Lookup Service page? https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/record-lookup-service
1 -
Yes, the lookup service was extremely helpful. It's not strictly an issue of how far away a FSL branch is. Mobility issues of patrons and extremely limited hours (6 hours a week, by appointment only) make branches under-utilized.
Increasing the number of FS affiliate libraries would go a long ways to increasing access to records, if FSL branches continue to be short on resources. In nearly all cases, I've identified the record in question but can't view it at home. Getting guidance on research isn't nearly as large an issue (the more genealogically-focused service one expects at FSL vs local public library).
First stopping the circulation of SLC microfilms to local FHL branches and more recently not offering off-site film to be viewed at SLC also means it's harder to access many records. Yes there's digitizing progress. But it's still more helpful to wait for film to arrive locally than to make a trip to SLC. Nearly daily, I find records I want to see the image to analyze that are either not viewable from home, or are still on film. I utilize the unindexed records that are digitized. It would be so helpful to get *all* films into that unindexed collection.
0 -
I fully realize that distance is not the only obstacle. My local only reopened many months after others were open, and it is now only open 1 hour per week, in the evening. Not great for seniors who can't drive after dark or when the winter weather rolls in.
However, there has been some speculation about what might occur if enough people give feedback regarding difficulty accessing a Center. If no one uses that feedback option, we'll never know.
1 -
I agree. Our local FRC hours are limited but unfortuantely that's not my issue. I have an 1880 tax record I'd like to look for my ancestor in but they are only viewable in SLC which is half way across the country and just isn't going to happen for me. The FRC staff suggested I contact SLC to see about getting help looking up the records in questions. They stated that this would not be a breach of the restriction since the actual record wouldn't be leaving SLC. If I were going to SLC myself I'd want a copy of the relevant page and this would be ok so having someone volunteering to do it for me would be fine too since I cannot go there myself. The fact the local FRC advised me to pursue this and the fact that SLC clearly had volunteers doing this also supports this idea. I called SLC and they confirmed that it is really a staffing resource issue. Therefore, the problem now is finding someone close enough and willing to look up the record for me and send the relevant findings. For a tax list it would likley be 1 page per tax year in question. I am mainly interested in powell county Kentucky for 1880 but would appreciate the year befpre and after as well. Most likely district 4 or possibly 3. I am happy t reemburse cost and even a reasonable fee for this help. THhanks in advance for any help or other guidance anyone can provide.
Brian
0 -
@Brian Lmx The Cyndi's List page for SLC lists quite a few options. https://www.cyndislist.com/us/ut/professionals/
1
