I usually go to the local Family History Center if I need to look at online records that are locked
Answers
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Short Answer: NO
This below is the message that is currently being shown on FamilySearch screen - when viewing the Catalog.
Due to contractual obligations, FamilySearch cannot offer expanded access to historical records that are restricted to family history centers and affiliate libraries, despite the temporary closure of these facilities. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by COVID-19 precautionary measures.
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the vast record collections that are available on FamilySearch. Millions of new indexed records and images are added weekly. And if you haven’t used our new Explore Historical Images tools, you might be surprised at the potential discoveries you can make in our growing unindexed image collections. We appreciate your patience, loyalty, and support.
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@Lisa LisaPosey3
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Lisa
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Here is a post in the "FamilySearch" ("GetSatisfaction") 'Feedback' Forum, of 21 Days ago, by "FamilySearch", on this matter, that anyone can access ...
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Requests for access to records during temporary closings
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Quote:
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Thank you for your inquiry and suggestion. We have had several requests in this regard as a result of the temporary closing of our Family History Library and family history centers due to COVID-19 precautions. Due to contractual obligations, we unfortunately cannot offer expanded external access to records restricted to family history centers and affiliate libraries. We apologize for this inconvenience.
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In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the vast record collections that are available on FamilySearch. Millions of new indexed records and images are added weekly. And if you haven’t used our new Explore Historical Images tools, you might be surprised at the potential discoveries you can make in our growing unindexed image collections.
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We appreciate your patience, loyalty, and support,
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FamilySearch Support
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And, as 'FamilyBible' has already provided details of, here is an Image of the "Banner" at the TOP of the "Search/Records" in "FamilySearch":
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And, here is a "Knowledge Article" in "FamilySearch" on the matter:
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Access to restricted records during COVID-19 outbreak
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Quote:
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Information
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We have had several requests to remove record access restrictions as a result of the temporary closing of our Family History Library and family history centers due to COVID-19 precautions. Due to contractual obligations, we unfortunately cannot offer expanded external access to records restricted to family history centers and affiliate libraries. We apologize for this inconvenience.
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In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the vast record collections that are available on FamilySearch. Millions of new indexed records and images are added weekly. And if you haven’t used our new Explore Historical Images tools, you might be surprised at the potential discoveries you can make in our growing unindexed image collections.
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We appreciate your patience, loyalty, and support.
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I know that this does not help; but, I hope it puts things in perspective ...
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Brett
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Actually you CAN view FHC restricted records just not expanded to sharing by email or other online sharing. Called FHC support on this one plus had a friend try it.
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please clarify
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Here's the answer I received end of March. in My Cases:
Case: Restricted records (07371504)
31 March 2020 11:44 AM
Details: Problem: Patron wanted to know if both members and non-members had access to restricted records while in a FHC if they could get into the FHC by appointment. Solution: Patron was informed that both members and non-members can view restricted records while in a FHC. They were also informed that FHCs are closed due to COVID-19.
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I'm confused
as case this points out - Restricted record can be seen at the FHC's
but the FHC's are all closed - COVID 19 - which was the point of the original posting.
so in summary no one has access to restricted records under the current situation.
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Our FHC is "closed" to the public with no Open Hours, but it has By Appointment Only and so if the local FH PH Leader allows appointments, then as long as the number of patrons + staff does not exceed what the Bishop allows in the building at any given time.
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ok - but I believe that is pretty rare
in most locations the buildings are totally locked down.
would be interesting to see what others say.
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The other FHC in our Stake--largest city in our state--just allowed the "Director" (under permisison from EQ FH Leader in Ward) to let a nonmember by appointment view restricted records. Maybe the Stake HC over FH needs to coordinate for all the wards with FHC's in the building--don't know--would think Bishop is final judge of what happens in the building?
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In many cases the entire stake has been told to lock the down the buildings - period.
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In my country of New Zealand for instance, "non-essential" services have to be closed. Genealogical research is not included in the definition of "essential" services, so FHCs must close or else those who operate and use them are liable to penalties.
Unfortunately we must accept that many records on FS are completely unavailable until the end of "lockdown" in each state or country. In some cases the records that we want may be available on another site, though a subscription fee may apply.
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I would think in most cases Bishops/Stake Presidents would be very wary of accepting the risk of a COVID infection due to their judgement - the church and person could/would be liable. (all it takes is one single infected person)
That's why I think we need to stick to the statement for a broad service like FamilySearch - that FHC's are closed.
and leave it at that.
I do realize though that certain states and localities are much harder hit than others and thus the possibility that in some areas people think they can maybe have FHC appointments on an adhoc basis.
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Referring patrons to the FS Research Wiki often reveals other databases containing the required documentation.
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Thank you all for your replies. We are under a stay-at-home order in our state so I was wondering whether people who work in the Family History Library are able to do virtual help sessions instead. Since they aren't in the building, I thought maybe they could share access to those locked files through their own login as part of virtual appointments. I guess nothing like that is going on so we'll just have to wait.
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When I contacted FS FHC Support, they confirmed the FHL is closed so that would not be possible but imagine a skeleton crew is managing the servers possibly from home.
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many people are working remote
technically it is possible - just verges on being illegal though
(in violation of legal contracts with FS vendors )
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Seems best to avoid any conflicts with vendor contracts and just wait it out.
Thanks.
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Working remotely on servers is not illegal or none of us could access any records on FS catalog. FHC support checked with Supervisors and key word is "expanded "--best to contact them but things can change...
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no of course not
what is in violation of contracts - is making items available outside of the terms of contract that FS has negotiated with the vendors of the data.
(i.e. using remote access to get people access to an item at the FHC/HHL)
enough on the subject.
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We are talking about records that can only be viewed at an FHC or Affiliate Library. The contracts specify that one must be physically present an FHC or AL to view the records. Working remotely etc is not allowed and is a serious violation of the contracts. As far as is known, no exceptions are made in any contracts for when the FHCs have to close due to situations like we are currently in.
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