Microfilm images not available?
Does anybody in about items that still show just the film reel icon and are not available, but show an Image Group Number? All information out there says that all microfilm has been converted, but this particular example is not accessible: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/163221
(This appears to be different than needing to visit a FHC or affiliate library)
Best Answer
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The icons now have different meanings. See:
Specifically:
Film reel indicates that FamilySearch has a physical version of the material—a microfilm or microfiche. The record custodian denies user access to the digital images.
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Answers
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Note that, contrary to common assumptions, "digitized" is not at all the same thing as "available online". All microfilms in FS's (vast) holdings have been digitized, but that doesn't mean that we can all look at all of them from everywhere.
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Put another way, in your specific example it is probably the case that nobody can view the images - from anywhere!
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Although - sometimes - non-LDS Church members see a film reel icon while members of the Church see a camera icon and can see the images.
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I stand corrected! For "probably" read "possibly".
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@Matthew Adair_1
The DGS # indicates that the collection is digitally preserved. The reel indicates it is accessible only by microfilm.
Please see these articles:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/familysearch-microfilm-collection-digitized
https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/familysearch-completes-digitization-of-massive-microfilm-collectionAt the bottom of the blog article:
Note: All of the microfilms are digitized and published on FamilySearch. However, that does not mean they are all “available” for viewing. While the majority are broadly accessible, some will have varying degrees of access limitations governed by contractual agreements or other restraints. Where access limitations exist, most will be available through the FamilySearch Family History Library, a local FamilySearch center, or a commercial website. There are also some digital collections that are not currently available. We apologize for any inconvenience in these circumstances.0 -
I have never understood, given all these permission details are available in FS' database (otherwise they could not enforce them accurately), why they can't just publish them on the website for clarity, e.g. LDS only, FSC only, accessible via partner website only (in which case why not link to it?) Surely this is not rocket science.
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@MandyShaw1 Well, the catalog has been locked and not updated for 3+ years. And, contracts change. FamilySearch has never shared details of contracts, and that's not surprising. I don't know of any genealogy provider that shares details of contracts with record holders.
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That's not what I was after, surely they can say something is for LDS only (for example) without exposing a contract?
Point taken re the catalog, but this also affects (for example) the browsing of image collections.
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The old format did say some records were restricted to Church members only. That changed about 7 years ago. There was likely backlash from some parties, and that part of the explanation was removed.
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Ah OK. that makes sense.
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