Images in Restricted collections
I understand that the full text search does not include any results that are restricted to viewing at a Family Search Center, unless you are at one. This makes it very hard to figure out if you need to go to a FSC. They way I have been looking for "missing" collections in the full text search results has been to do an image search for that location and that type of record. Today I discovered a restricted collection that does not even return in an images search. I only know it exists because the collection is in the catalog. I was under the impression the catalog was not being updated.
Can someone explain to me how I can confirm that certain types of documents for a given location are restricted to viewing in a FSC? It is unsettling that they don't even appear when searching images. Thank you in advance.
Answers
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It is very sad that this question is not answered. I will assume that the cause is one of 2 things.
First, it might be that the programming required to include restricted collections in search results but then block the images with a prompt to go to a FSC is either too expensive or too time consuming.
Second, and this possibility really bothers me, FamilySearch now has an unstated policy of hiding collections that contain restricted images unless you are at a Family Search Center. Once the old catalog goes away there will be no way of confirming that a collection exists unless you go to a Family Search Center. Most people will not make that connection and the traffic to Family Search Centers should start to slow down. No one will be prompted to go any more. Is this really what the plan is?
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@Gail Swihart Watson Apologies for the delay in response. We are in a transition with this group due to unforeseen issues. Hang tight and we will get you an answer. Thanks for your understanding and patience.
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Seeking some clarification wrt the query by @Gail Swihart Watson
Have digital images which are 'Restricted' undergone FTS processing? If yes, are the associated image transcripts visible at a FSC or Family History Library?0 -
@Mark McKenzie_1 The answer is "It Depends." I regularly use Full-Text Search when I'm at my Affiliate Library or FSC. Some collections have been processed. I successfully used FTS on some restricted early English wills, New Jersey cemetery records, and New York City vital records just this past week.
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@Áine Ní Donnghaile So what would I see if I tried to accomplish a Full Text Search looking for one of the restricted records you mention? No result at all or some kind of message indicating the image is restricted? Might you know…
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I would 😁.
If you're at an AL or FSC, generally, this banner is across the top of the screen.
If you try from home, you'll get the "No Results Found" error message.
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The 'No Results Found' is not exactly helpful. The 'Banner' you mention would at least give me a clue to head to a FSC
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The banner is what you see when you're already at the FSC/AL. The old banner, while at an FSC, used to make me laugh because it read something like "There are many records available at the FSC. Download the extension to access." Of course, I already have the extension installed which is why I could see the banner.
If you check the catalog, the icons there are pretty useful for pointing out which DGS can be viewed from home/AL/FSC/SLC. Oh - and now there is also an icon showing which are Full-Text search enabled from your location.
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