Is there a way to access library only viewable digital items from home during the current COVID shut
Records only available from library. Is there a way to access them from home until this ends. I currently live near Tampa FL so there are two branches nearby.
Answers
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@MichaelWotruba1 MichaelWotruba1
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Michael
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Short Answer: 'No', unfortunately not.
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We all have to wait until the "Family History Centres" (FHCs) of the Church (and, 'FamilySearch' Affiliate Libraries) are open again.
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Now ...
That said ...
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Just to put things into perspective ...
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Here is a post in the 'FamilySearch' ("GetSatisfaction") 'Feedback' Forum, of 3 Months 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, 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.
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Brett
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Brett: your short answer is wrong.
Many people forget that besides FHC libraries (which are closed); there are "affiliated libraries" that have access to these films. Some of these libraries are open. If you can travel south to Manatee County; the public libraries are open with limited occupancy. You might consider that option. Check this link for locations.
https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/centerlocator?c=Bradenton#
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@fbax fbax
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'No', my short answer is NOT totally wrong.
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My response represented that of "Family History Centres" (FHCs) of the Church; and, I should have referenced 'FamilySearch' Centres (FSCs) of the Church, rather than simply 'FamilySearch' Affiliate Libraries.
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'FamilySearch' Affiliate Libraries, are not 'of the Church'; and, in some cases DO NOT have ALL the (ie. "Full") access, of FHCs; and/or, FSCs, so not ALL Films (etc) can be viewed/access; although, many can.
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If any 'FamilySearch' Affiliate Library is now "Open" again, despite the continuing 'COVID-19" Pandemic, that is well and good; but, personally, I would NOT be going there yet. Especially, not over that 'neck of the woods'. Not too many Countries are doing well yet - New Zealand is an example of a Country that is doing well - my locale "Down Under" is NOT faring as well as New Zealand; but, we are getting there slowly, some of the "Restrictions" in some 'States" are being relaxed; but, not all; and, not too quickly.
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Now ...
That said ...
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That 'link' that you provided for "Bradenton" ...
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Firstly, I would suggest that that "Bradenton Florida Family History Center" (of the Church) at 3400 Cortez Road,
Bradenton, Florida, USA, is, in fact, "Closed"; although, NOT indicated there.
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Secondly, notice the 'Rider' on ALL those "Libraries" around "Bradenton" (that are designated as "FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries") ...
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Access to certain collections may be limited.
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And, furthermore ...
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Consider contacting the library before your visit.
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Notwithstanding ...
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You point is well taken, in future, I will amend my responses accordingly.
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Brett
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I've found an alternate solution. The raw pictures for many are hosted by the Italian government site http://www.antenati.san.beniculturali.it/
I'm not sure there is 100% cross over, but none of the ones I'm looking for are indexed anyway.
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Yes, here in New Zealand, Affiliate Libraries, which are generally public libraries, should all be open again. I visited one (though not for genealogical research) about a month ago. Of course, not all restricted records can be viewed from Affiliate Libraries.
For some reason, New Zealand FHCs are still closed, despite there being no restrictions on gathering sizes since 9 June. I would presume that Latter Day Saint worship has resumed.
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@A van Helsdingen
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FYI
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The reason that "Family History Centres" of the Church are NOT open is because ...
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'NO', Church (General) 'Meetings' (ie. Sunday; or, any/other such activities) have "Resumed".
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There has been NO word (ie. "Approval") from the Leaders of the Church when such will there will be such resumption.
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I do not think that the Leaders of the Church will be too hasty or swift to re-start Church activities.
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It was such a blessing that the Leaders of the Church acted so swiftly to stop ALL Church activities well before most Countries mandated such.
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Even when the Leaders of the Church give "Approval" for the re-opening of "Family History Centres" of the Church, due to local jurisdictions "Restrictions" [ie. (Health) Guidelines and Laws, etc], the re-opening of "Family History Centres" of the Church around the World will be on a 'Staged' basis - ie. some countries re-opening before others.
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Brett
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😀
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