An idea to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 & foster wellbeing
LegacyUser
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A F West said: While people around the world are self-isolating or physically distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, would you consider making images, usually only available at a Family History Center or to Church members, available to everyone online?
This would be a marvellous public service, at a time when lots of people could take the opportunity to find out more about their ancestry. It could help people pass the time in a rewarding way, meaning that they are less likely to want to 'break the rules'.
And we know that understanding more about who we are and where we come from is good for our mental wellbeing. We can share what we find out with family members online, fostering connection at this time when so many people are feeling lonely and frightened.
Hoping you will consider my idea and thank you for all you do already for the genealogy community.
This would be a marvellous public service, at a time when lots of people could take the opportunity to find out more about their ancestry. It could help people pass the time in a rewarding way, meaning that they are less likely to want to 'break the rules'.
And we know that understanding more about who we are and where we come from is good for our mental wellbeing. We can share what we find out with family members online, fostering connection at this time when so many people are feeling lonely and frightened.
Hoping you will consider my idea and thank you for all you do already for the genealogy community.
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Comments
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A van Helsdingen said: All restrictions are due to contracts between FS and the record custodian. To change the restrictions on access for non-LDS, FS would need to negotiate a new temporary contract. This may be feasible for a few large record sets- e.g. UK censuses (the 1841-1881 censuses are FHC/Affiliate Library only for non-LDS), but would take years of work to include very minor record sets. And this at a time when record custodians- the archives, libraries, museums etc that own the records have more pressing issues.
FS has not indicated that any contracts include provisions for relaxing access in times of crisis like this. Maybe it is something they could consider for the future.
See the official response from FS here: https://getsatisfaction.com/familysea...0 -
Brett said: A F West
Firstly, "Welcome" to this "FamilySearch" ( "GetStaisfaction" ) 'Feedback' Forum.
Secondly, "Official 'FamilySearch' Representatives", do monitor; and, sometimes, participate in, this Forum.
Thirdly, I am just another User/Patron, just like yourself (and, happen to be a Member of the Church).
Many Users/Patrons who regularly participate in this Forum who have a great deal of knowledge and experience with "FamilySearch", like to assist/help other Users/Patrons like yourself - as evidence in the previous "Reply", by 'A van Helsdingen'.
Finally, short answer: 'No'.
You are not alone.
The request to lift the "Restrictions" on the viewing of Records due to the worldwide situation with the COVD-19 Virus has been requested a number of time in this Forum alone.
Here is a response (and, the 'link' to that response), in just one of those previous posts, from an "Official 'FamilySearch' Representative" on the matter:
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Relaxing Restricted Access due to FHC closures
https://getsatisfaction.com/familysea...
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FamilySearch Moderator (Moderator) 3 days ago
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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.
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,
FamilySearch Support
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https://getsatisfaction.com/familysea...
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I know that this does not help; but, I hope that this puts things into perspective.
Brett
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A F West said: Thanks0
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A F West said: Thanks Brett0
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FamilySearch Moderator said: Please refer to:
https://getsatisfaction.com/familysearch/topics/requests-for-access-to-records-during-temporary-clos...0
This discussion has been closed.