Incorrect Symbols in Catalog

LegacyUser

A van Helsdingen said: Over the last few weeks, it has been very common that when I use the Catalog and attempt to view films, that the symbol of a camera with a key appears, even though the films are in fact available from home computers. When I click on the symbol, I am able to view them without issues (unless the film is genuinely restricted) . It tends to occur only once per session. This is with Google Chrome and Windows 10.

While in most cases I know that the records are meant to be available, and therefore click on the camera with key symbol regardless, many users do not. They will falsely think that the records can only be viewed at a FHC or Affiliate Library. This is particularly unfortunate at a time where many of these facilities are either closed or only partially open.

LegacyUser

Juli said: Next time it happens, scroll up and check your login status. You're probably not logged in, and that's why it's showing false restrictions. Clicking the icon anyway triggers the automatic re-login, and that's why you can proceed to view the film.

There was a change in behavior relatively recently. It primarily affects the catalog, although sometimes it causes weird errors (and a need to restart) in film viewing from other directions. For a few days in August, people were posting questions about "new restrictions on FS" multiple times daily on various genealogical fora.

LegacyUser

MaureenE said: I am copying a comment I made September 01, 2020 13.03 on another post
"Recently I was signed in, and at some time became logged out without realising it. I was searching in the catalog and wondering why I was getting different results for digitised microfilm viewing conditions compared to previously.

It took me a long time to realise that digitised microfilms which would show a camera icon if logged in (I am a non church member) i.e. viewable on my home computer if logged in, show, if not logged in either no icon at all, or a microfilm icon meaning only viewable as a microfilm.

I think this is really confusing, and although it is reasonable to be signed in to view records, I think it shows a VERY UNHELPFUL and secretive attitude to display different catalog details depending whether you are signed in or not, especially when you think you ARE signed in."

(originally made https://getsatisfaction.com/familysea...)

My case differs slightly to that of A van Helsdingen, in that the catalogue details were showing digitised records were NOT AVAILABLE AT ALL. Why it should be necessary to have catalog details dependent on whether you are signed in or not I do not know, but if it is considered necessary, SURELY YOU SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE SIGN IN PAGE AS SOON AS YOU BEGIN TO SEARCH THE CATALOG.