Covid affecting Family Search centres and Libraries
So many times I try to search for inforamtion on teh website and find that nearly 99% of the time I am sent to visit a local FamilySearch Centre. I have called and left several voicemails and presume they are closed as I have not recievd any callbacks. So for the last 8 months I can do nothing. I cant visit, I cant call, I cant get the information from the website. IS there a system in place that we cant change so we dont have to look for a familySearch Centre and endanger volunteers and ourselves in the process? Any ideas other than stopping research?
Answers
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As another FamilySearch user, may I ask what it is that you need help with specifically that you are contacting the local FamilySearch Center?
If it's a genealogy help question, you can call the main FamilySearch phone number to get help.
If you are trying to access microfilms or restricted films only available in the center, then the centers are closed and can't access them for you. However, maybe there is another place where the films are digitized online elsewhere, sometimes that is the case. Anyway, just asking for more specifics, perhaps there is a way you can get the help that you need somehow.
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The records that require you must view them in a Family History center is because of the contract between FamilySearch and the owner of the record. There is no clause in the contracts to change that for covid unfortunately so patience is needed until Family History libraries are open. Our FHL is open now on a limited basis, some are opening by appointment only. Depends how covid is in your area.. I do know that some local libraries have Ancestry available from home during this time, mine does and that might be an option.
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Carms66
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IF, FHL Films are "Restricted"; THEN, I do not think that you will get an a actual COPY of "Image", on-line, from/through 'FamilySearch', other than at the, "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church; and/or, a "Family History Centre" of the Church (or, "Affiliate" Library) around the World ...
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But ...
That said ...
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As the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church, in "Temple Square" in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA is still currently TEMPORALITY "Closed" (to the Public) due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic ...
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And ...
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IF, the "Family History Centres" of the Church (or, "Affiliate" Libraries) nearest you are still TEMPORARILY "Closed" due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic ...
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Or, you just cannot get to a "Family History Centre" of the Church (or, "Affiliate" Library) ...
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[ As some of the "Family History Centres" of the Church (or, "Affiliate" Libraries) around the World have "Reopened" ... ]
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THEN, can I humbly suggest that you consider trying the following ...
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You could try one of the FREE 'On-Line' Consultations through the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church in, "Temple Square", Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Here is some links were you can access/book one of those Consultations ...
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Engage with the Family History Library Online
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Engage_with_the_Family_History_Library_Online
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Family History Library Online Consultations
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library_Online_Consultations
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I have seen/heard some good positive 'Feedback' from those who have used the service.
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But ...
That said ...
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Please be aware that you CANNOT be provided with a actual "Image" of that Record; but, you may be able to get (or, confirm) the information/details/data that you desire.
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'FamilySearch' may also be able to suggest where you can get a copy of the WILL, other than through 'FamilySearch'; but, also at some expense, directly from the Record "Custodian"; or, through an external "Commercial" Website.
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Good Luck.
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Brett
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ps: And, here is a 'FamilySearch' "Blog" Article on the FREE 'On-Line' Consultations through the FHC ...
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https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/free-online-consultation/
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Carms66
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Some "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries), around the World, have "Re-Opened"; but, certainly, unfortunately NOT all.
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As an aside ...
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We just have to wait until our local "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries) have "Re-Opened" again.
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Now ...
That said ...
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Just to put things into perspective ...
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[ Part 1 of 3 ... too big for one 'Comment' ]
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Here is a post in the OLD 'FamilySearch' ("GetSatisfaction") 'Feedback' Forum, of over 8 Months ago, by 'FamilySearch', on this matter, that anyone can access ...
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Requests for access to records during temporary closings
https://community.familysearch.org/s/idea/0874V000000siRwQAI/detail
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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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[ Parts 2 and 3 Follow ]
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I know that this does not help.
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But, I hope it gives you some perspective
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Brett
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Carms66
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Some "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries), around the World, have "Re-Opened"; but, certainly, unfortunately NOT all.
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As an aside ...
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We just have to wait until our local "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries) have "Re-Opened" again.
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Now ...
That said ...
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Just to put things into perspective ...
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[ Part 2 of 3 ... too big for one 'Comment' ]
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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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[ Part 3 follows ]
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I know that this does not help.
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But, I hope it gives you some perspective
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Brett
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Carms66
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Some "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries), around the World, have "Re-Opened"; but, certainly, unfortunately NOT all.
.
As an aside ...
.
We just have to wait until our local "Family History Centres" of the Church (and, "Affiliate" Libraries) have "Re-Opened" again.
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Now ...
That said ...
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Just to put things into perspective ...
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[ Part 3 of 3 ... too big for one 'Comment' ]
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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.
.
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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[ This is the last Part ]
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I know that this does not help.
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But, I hope it gives you some perspective
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Brett
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Is there some official word from the Church as to when and how FHC's can open or are we all supposed to make our own decision on that according to local health guidelines and ward and stake leadership?
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It is dependent on where the FHC is and what health requirements are in place. In our Area, stake presidencies in counsel with their stake counsels and bishops, then in counsel with the Area Authority, now make decisions regarding meetings, activities, etc. The Church also follows government guidelines in effect for different localities. In Virginia, there are differences between religious meetings and social activities. FHC are considered to be social activities and not religious activities, so they are under different rules than Church meetings. The overall guidelines are to be good citizens, staying well within state and local COVID guidelines, protect the health and welfare of members and our community, and protecting the good name and integrity of the Church.
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Have FHC volunteers or staff check / reboot modems and routers. With the FHCs closed MANY PLA (parking lot angels) can not get logged in?!
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John
FYI
Just in case you were not aware ...
The 'Portal', of "Family History Centres", all around the World; especially, to the (FREE) Premium Websites; and/or, "Restricted" Materials (eg. Films), is currently TEMPORARILY Unavailable (which started on about 2 June 2021), for possibly up to x90 Days, for ESSENTIAL Planned (system-wide) Maintenance (and, updates).
The aforementioned may have some bearing on the problem/issue for "PLA" (ie. Parking Lot Angels).
But ...
That said ...
Of course, the "Systems", in the various Church Buildings, around the World, certainly may need a "Reboot" of the Modems and Routers, every now and then.
But ...
As such ...
IF, the (Local) "Family History Centres" of the Church, are STILL "Temporarily" CLOSED, due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic; THEN, the "Rebooting" will NOT be done by "Staff Members" of the FHCs - that "Rebooting" will only be done by, the Members of the Church, that frequent those Church Buildings; and, only, on an ad hoc basis, when the Church Building is used for other Church activities.
Just my thoughts.
Brett
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Re opening of FHC is up to the local area authorities. Each center may have different opening schedule, It depends on the local Church authorities.
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