Splitting films with different restrictions
About a couple of years ago, it was mentioned by FamilySearch Staff members on the old GetSatisfaction forum that they intended to eventually split films with different items so that each item was its own film. A benefit of that approach is that viewing restrictions can be adjusted for each separate item. Currently, the strictest rule applies to all items. For example, if a film has records from 1600-1922 and there is a 100 year privacy law then the entire film cannot be published online.
I'd much appreciate a response from a FS staff member on this topic. This issue prevents millions of records from being viewable by FS users.
Is this an area where volunteers could play a role? Perhaps they could identify films that could be split, so that FS staff members can view the restricted records and determine where the splits need to be made after consulting the relevant contracts. Undoubtly, a computer could produce a list of all films with multiple items, but there is still a need for human knowledge to determine where splitting films could be beneficial and where it would not be due to contracts with record custodians and privacy laws.
Best Answer
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Yes, currently there is a project to split images according to years of the records so that like you know, the different years of a roll of film can be released for the public and the newer records can be restricted for privacy concerns for the living.
From what I know, FamilySearch is developing an imaging organising tool that could be released for volunteers including this project, it is in the pipeline.
We have to be patient and wait and see.
all the best for your research!
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