FHC's
It is so frustrating to not have access to restricted records at our FHC!!! I am hearing it will be that way for at least 6 months, for some adjustments to be made. Heard the same for the "premier sites". Why was this time chosen, just when FHC were starting to open up again? Have been seeing lots of very frustrated patrons, that come a long way, just to be told they can contact some service from home for help. Most can not travel to SLC to the FHL there, they are living in another state.
Comments
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@Alice Frances Hopper/DiMaggio
Alice
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
And, one who has worked in "Family History Centres" of the Church, for a long time ...
Although, it is so easy to do so ...
DO NOT dwell on the NEGATIVE ...
DO NOT panic ...
We have been advised that ...
This is ONLY "Temporary" ...
For ESSENTIAL Planned (system-wide) Maintenance (and, updates) for the "Family History Centre", 'Portal' ...
WHERE did you 'hear' that it may be "... at least 6 months ..."?
The 'Message' that was promulgated by the Church indicates that such "... may be temporarily unavailable for up to 90 days ..."
'Yes', certainly a nuisance ...
But ...
That said ...
The TEMPORARY unavailability, of the 'Portal', of "Family History Centres", to the (FREE) Premium Websites; and/or, "Restricted" Materials (eg. Films), will NOT "Totally" affect the value and usefulness of the "Family History Centres" (FHC) of the Church ...
My 'Local' FHC (ie. here "Downunder") had "Reopened" way BACK in about September 2020 (LAST Year) ...
Our 'Local' FHC (and, other FHCs, "Downunder") will be affected much MORE than most, in the MANY Parts of the World, where FHCs are still "Closed".
The "Family History Centres" of the Church (all around the World) can STILL be used for "Temple and Family History" Work; and, research; and, training; but, just NOT with access to, either, the (FREE) Premium Websites; and/or, "Restricted" Materials (eg. Films).
Plus ...
The Church NOW has a "Banner" of "Find a Family History Center and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries" in 'FamilySearch' ...
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If you are planning on visiting your local family history center, please be aware that limited access collections and partner websites usually accessible through the Family History Center Portal, will be temporarily unavailable due to needed maintenance and updates. Learn More.
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And, here is a "Knowledge Article" in 'FamilySearch':
Public access to limited access collections in family history centers
And ...
As an aside ...
Has your 'Local' "Family History Centre" made EVERY effort to advise/notify Users/Patrons of your FHC on the situation/circumstance?
There are a number of ways that such can be promulgated ...
(1) Amending the "Details" of your FHC in CDOL
.... [ ie. Church Directory of Organisations and Leaders ]
That way the "Details" (of the situation/circumstance) will appear in "Find a Family History Center and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries" in 'FamilySearch' against your local FHC.
(2) Amending the "Details" in the (Research) "Wiki" page for your FHC in 'FamilySearch'
.... eg. https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/[ Your FHC ]_Family_History_Centre
(3) Spreading the 'Word' verbally to ALL the 'Regular' Users/Patrons of your FHC, for them to FURTHER spread the 'Word'
(4) Making sure that ALL Staff Members of your FHC are aware of what is going on; and, getting them to (3)
(5) Making sure that ALL the Priesthood Leaders in your Stake are aware of the situation/circumstance.
[ When we became aware, we IMMEDIATELY notified (ALL) our "Stake Presidency" by "E-mail", with a "Copy" of the "Notification" from the Church ]
[ We were sure that they were most probably ALREADY aware; but, it does not hurt to be certain ... }
Just my thoughts.
Brett
ps: ie. Channel YOUR "Frustration" ... for the better ...
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This is the OFFICIAL statement found on the web site.
"The Family History Center Portal Service is currently unavailable for needed maintenance and upgrades (2 June 2021). It is anticipated this will take up to 90 days to complete. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding."
As you can see, they expect to be back by September 1, 2021, at the latest. So, we only have about 8 weeks left!
We are a third of the way through the drought!
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@Ken Richins - NAO Support Tech Lead
Ken
'Yes' ...
I believe, that this is a "Copy", of an "E-mail", that was 'sent out', to certain, responsible, "Leaders".
Unfortunately ...
It would appear, that SOME of those responsible "Leaders", may NOT have passed this IMPORTANT piece of information on so it got down to the ('lowly') Staff, at the various "Family History Centres", around the World.
I just took a look again ...
Maybe I missed it ...
But, I DO NOT 'see' any such "Article" (or, direct link to such "E-mail") as above on/in either,
(1) "Helper Resources" in 'FamilySearch'; or,
(2) "churchofjesuschrist_org"
As, you may be in the 'know' ...
Question: IS there ANY such "Article" (or, direct link to such "E-mail") as above?
That we can, promulgate; or, even 'Post' on Access to "Family History Centres" ...
Such may help.
By the way ...
I also notice that, the "Subject", of the above, is NOT posted as, either, a (1) "Resource"; and/or, an (2) "Announcement", in the 'Group' for " Family History Center Consultants"
I am aware that that, the "Subject", of the above, is posted; as, an "Announcement", in the 'Group' for "Family History Center Technical Support (North America)".
But ...
That said ...
A "Link" to that above "E-mail", in some form, would have been good.
Just my thoughts.
Brett
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Thank you for the info.
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Good news,
Portal and Premium Websites along with Restricted Records are officially fully operational as of Thursday, August 12th afternoon.
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That sounds like wonderful news!
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The announcement was made in the FamilySearch Community Group "Family History Center Technical Support (North America" on August 12, 2021.
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