Family History Library: does the FHL know of locations that have film reel format from catalog?

CarolKP

with the loss of local FHC or AL centers how can a patron find a film that is format film reel - physical film only- to view. Does the FHL in SLC have a listing of which FHCs or ALs might have that film? or is the only place SLC.

MaureenE123

You can find out from the catalog whether a PARTICULAR FHC or Affiliate Library has the microfilm of interest.

Go to the Catalog Search https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog and enter the film number. Then , under availability, click on Family History Center, then from the drop down menu, select a FHC or Affiliate Library near you.

The Search result should tell you whether the Center selected has that microfilm.

You used to be able to tell from the catalogue entry which Centers held the film but as far as I am aware this no longer applies for films, although I think it still does for books.

I think in practical terms not many Centers now have microfilms due to issues like having to have functioning microfilm readers, so in many instances the Library in Salt Lake City would be the only source. For England, I am aware that the Society of Genealogists in London which is an Affiliate Library has a large collection of FamilySearch microfilms, and perhaps there may be others.

I think the information from the Catalog is dependent on information supplied by FHCs, so could be out of date, so should always be checked with the Center, if a Center is stated to hold a film.

Mike357

@Carol Pountain . I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding here. You have referred to the loss of local family history centers and affiliate libraries. Affiliate public libraries do not use the Family History Center Portal. Any limited access image that is available in affiliate public libraries will continue to be available.

This may make things a little easier for you.