Access to locked records on Family Search during the pandemic.

[mckha489]

It occurred to me just now while looking at something for someone else that it would great if for the duration of the pandemic the LDS allowed access to all those records we can currently only view at an LDS library or affiliate, as obviously we won’t be able to go to any of those places.

I’ve messaged them using “contact us” on the Familysearch website. Perhaps if we all do that.....

[Ruskie]

What is in the locked records and why are they only available through LDS centres?

If it is feasible or do-able to open them to everyone, it would be a good idea. 

[mckha489]

What is in the locked records and why are they only available through LDS centres?

If it is feasible or do-able to open them to everyone, it would be a good idea. 

Eg

https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/46921?availability=Family%20History%20Library

See how when you scroll down to the list there is a key icon above the camera icon.  That means only accessible at one of their centres. But they are digitised, so it’s just a computer click or two to make available I am sure.

[barryd]

The LDS local  genealogical facilities are locked down including the main library in Salt Lake City. Possibly FamilySearch people are not working too.

[mckha489]

Exactly, so it would be good if we could access those digital records from home. 

[Ruskie]

Thanks Mckha. Out of curiosity, does anyone know why they are locked?

[CelticAnnie]

For what it's worth, Salt Lake City was hit by the biggest earthquake it has ever experienced a few hours ago and it knocked out power there.    So do not be expecting a speedy response from the folks at Family Search!

CELTICANNIE 

[ellvera]

Thanks Mckha. Out of curiosity, does anyone know why they are locked?

I've always thought the locked ones were those that had already been licensed out to the likes of Ancestry,FindMyPast etc. Would be great if they could do that 

Barbara

[smudwhisk]

Thanks Mckha. Out of curiosity, does anyone know why they are locked?

They are usually locked for contractual reasons because the agreement between the LDS and the Archives only permits access at the centres and not widespread access via the internet other than sometimes for LDS Church members.  Some will be images that are available from pay per view sites but most are restricted because of the agreement when the records were microfilmed.  They can even vary for record sets from the same Archives but filmed at different times.  Some records previously could be ordered into FHCs by microfilm but since they were digitised they have been restricted and are no longer available to view.  This has unfortunately happened to a few I would like to view.

I suspect there is little chance they will open up the access because of the above.