I've been recently thinking about ordering certain microfilms from FamilySearch to view them at my local Family History Center. I am new to Family History Centers and therefore I do not know the process of viewing ordered films at a Family History Center. Could anyone explain to me the process of viewing ordered films at a local Family History Center? Do you use computers to view them?
Thanks,
V.Q.C.
Viewing Films at a Family History Center
VQC
While you can certainly view films at a Family History Center (FHC), you should first take a look at the Family Search website and see what is available on line. The site is at https://www.familysearch.org/
If you decide or order a film, the film ordering process is handled through this same website. You must be a registered user to order films.
There is a nominal charge for a short term loan; you can extend the loan (for a fee), as well as get the film on permanent loan (another fee) at the FHC. The fee is paid when you make the order. The film can only be used at the FHC, and is viewed their with a microfilm reader. Some centers will have a film scanner, or other printing capabilities. These are different machines than the reader.
The microfilm readers project an image from the film on a white screen; it is not computerized. The microfilm readers usually have a zoom feature, but cannot invert the image (that is, make a positive image into a negative image).
The online images are of high quality, unless of course, the original documents are in poor condition, and can be saved on your computer. At the FHC you can usually save a scanned image to a flash drive. The online images are superior to those scanned at a FHC.
Some of the online images can only be viewed at a FHC, although this is not the case for the films for Mexico. In some cases (again, not for Mexico) there are other restrictions.
The volunteers at the FHC will assist with the microfilm readers.
George Fulton
Pleasanton, CA