Can Full Records Be Accessed online at the SOG?

[elaineKM]

Hi,
I've just been listening to the very interesting talk by the SOG that took place yesterday. Unfortunately I wasn't able to actually listen at the time.

I picked up that the SOG is an affiliate library for FamilySearch. If you become a member of the SOG and hence log into their website, does anyone know if you can access the full records held by FamilySearch?

I have a number of FamilySearch records I'd like to access but my nearest FamilySearch affiliate library is quite a distance away and if SOG membership gave me this ability it would be very worthwhile for me

Thank you
Best wishes
Elaine

 

[elaineKM]

Hi,
I've actually emailed the SOG today and already received a reply. Unfortunately, you can only access these records via a computer actually sited at the SOG.

However, since all these records must be digitally stored somewhere and you can now see a very large quantity of FamilySearch original records via your own computer, why is there this 'dual level' of access? Or is it a copyright issue?

Best wishes
Elaine

 

[peter]

why is there this 'dual level' of access? Or is it a copyright issue?

That's right. - the owners or custodians of the records may be considering making them available through one of the subscription sites. This was the case with Sussex registers which were briefly unlocked a few years ago (but only readers of my newsletter would have known about it in time).

Record offices have very few sources of income - it's understandable they would not want to give their assets away.

 

[peter]

Just to make clear, the locked records are not just available at FamilySearch affiliate libraries, but also at LDS FamilySearch Centres, of which there are 157 in the UK. However the opening hours may be longer at affiliate libraries - my nearest FamilySearch centre is 23 miles away and only open 5 hours per week.

 

[Pauline]

This was the case with Sussex registers which were briefly unlocked a few years ago

You can still see images of Sussex parish registers for free at FamilySearch. As far as I’m aware, they never stopped being available there.

 

[David47]

TNA at Kew is an Affiliate Library and for most digitised records you can download to their system and then e-mail to yourself. Useful for Scottish censuses to 1891, Scottish BMD 1855 to 1875, 1881 and 1891, and copy wills 1858 to 1925.

 

[peter]

You can still see images of Sussex parish registers for free at FamilySearch. As far as I’m aware, they never stopped being available there.

You're right - I was thinking of a different another county. The Sussex registers were hidden, and to an extent still are.