Microfilm & Microfiche Ordering Discontinuation How will we ever go on?

Important Dates September 1, 2017 August 31, 2017 Sometime in 2020 Discontinuation of microfilm ordering & distribution services August 31, 2017 Last day to order microfilms Sometime in 2020 All microfilm in the Granite Mountain Records Vault will be digitized

Why Stop Now? Costs Demand has decreased Duplication costs have risen Equipment, system and process costs have risen Demand has decreased “Most” of the popular films are already online or available on other websites

Finding Collections Online FamilySearch.org, click Search, then Records. Under “Find a Collection”, click “Browse all published collections” Use search and/or filters to narrow the search FamilySearch.org, click Search, then Books Search for book or select a library to browse FamilySearch.org, click Search, then Catalog Search by Place, Surnames, Titles, Author, Subjects, Keywords, Call Number, Film/Fiche Number

What if a microfilm is not available digitally on FamilySearch.org? Microfilms may not yet be available digitally on FamilySearch.org for the following reasons: The microfilm may not be a priority to scan now, because the same content is already available on FamilySearch.org, a partner or subscription site offered in family history centers, or a free archive site. The microfilm may be scheduled for future scanning because it has been in lower demand. The microfilm may have a contractual, data privacy, or other restriction preventing access. FamilySearch is making every effort to ease restrictions, which is dependent on decisions of record custodians and applicable laws.

What will happen to microfilms at family history centers once ordering is discontinued? FHC’s may continue to maintain microfilm collections already on loan from FamilySearch after microfilm ordering ends Centers have the option to return microfilm that is available online or otherwise not needed As more images are published online, centers may re- evaluate whether to retain microfilm holdings The microfilms are on loan and are the property of FamilySearch. Centers may not donate, give away, sell, or relocate microfilms or microfiche to another facility, individual, or organization. If approved by FHC leadership, an exception may be granted to relocate microfilms to another local family history center or FamilySearch affiliate library by contacting FamilySearch Support for permission

Will the original vault master microfilms be preserved? The original master copies of the microfilm will continue to be preserved in the Granite Mountain Records Vault as a backup to the digital images.

What about microfiche?  Microfiche circulation is also ending at the same time as microfilm Microfiche that is online or not needed by patrons may be returned Exception - the following microfiche sets may be discarded: International Genealogical Index (IGI) Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) Accelerated Indexing System (AIS) Restricted Microfilm List

What is the process for handling microfilm and microfiche readers and cabinets?  FHC leadership should coordinate with facilities manager for removal of unneeded microfilm and microfiche readers and cabinets If there is a local entity that would like them, readers and cabinets may be donated Cabinets may be recycled

Will microfilm continue to be available at the Family History Library BYU?  Microfilm that is currently in the collection will stay There may be opportunities to add films to the collection from other locations The library will no longer be able to offer ordering of new films from the vault (just like everyone else)

Will microfilm continue to be available at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City?  Microfilm that is currently in the FHL collection that is not yet online will stay Most other microfilm will stay for the time being, although some may be removed here and there to accommodate space needs There may be opportunities to add films to the collection from other locations The library will no longer be able to offer ordering of new films from the vault (just like everyone else)

Our Microfilm/Fiche Usage How much is our microfilm/fiche reader being used? How often have we been helping patrons order and/or view films?