What Is a FamilySearch.org Affiliate Library?

Marshall Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate library. Since FamilySearch.org stopped microfilm ordering, many digitized microfilms at FamilySearch.org have a message that states they may only be accessed at a Family History Center or a FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

As a FamilySearch affiliate library, researchers will have onsite access to more than two billion digitized records, including 400 million images that are not currently available to the public outside an affiliate library or a FamilySearch family history center.  While anyone can access the basic FamilySearch collection from their own home computers, the additional 400 million images that will be available right in the library will be a great addition to the resources currently available.

Users must sign in to their free FamilySearch.org accounts in order to search the website on one of the library’s computer or your own device while using the library’s wi-fi. Search the catalog for a digital microfilm collection. The restricted access digital microfilm collections will display on the library’s computers without the key icon above the camera because access is ‘unlocked’ through the connection to Marshall Public Library.

While MPL’s affiliate library status allows access to restricted views, some restricted views are limited solely to Family History Centers due to copyright contractual agreements. As FamilySearch.org renegotiates these agreements, these views may also become available to affiliate libraries. If not available now, keep checking back.

Happy Ancestor Hunting!  May you find the records you need to track them down!