Family History Center Microfilm/Microfiche Request
Requesting Microfilm from the Family History Library Catalog
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FILM ORDER PROCESS HAS CHANGED AS OF FEBRUARY 2012*
What you will need to start:
- a credit card or PayPal account
- valid email
- an account with the Family History Center (see Creating an Account)
- Film Number (see Searching the Catalog)
Microfilm loan charges are $7.50 per reel. The loan time is 60 days which includes shipping time to and from the Family History Center Library. There is a $7.50 charge for renewal of microfilm for an additional 30 days.
Patrons are responsible for making payments directly to the Family History Center when they order or renew items. Please check with your local library on the fees incurred by this process. Some libraries in Suffolk may have no fees.
To Order Microfilm
First time users will be required to create an account and select Suffolk Cooperative Library System as their Affiliate Library.
If you have already created an account & selected your Affiliate Library please skip down to “Searching the Catalog” or “Placing Orders”.
Creating an Account
To create an account go to: www.familysearch.org/films
In the upper right hand corner select “Sign in”
- Select “Create New Account”
- Select “Family Search Account (for the General Public)” and fill in the form that appears
Once completed
- Select “Register”
Once you have created your account you will need to select an Affiliate Library to have the microfilm sent to:
- Select “Suffolk Cooperative Library System”
Once you have completed the above steps you are ready to place your first order.
[video tutorial Creating an Account] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGMdoKdPxuQ
[video tutorial 2 COMING SOON]
Searching the Catalog
Search the catalog and locate the correct record. Click on "View Film Notes" and note the microfilm number.
When searching the Family History Library catalog please be aware that all microfilm numbers must be seven numerals long and start with a 0, 1, or 2. The catalog record indicates the catalog number assigned to the microfilm and any borrowing restrictions. If there are circulation restrictions, they are noted.
OFTEN THE MICROFILM NUMBER WILL NOT APPEAR TO START WITH A 0, 1, OR 2 AND WILL NOT BE SEVEN NUMERALS. IN THESE CASES, ADD 0'S TO THE BEGINNING OF THE NUMBER TO CREATE A SEVEN DIGIT NUMERAL.
If you need to add 0's to create a seven digit number, you will need to re-search the catalog by that number (this is to ensure that the number you created is indeed the correct number). To do so, return to the catalog home page and click on film/fiche search. Use the seven digit number you have created to determine that the record matches the patron’s request.
Placing Orders
After you have searched the catalog and found the film number go to: www.familysearch.org/films and sign in
In the search box:
- Select “Short-term Microfilm Loan” from the drop down menu
- Enter the “Film Number” and select search
Confirm that this is the correct film then:
- Select “USD” from the drop down menu found to the right of the film number
- Select “Add to Cart”
Repeat steps for “Placing Orders” as needed. When you have found all the microfilm you wish to order select the cart image found in the upper right corner. This will also show the number of films you have added to your cart.
You will then be asked if you would like to pay with a credit card or PayPal account.
*When entering information please confirm that your billing information, specifically name and telephone number match that on your library card account.
** If your home library does not have a microfilm reader, please contact the library before you place an order. The library will help determine where the film will be sent.
Failure to do so may result in a delay in the microfilm delivery to your local library.
[video tutorial 3 COMING SOON]