NYRICHMO-L Archives

Archiver > NYRICHMO > 2000-02 > 0951095778


From: Sharon Turner <>
Subject: [NYRICHMO-L] Re: Indefinite loans.
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 17:16:18 -0800


Debbie,

When one goes to the local FHL (Family History Library) or FHC (Family
History Center) to do research, among the media you can search is:
microfiche, books, computer CDs, and microfilm, etc.

This is how you get access to it:
You look in the catalog, (either online, or on microfiche) find what
you suspect the information may be on, (microfiche, or microfilm) and
pay to have it copied and sent in to your local FHL or FHC. The rental
term is determined by the amount you pay. Although you cannot
automatically request indefinite loan. The available storage space and
type of record plays the most important part.

Short Term: usually about 6 wks - least expensive under $3.00
Long Term: about 6 mos - about $4.00
Indefinite Loan - it stays there always - about $6.00

(Don't quote me on the prices, it's been awhile since I borrowed a film)

What do the terms mean?

Short Term - most films are short term, you look them over and
determine whether your information is on them or not. You may then copy
the information (Xerox (usually 5ยข per sheet) or hand copy) If there is
lots of information and you cannot transcribe it all in the time you
have it on loan for, you may extend the loan for additional time - Long
term - by paying a couple of dollars more.

Indefinite Loan - generally, all microfiche is in this category.
Microfilm can usually, only be kept indefinitely if it is of general
interest to the geographical area, main migration routes, census, 1850
or later, indexes (some), etc. If the film contains information
important to the majority of researchers in the area, it is mort likely
to be kept, after being approved by the management.

It would be a very rare thing, indeed, for a FHC to allow films that
dealt only with your or my family to remain on indefinite loan. There
just isn't space to store them.

I am only a patron, I do not work at a FHC or FHL, I am not even
Mormon, but I hope I have helped you to understand this a little.
Sharon K. Turner

wrote:
>
>
> One other question, if a film is on "indefinite loan" at the LDS, what does
> that mean? Is there only one copy of each film? My center appears to have
> the 1865 census on indefinite loan, which I am planning to view next Sat if
> anyone needs a lookup in Middletown.
> Debbie
>

This thread: