Ordering microfilm/microfiche from the FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

SCLS has been designated a Family History Center Affiliate Library.  This designation entitles your patrons to request most microfilm and microfiche (but not print material) listed in the Family History Library Catalog.  

Microfilm loan charges are $6.00 per reel.  The loan time is 60 days which includes shipping time to and from the Family History Library.  This assumes 15 days shipping time each way, so the patron will have about 30 days to view the microfilm.  There is a $6.00 charge for renewal of the microfilm for an additional 30 days.

Microfiche are available for loan at the rate of $1.00 per fiche card.  The patron may use the fiche for 60 days. 

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.  Microfiche numbers begin with a 6.  The catalog record indicates the catalog number assigned to the microfilm and any borrowing restrictions.  If there are circulation restrictions, they are noted.  To order microfilm for your patrons, follow the steps below.

• Search the catalog and locate the correct record.  Click on “View Film Notes” and note the microfilm number. 
• If the digit has seven numbers, note the title, and number and fill out the FHS Microfilm and Microfiche online form.
• 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 have to re-search the catalog by that number 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 and determine that the record matches the one that the patron wants.

 To Search the FHL Catalog

 1. go to www.familysearch.org

2. go to Library

3. from the drop-down menu, choose Library Catalog

 Example:

 If you are looking for records pertaining to the town of Riedern, Germany…

 Choose PLACE

Type in Riedern and Germany.

The catalog returns one place that matches in Baden Germany.

The next link reveals the types of records relating to Riedern, in this case Church Records.

The next screen brings up the exact titles (there are 2 of them)

If you choose Kirchenbuch, 1663-1909, NOW you will see a more detailed record. It tells you the parishes covered and the number of reels (6). Notice the icon at the top right of the screen. It says “View Film Notes.”

About halfway down the screen you will see two entries for Riedern. On the right on the screen you will see the film numbers: 1186274 and 1186275. [note: you will notice that this film has a 7-digit number, so it is not necessary to add any 0s]   

ILL FORM

The ILL form (which will be emailed to SCLS) is very similar to the one used for other ILLs. It can be found at:

http://scls.suffolk.lib.ny.us/order

Where you see “Beginning #” is not for a series but where the file # goes.

If you are taking the request at the Reference desk, you can put your name where it says “Authorization.” If the patron is doing the request from home, they can leave it blank.

The patron MUST have an email address. DO NOT use sachref or any other library email.

When SCLS receives the form, the patron will be invoiced by PayPal.*  Once SCLS has been notified that payment has been received, the film will be ordered for the patron.  It will be delivered to SCLS and then sent to the library.

*Payment MUST be made through PayPal. The patron does not have to have a PayPal account, but they must have a credit card.