Familysearch has developed and has made available online patron ordering for requesting Family History Library (FHL) microfilm and microfiche. Now, FHC customers are able to order and to pay for their FHL microfilm online. No longer are customers required to submit a request in person at their Library or Family History Center.
The benefits of the new service are:
- JPL customers will no longer have to travel to the downtown library to order film. Customers will be able to place film requests from the comfort of their home or office. (Please note that requested film still will be delivered to the Main library downtown. It will be available for viewing and kept until it is returned to the FHL.)
- Customers will be able to pay for their orders using a credit card, a prepaid credit card, a bank debit card, or via a PayPal account. This will eliminate the need to submit a check along with the order.
- Customers will receive more time with their film – up to 90 days (with a 60 day renewal if requested) or indefinitely which means that the film will remain at the library permanently unless the FHL recalls the film.
- Customers will be able to view and to track the statuses of their online orders. They will receive email notifications of when their order has been shipped, when the Library has received it, and when the film has been returned to the Family History Library.
The process for online ordering of film:
STEP 1: Create a LDS FamilySearch Online Account
- Open browser to https://www.familysearch.org/films
- On the left-hand side of the screen, click on “Create an Account”.
- Select FamilySearch Account (for the general public)
- Fill in information in order to create an account
- Click the Register button.
- Familysearch will send an email to you asking you to confirm your account. The email is instantaneous. You have 24 hours to complete the email part of the registration or you will need to register again.
- Once this is done, you are ready to start ordering film.
STEP 2: Search FamilySearch Online Catalog to Find Film
- Search the Family History Library’s online catalog at www.familysearch.org.
- Under the text “Discover Your Family History, click on the text “Catalog”.
- Select your search order (i.e. keyword, place-names, etc).
- Write down the film number(s) that you wish to order.
- Please note that the film number must be 7 digits. If the number is only 6 digits or less, you must add a zero or zeros at the beginning of the number to make it 7 digits.
STEP 3: Sign In & Place Order(s)
- Open browser to https://www.familysearch.orgs/films
- In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on “Sign In”.
- Sign into your account.
- In the Loan Type box, select the type of loan you wish.
- Enter the number of the microfilm you wish to order and click the Search button.
- Click on the Add to Cart button.
- Then click on “Proceed to Checkout” or “Continue Shopping” if you have more films to order.
- When done, fill in address information and click “continue”.
- Select payment type and follow the instructions to complete the order.
For more in-depth step-by-step instructions for creating a LDS online account and for ordering film, please review the online User’s Guide: https://fch.ldschurch.org/WWSupport/Courses/FS_MO/User’s_Guide.pdf. Also, the guide contains a “Frequently Asked Questions” section that is helpful.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Special Collections’ staff at 904-630-2409.
