Tech Tuesday: FamilySearch Online Film Ordering

Ordering microfilm/fiche from FamilySearch is even easier than ever with the implementation of the site's online film ordering. Now, instead of going to your local Family History Center to submit your loan request, you can go to FamilySearch to search the catalog and place a loan order from the comfort of your own home. You can also select the Family History Center closest to you as your default location to receive the films (RELIC, for instance).

Users must be registered with FamilySearch to use online ordering and there is a fee for each microfilm/fiche ordered. The amount varies depending upon the length of time you choose to review the film. You can add multiple items to the shopping cart (no more filling out paper slips by hand!) and check out is easy. Payment is electronic, via credit card or Paypal. Once an order has been placed, the user will have 24 hours to change their mind. After 24 hours, order processing will begin and it cannot be canceled.

Please note: There is a known glitch with payment by Paypal. The Paypal payment window will sometimes refuse to load and prevent the user from completing the payment screen, leaving the order “pending” and unfulfilled. FamilySearch is aware of this “sporadic” issue with the Paypal window; however, until the problem is resolved, it might be better to simply use a credit card.

The URL for the FamilySearch microfilm ordering is:  www.familysearch.org/films