Finding Digital Images of German Sources Filmed by FamilySearch

Introduction Films for which the FamilySearch Catalog shows a DGS number have already been digitized. This doesn't mean that FamilySearch also has the right to publish the images on the Internet. Unfortunately some films that were freely accessible before the "microfilm to digital" conversion can no longer be accessed on FamilySearch because the rights have changed. THe digital age has necessitated new contracts with the record-holding archives to clarify what FamilySearch can post online. Archives may require restrictions that include " access only in a family history center" or prohibit record access in certain parts of Germany or Europe. Each archive also has the right to enter into contracts with other genealogical service providers to post images on their websites. Hence images from microfilms that can't be made available digitally on FamilySearch.org may be available on other websites.