Library Access Problem

[Blue70]

Not all Liverpool libraries are currently providing free access to Ancestry and Find My Past. Today I visited both Childwall Fiveways and Picton Road libraries and neither had access to Ancestry or Find My Past on their computers.

I asked the staff at both locations about the situation. I was told that Childwall, a brand new library that also houses a PCT and a chemist, had unresolved technical problems so they hadn't been able to make it available in the new building. They said I should go to Allerton or Picton. Picton Road said they didn't have it and I would need to go to the central library!

Now that the council has closed some of their libraries and reduced their opening times at the remaining libraries it's important that the council ensures that their family history services are available in all of their local libraries.


Blue

[Katie]

Blue did you go through Library Applications, and click on Digital Library, that should take you to a menu and Ancestry and Find my past are on there.

Kathyd

[Blue70]

Hi Katie

Yes I access through Digital Library at my nearest library which is now closed on a Monday. I tried the computers first at both libraries and made sure I wasn't doing anything wrong. I then spoke to a member of staff at each library who confirmed that it was not available on their computers.


Blue

[MaryA]

It was my understanding that all Liverpool libraries provided Ancestry, although the Record Office has only just added Findmypast. Seems I've heard that wrongly - and I'm sure those libraries you have mentioned come under the Liverpool area. I'm not sure about Knowsley, that would be a separate issue.

[Blue70]

Liverpool City Council say here they are available in all their libraries:-

http://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries-and-a ... formation/


Blue

[MaryA]

I think it's a query directly to the Council, I wonder if somebody from the local libraries just haven't done something they should to enable the access.

[Katie]

I'll drop a line to David and see if he can help.

[Blue70]

Thanks Katie. My library has access to both Ancestry and Find My Past it was only in having to go to another library I discovered that some libraries didn't have the family history sites. It makes me wonder how many Liverpool libraries actually have these sites.


Blue

[Blue70]

Just an update on family history at Liverpool libraries. I received a response from Liverpool City Council about problems accessing records at some libraries in Liverpool. They have sent out a reminder to all libraries to make sure that their computer systems are providing these services and they have spoken to staff at the two libraries where there were no services available in April. If anyone has a problem accessing Ancestry or Find My Past at any Liverpool library let me know and I will contact the council.


Blue

[MaryA]

Thanks for the follow up Blue and for keeping on top of the problem.