Genealogy Chat

I understand that I can gain access to Ancestry at the local libray, I have started a tree already without subscribing although I had intended to do just that. Does anyone on here use the service at the library and can I access my own tree already set up when there? I understand I can just go in and help myself so I would like to be forearmed.

Many thanks if anyone replies

oldbean

Thank you Ginny, sorry I have only just got back in! I thought that might be the case.
x

I have used the library version of Ancestry and have not been able to access Family Trees. You can access world wide records and can print them or I believe you can save them to a portable drive - the one that goes into the USB port. Mine is called a Data Traveller. I've not tried this yet as I usually forget to take it with me. Maybe the next time I will remember.....................

You should be able to access your tree while at the library through the Internet the same as you would at home. But this is separate to the Library Version of Ancestry so you wouldn't be able to attach any records that you found. At least this is how it is at my library.

You can use your library card to access your local library website where there are local 19th century newspapers which are searchable.

All you need to do is login with the number on your card.

There is so much info in newspapers that you will never find anywhere else.

Hi Old Bean, Your really have a mix of answers to your question. Why don't you send your question to Ancestry through their Contact Us facility. They of all people should know how much of their site is accessible through public libraries.

I have found them very willing to answer any questions.

Actually I will ask for you if you like, because it is a piece of info which would be handy to know when I am asked about what sites I access for my fh research.

Just so I have your query correct. You say you have started a family tree without subscribing. Do you mean on Ancestry. If so I take it that you are in the initial 14 days free trial. Correct me if you have your tree elsewhere. Are you aware that once the 14 days is up unless you cancel your subs you will be automatically billed for a subscription.

You then wish to know if you can use your public library access to Ancestry and work on your tree in the library, once the free trial is over.

Aunty Sherlock
I too would be grateful to know the answer to this question.

As I see it, having used the library version of ancestry, you can't access trees
unless you subscribe to Ancestry.
In the library you can access other records that Ancestry provide but the library version is a limited version.
I'll keep an eye on the thread.
Take care
Von

Wow everyone! I have just logged on and am amazed that I have answers to my thread, thank you very much for your replies.

Thanks MR MAGOO yes that is to be my next trick, to search newspapers.

Yes, those were my thoughts too Moonbeam, I shall let you know how it goes, thank you.

Aunty Sherlock, thank you for your query, actually I do have my tree on GR too but I have had a setback and have been researching an ancestor with the same name but not mine. Although I have rectified that on here I thought I would start a new tree on Ancestry with positive identification of my Ancestors . I had been signed in as a guest originally by another family member to view her side of the family tree and I have been able to set up my own tree without paying a subscription thus far. Obviously if I wish to do searches on Ancestry I would have to subscribe that is why I thought the Library route may save me some pennies (quite a lot of pennies actually) if I can use their services. I would love you to ask Ancestry please, I shall look forward to the advice. I do have Platinum this year on GR and have found the searches invaluable.

Piglets Pal, thanks for that advice too, I did have a word last week, in the Library, about accessibility and once a month they have a designated person who comes in and helps individuals if needed otherwise she said if the terminals are free to help myself. Sounds good to me!

Sorry this is such a long message back but thank you all again.

oldbean

I have not used a library computer.
Can you have two windows open?
One with your free tree and one with Ancestry library.

I will try that next week when I go in Thelma, I shall let you know how it goes.

Hi all, I have sent Ancestry the question. It will probably take a few days to receive a reply.

Soon as I hear something I will let you know.

Hi All, Here is the reply to our question. I think it covers all the points and from reading it, it seems there is quite a deal of flexibility available.

"We appreciate your message.

I hope that I can answer all of your questions satisfactorily. If I am unable to or miss part please respond because I would love to get them all answered correctly.

First quote: "I had been signed in as a guest originally by another family member to view her side of the family tree and I have been able to set up my own tree without paying a subscription thus far. "

This is accurate. One does not need a paid membership with Ancestry in order to view another members family tree. They will be prompted to become a registered guest which means that they will have a username and a password and will sign in like everyone else. I have included a link to an article about inviting someone to view your tree and what happens if they do not currently have an account with Ancestry below.

Answer Title: How to invite people to visit my Personal Member Tree
Answer Link: http://ancestryuk.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ancestryuk.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=493

Here is some more information about registered guest accounts.

Guest Registrations have been put in place to allow members to:

1. Access certain free databases (such as the 1880 U.S. Federal Census or the 1881 England Census Indices)
2. Use the Family Trees feature in any of the following ways:
· Build an online Family Tree, whether from scratch or by uploading a GEDCOM file
· Share your Family Tree with family or friends
· View another user's Family Tree if you received an invitation from that tree's owner
· Respond to someone who contacted you, requesting permission to view your Family Tree
· View any photos attached to a Family Tree that you have been invited to view
3. Email members who have chosen to share their email address publicly
4. Post messages on the Ancestry.com Message Boards (and otherwise participate in the general Ancestry.com Community)
5. Access valuable family history resources in the Ancestry.com Learning Center.

As the Registered Guest accounts are designed to give unlimited access to our free services, there is not an established method to cancel these accounts. When you have concluded using your Registered Guest account, simply discontinue your use. You will never be charged. We hope that you enjoy your Registered Guest account with Ancestry.com. Other types of participation on Ancestry.com may require a paid account.

Second quote: " I understand that I can gain access to Ancestry at the local library, Does anyone on here use the service at the library and can I access my own tree already set up when there? "

This is also true. We have a Library Edition of Ancestry set up for Libraries to have access to these records and for people at the libraries to also access these records. These accounts give one access to all of our records available on Ancestry.

However you cannot access your account and therefore your own personal family trees through this portal. You would have to use your own computer with your own subscription to the records in order to save these records to people in your tree.

If there is anything else with which we might assist you, please let us know."

I am extremely pleased with this clarification from Ancestry and so thank you AuntyShelock for taking the time to contact them. I am sure many people will be happy to read this reply to the original thread.

Thank you again
oldbean

That's OK. It was very good of them to reply so quickly and in such detail. Good luck with your research.

By the way remember if you decide to take out an Ancestry membership ask on here first if there are any good offers or discounts available. Sometimes it is just a matters of joining through another site to save paying the full amount.

Yes if anyone is interested I have just come across a flyer for Ancestry!

Start a trial of Essentials monthly membership by 10th August 2011 and you'll get two months for the price of one after your 14days free access period has finished visit ancestry.co.uk/countrylife.

You can get a 25% discount on this link, so that's an extra month free v countryfile

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-learning_discovery/w-visits-discover.htm?campid=NT10120SJ1

A lot of people suggest buying Family Tree Maker which includes a sub for Ancestry for X months, if you want or need an off line programme.




About saving the records on the Library Edition - out of interest, does anyone know if you can email them to yourself? If you have a sub, you can 'share' an image via the site to other people's email address. If it's possible, that may be a way of being able to view your finds in the comfort of your own home.

Detective.
I have sent 1 email of a census from the libraryAncestry to Ireland and 4 to myself. When I tryed to send a 5th I got an email at home saying I had used my quota. x

Thank you Daisy - at least we know what to advise people now. :-)

I like the 25% discount idea through the National Trust. My problem is that I have a few trees on Ancestry as a paid up member.
My membership is up for renewlal next month but of course this will be at the 100% fee.
If I cancel my membership, then take the National Trust option, will I be able to continue working on the trees I currently have?
Any one got experience of cancelling and then joining again?

I'm not sure if this is still the case, but I don't think that you can access the 1901 and 1911censuses on Ancestry unless you take out a full subscription. :-S

Regarding National Trust discount offer.
I phoned Ancestry yesterday and they said this promotion was for NEW members to Ancestry only, so I wasn't eligible. I said this wasn't fair as I'd been a loyal Ancestry member for several years, so they offered me a 10% discount off my renewal.