Hi,
I think I can answer the question of LDS renting out films/fiche to private
individuals. I work as the Asst. Director in the Hartford Stake Family
History Center in charge of Patron Services (whooh!)--anyway, the policy of
the church is to rent the films/fiche only to Family History Centers. It is
against policy to even let the microfilms out of the front door of the Family
History Center. Hence, I can't even bring one out of the center!
Why? Some of the agreements LDS has made with
individuals/churches/historical societies are very specific as to what can be
done with these films....(i.e. some are on RED reels and can't even be
photocopied!) and some (mostly German in nature) cannot be circulated in
Germany, but it is OK here in the states. So, the policy from Salt Lake is
that the films/fiche must remain in the Family History Centers.....BUT, I
have seen a director who let a patron KEEP the microfiche....this is really
RARE and the Family History Centers can be closed down for violations of the
rules such as that.
I hope this answered the question.....if not, let me know.
Anne
Florence County coordinator