Issues to Consider
Priesthood leaders prayerfully consider these points as they decide whether to close a FamilySearch center.
- FamilySearch centers can be valuable resources in the stake. Centers can serve as learning centers for members and the community.
- FamilySearch centers provide free access to subscription websites.
- Community patrons often use FamilySearch centers. Community patrons who have positive experiences at a center often have positive feelings toward the Church.
- If a center is not used or does not function well, you can consider other steps before you close the center. Here are some things to consider:
- A new stake temple and family history consultant—FamilySearch center can bring new enthusiasm to a center.
- The high councilor over temple and family history work can work with the consultant to make the center a more appealing place.
- The high councilor can work with units in the stake to staff the center adequately.
- You could move the center to a different building with a larger population center.
- Stake and ward priesthood leaders can consider ways to promote temple and family history work and help members feel the spirit of Elijah.
Create, Relocate or Close a center
To create, relocate or close a center, priesthood leaders complete the appropriate section of the Request to Create, Relocate, or Close a FamilySearch Center form.
- Notify the director of temporal affairs staff and FamilySearch Support.
- Work with a Family History Department area manager to move equipment, computers, and printers to another FamilySearch center.
- Work with FamilySearch Support to transfer microfilms and microfiche to a nearby center, or return them to Distribution Services. Never discard microfilms or give them to individuals or organizations.
- Work with the local facilities manager to dispose of equipment. If computers are not usable, the stake technology specialist completely removes data before the local facilities manager disposes of it.
- Ask the facilities manager to terminate internet services to the center and discontinue telephone service.
Work with the area manager
If you want to move microfilms to another center, please work with the area manager. The area manager can decide what centers in the area could benefit from center equipment. He can coordinate moving equipment to another center in the area.
Related articles
How do we request, relocate, or close a FamilySearch center?
FamilySearch Center Operations Guide 2023