GSV Responding to COVID-19

GSV COVID-19 Update Monday 6 April 2020

Dear Members,

I hope this finds you virus-free and well, with plenty of time to continue your family history research. We are pleased to be able to tell you that we now have access to two more databases for you to use from home. This is in addition to the access we already have to MyHeritage.

The library versions of findmypast and TheGenealogist are now available for GSV members only. Instructions for accessing these databases can be obtained by logging into the members area of the GSV website. Allow time for these instructions to be received as emails are replied to between 10am-4pm on Monday to Friday.

Please note that members cannot use any personal subscription to findmypast at the same time as using this library version. Also note the 20 minute time limit  and the need to logout when using TheGenealogist .

For those less familiar with the content of the major databases there is a very good introduction at

https://www.rootstech.org/video/comparing-the-genealogy-giants

This is a video link to Sunny Morton’s talk "Comparing the Genealogy Giants: Ancestry, FamilySearch, findmypast and MyHeritage"  at the London 2019 RootsTech conference. 

Sonny’s basic message about finding which records are on which site is to look at the Catalogues at each site (subscriptions not necessary).

findmypast has good Irish record collections, 1939 census, maps and extensive UK parish records (many quite early and not available elsewhere).

Unfortunately the video does not include TheGenealogist, a good UK-based site for census and parish (especially non-conformist) records, tithe maps, war and many other records.

I should also remind you that the free “Quick Lookup” service for members is still available despite the GSV Centre being closed.

Enjoy your researching and stay safe,

Best wishes

Jenny Redman

President GSV

GSV COVID-19 Update Monday 23 March 2020

The GSV centre both the Library and the Office will be closed until further notice from Monday 23 March. Staff will continue working from home. All queries should be directed by email to gsv@gsv.org.au

GSV COVID-19 Update Monday 16 March 2020

On behalf of the GSV Council and staff, I hope this email finds you in good health as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts all aspects of community life. 

Given the increased risks to our members from the virus, over the weekend it was decided that all events at the GSV will be cancelled from tomorrow, Tuesday March 17, until the end of April. 

The situation will be reviewed as the crisis continues and in all likelihood the cancellation time period will need to be extended.

For now the centre will be open to members as normal for independent research but we will no longer be opening late on Tuesdays.

No library volunteers will be rostered although volunteers may of course choose to come in.

We are in the final testing stage of our capacity to offer members video conferencing and video presentations of some of our classes. Members will require a computer, web browser, speaker and microphone to access this facility. Follow the GSV Website and Events page for further information over the next week or so.

You will be able to contact the GSV office on 9662 4455 during normal office hours if you have any queries.

Feel free to contact me at president@gsv.org.au if you have any questions. Please stay safe.

With best wishes

Jenny Redman

President

GSV information Friday 13 March 2020

As you will know the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus continues to make headlines worldwide. We therefore ask all GSV staff, volunteers and other members to be vigilant and to follow the recommended procedures for minimizing risk to themselves and others.

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, have been in close contact with someone known to be infected with COVID-19 or have been diagnosed yourself, we ask you not to visit the GSV for a period of 14 days.

We have implemented a number of processes at the GSV in response to the COVID-19 virus. These include:

• strongly encouraging frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds both after coming into the GSV on public transport and at intervals during your visit.

• providing liquid sanitiser (Isocol) at the administration front desk, which may be used to clean hands if necessary (currently sanitizer gel is unavailable). However soap and water, properly used appear to be more effective in removing the virus.

• providing toilet paper, soap and towels in the shared bathrooms (please inform staff if supplies are low).

• periodically wiping down computer keyboards, phones and other hard common surfaces with alcohol during the day.

We will continue to monitor and act on official advice issued by Health Authorities and the State and/or Federal Governments.

Take care of yourselves, your family and friends. 

Thank you

Jenny Redman

President