FAQs
General
- Why do we have two websites?
QFHS is transitioning to a more flexible, better supported, website technology. But as we have a considerable investment in the old technology, we are moving in stages. The first stage focuses on membership management and shop functions and other content such as members interests. Later we will address events management and other non-database content. Lastly, we will move our databases to the new platform.
The two different websites will utilise different login credentials. The new website login credentials are based on your email address and a password that is under your control. The legacy website uses your membership number, and a password assigned to you by the Society. The new website will be more secure as a result of that change. Initially the new website (mms.qfhs.org.au) will be a sub-domain of the legacy website. As the transition progresses, the new website will take over the domain name, qfhs.org.au, and become the home page for the Society.
- How can I join?
Select Join Us in the header.
- Where do I find the original QFHS Website?
You can use the Go to QFHS site button in the header.
- I have a general enquiry
You can get in touch with us here.
- Where are you located?
You can find this information in the footer of our website.
- What are your opening hours?
You can find this information in the footer of our website.
- How can I contact you?
Use the Get In Touch link in the footer of our website, phone us or send mail to our post office box. This information is in the footer of our website.
- Where do you source your images?
Images without attribution on this website are free images sourced from Pixabay (pixabay.com). Any other images will have the relevant attribution.
You can find our image attribution page here.
- Got a question that is not listed (but which you think should be)?
You can give us your suggestion here. Thank you for assisting us in getting our FAQs right.
My Membership
- How do I enter a discount coupon?
On checkout click on the Add Coupon Code and enter the code in the box provided.


- When does my membership end?
Your membership ends 12 months from the day of signup. You can find this date on under Members > My Profile page. Note, when you first join this may take up to 20 minutes to appear.
- How do I cancel my membership?
You may cancel at any time on your My Orders page. Select your membership and cancel. Please be aware cancellation takes place from your next renewal date.
- Do I get a refund if I cancel my membership?
We do not offer refunds.
- What resources do you have?
You can see all our resources by clicking the Resources menu item.
- I have lost my membership card.
You can request a new membership card on our Lost Membership Card page.
- How do I access MyHeritage?
To access MyHeritage please go to qfhs.org.au and click on Online Access and scroll down the page to the MyHeritage Library Edition box. Clicking on this will take you to the MyHeritage host page run by EBSCO and this will call for another login. This is your membership number as before and password is your email address all in lower case, exactly as you registered with us. Once you are logged in to MyHeritage, we suggest you use the advanced search feature as you will find more options. Under no circumstances give your personal login to another researcher. That may jeopardise our special arrangement with MyHeritage.
- What events can I attend?
All members of QFHS are welcome to attend any of our events. Events may be in person, online, or hybrid. Please check the events calendar for details.
My Profile
- How can I login?
You can login here.
- I have forgotten my password.
You can set a new password here.
- How can I reset my password?
You can reset your password by going to the login page and selecting Lost Password.
- Why can't I see members pages?
If you have successfully logged in but you cannot see the member only content it may be because your subscription is not current or you have a restricted membership type. You can determine if your subscription is current by going to My Profile.
- How do I change my contact details?
Login and select My Profile. You can view your current information here. To change it select the Edit My Profile at the bottom of the page. Update any details and submit the changes.
It is intended that any changes recorded in the new website will be reflected in all of the society’s records for you, but it may take a little while to update all instances of your details.
- How do I change my email address?
To change your email address please contact us with your new email address.
My Orders
- How can I see my orders?
You can see all your orders on your My Orders page.
- What types of payment do you accept?
You can pay via PayPal, Credit Card, Bank Transfer or at our Research Centre.
- Where can I find your bank details?
You can find this under Members > My Orders and select one of your orders. This will take you to another page with the full details of that order, including bank details or how to pay cash if you have selected that option on checkout.
- How do I get a receipt for my order?
You can find this under Members > My Orders and select the relevant order. This will take you to another page with the full details of that order, including a button to allow you to download a receipt. Clicking on that button will open the receipt in another window where it can be printed or downloaded.
- How can I change the payment method for my subscription?
You can find this under Members > My Orders and select the relevant subscription. On the page that opens you will find a button to update your payment method. Click this and select the payment method you want to use for future renewals.
Planning Your Visit
- Can I bring my bag into the Research Centre?
You may only bring clear plastic bags with pencil and note book into the Research Centre. We ask that you do not bring in folders, plastic binders, personal computer cases etc.
- Where can I put items I am unable to take into the Research Centre?
We provide free lockers for safe storage of your bags and other material while researching.
- What if I am a new member and have no membership card?
Before your membership card arrives, present your receipt to the Library Assistants at the Welcome Desk on duty and sign-in manually.
- Can I bring in my reference work?
You can take your working notes into the Research Centre. Please ensure you label your notebooks with your name. The Library Assistant on duty may ask you to leave large folders in a locker.
- Do I need to be a QFHS member?
If you are not a member and wish to use the Research Centre, you may do so for a small fee.
Click here for information for Reciprocal Agreements.
- Is there a phone available?
There is no public phone at the Research Centre. However, if you wish to make an urgent call, please ask at the reception desk for assistance.
- Can I use my mobile phone?
Please switch off your mobile phone or switch it to silent mode. If you wish to use your phone, please use it outside the Research Centre building.
- Is there a lunch room available?
We have a members’ lounge where tea, coffee, and biscuits are available on an honour system. You can use the microwave oven and refrigerator. Our members’ lounge is a very friendly area where many helpful discussions take place on family history research.
Please note: no shops are within walking distance of the Research Centre.
- What should I do when I arrive at the Research Centre?
QFHS members should scan their membership cards at the Welcome Desk near the front door. Please ask for assistance with scanning your card from the Library Assistant (LA) on duty, if necessary.
We request you wear your membership card in a cardholder while in the Research Centre. Cardholders and lanyards are available from the LA.
Visitors should ask the LA on duty for assistance to check in at the Welcome Desk. Visitors are requested to wear a visitors’ badge.
We request that all bags, books, folders, and computer cases are stored in the lockers provided.
- Can I use a pen?
You may only use pencils within the Research Centre. If you do not have one with you, pencils are available from the front desk. To protect our records, we do not permit the use of pens. This is standard practice in archives and libraries worldwide.
- Is someone available to help me?
Two or more voluntary Library Assistants will be on duty each day that the Research Centre is open. One Library Assistant will be on duty at the Welcome Desk; the second will be at the Help Desk. Either can provide assistance and advice from their own personal experience and expertise.
The LAs can also refer members and visitors to others within the Society, such as Special Interest Group convenors, who may be able to assist.
- What do I do when I am ready to leave the Research Centre?
You may be asked to show the Library Assistant your research notes for inspection and pay a small sum for any printing.
Retrieve anything you placed in a locker.
QFHS Members: Scan your membership card at the Welcome Desk to sign out.
Visitors: Sign out at the Welcome Desk and return your visitors’ badge.
- I need special assistance, do you offer that?
Our Research Centre is step-free and fully acessible for people with disabilities.
The centre has both ambulant and accessible toilets and a disabled parking bay immediately in front of the building.
If you require other special assistance to use our Research Centre, please contact the Secretary to discuss how we may best help you.
Computers and Technical Information
- Do you have computers available?
The Society has six networked computers for members and visitors to use.
- Can I use a personal computer or tablet?
Yes, but please leave the computer case in your locker.
- Can I use WiFi within the Research Centre?
Yes, you can access the Internet and some of our subscription databases. Instruction for connecting to the WiFi and the security number are available within the Research Centre.
- Can I book to use a computer?
Prior booking is not an option. However, you will find a booking sheet on a table just inside the door of the computer room. When the Research Centre is busy and members are waiting to use the computers, we ask you to book for one hour only.
- Is there a digital microfilm or microfiche reader available?
Our ViewScan microfiche and microfilm readers allow you to print images or save them to your USB flash drive.
- Can I use a removable storage device?
We do not permit the use of removable storage devices (for example, USB flash drives and portable hard drives) on our computers, with the exception of the digital microform reader.
- Can I save an image from a website or electronic collection?
You can email information to your home computer if you have web-based email service. Subject to copyright regulations, you are welcome to use a digital camera, mobile device or a handheld scanner within the Research Centre.
- Do I need to book to use microfiche and microfilm?
We have two digital microform readers available on a self-serve basis.
- What is the procedure if I want to view fiche?
Find the fiche you wish to view. Place the numbered card corresponding with your microfiche reader into the fiche position in the drawer. Then you will be able to return the fiche to its correct location.
- Can I print or photocopy documents?
We have printers and photocopiers available for your use. Please observe copyright regulations.
If you wish to scan a document or one or more pages of a book, you can save these to a USB at no charge.
Please pay at the Welcome Desk for any printing services when you sign out.
