I would say that your counties are the exception to the rule.  I can't imagine what it would take to get everything you need to do a complete search scanned and online.  Our counties have not imaged back far enough and there are several offices that have not imaged at all.  Our Clerk of Courts offices only have docket information - no images.  Our probate offices are not online at all.  The Tax Map offices have some interconnection with the Auditors office where maps are available, but they are not detailed enough for our purposes.  Not to mention the filed surveys are in a filing cabinet - not a computer.  Some of them would be much to large to scan, without some very expensive equipment.  And, the plats in the Recorders office are the same - too large. 

But, if the day ever came where we could do "everything" we needed without necessitating shortcuts, I wouldn't mind if they properly limited access to the online records to those with a legitimate purpose. That is the problem.  The records are public and most states' public records laws have not kept up with technology.  I think many counties would encounter public records challenges if they attempted to limit access to a select group.  However, I think that is necessary.  If they made you show up in person and apply for an online account, that may work.  Everyone else can enjoy the same level of public access at the courthouse that they have had for years with no problems or complaints.

Just because the records are public, doesn't mean they need to made available to the public over the Internet without restrictions.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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