Archives Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions. You can find answers to these below.

• Do I need to book?
• Do you charge?
• Do I need a reader ticket?
• Can I borrow documents?
• Can I take copies?
• Can you do the research for me?
• Do you only have records for Herefordshire?
• How easy is it for people with a disability?
• Are your records available on the Internet?
• Can you transfer the records to my local record office?
• My question doesn't appear here, what should I do next?

Do I need to book?

Much of our most frequently used material e.g. parish registers, census returns, tithe maps are on microfilm and fiche. As we have a limited number of microform readers available we ask you to book a machine in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment. For more details of our film and fiche holdings please see the leaflet 'Microform Guide'.

Please note that only one person can sit at a machine at a time so please ensure that you book the correct number of machines for your party.

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Do you charge?

There is no charge for looking at records in our searchroom whether they are originals or on microform. However, we always welcome donations that help us improve our service and facilities. A charge is made for copying documents (where it is possible to do so), and for the use of our research service. Please see the 'Charges' page for more details (this can be found by following the link in the related pages box below).

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Do I need a reader ticket?

Yes. We are part of the County Archive Research Network (or CARN for short!) and accept blue CARN tickets (wherever they were issued). If you do not already hold a valid CARN ticket, please bring identification with you that shows name and current address (e.g. driving licence, utility bill, bank statement) and we can issue you with a ticket when you arrive.

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Can I borrow documents?

No. All material must be viewed in the record office. However, if you cannot visit our office to do your research yourself, you may like to use our research service.

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Can I take copies?

Copies can be made of most of our records, including those on microfilm and fiche. However, some records are too fragile. For more details please see our 'Photocopying Guidelines' and 'Charges' page (these links can be found in the related pages box at the bottom of the page). If you are not sure please ask our staff for advice.

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Can you do the research for me?

Yes. Short searches of up to 15 minutes can be carried out by our staff. Longer or more involved research is undertaken by our Research and Copying Service. For more details please see our 'Enquiry' and 'Charges' pages.

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Do you only have records for Herefordshire?

Most of our holdings relate to Herefordshire as this is the area detailed in our Collection Policy. However, we do hold some material for other areas of the country and some national records for family history enquiries e.g. General Register Office indexes 1837-1980, the International Genealogical Index and the 1881 Census including index. Please ask our staff for details.

If your enquiry relates to another area of the country we can provide the contact details for the relevant Record Office, Registrar, Library or Family History Society, etc.

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How easy is it for people with a disability?

There are 3 parking spaces for blue badge holders in our carpark, and we have automatic doors to our entrance. There is also a toilet for the disabled available, and a loop system installed in our searchroom.

A lift is available for those searchers who cannot climb the stairs to our first floor searchroom.

Many of the records have small writing or faded ink and can be difficult to read. We have magnifying glasses and ultraviolet lamps available to help you to read them. We are also beginning to produce large print leaflets. Please contact us in advance of your visit if you have any particular needs so that we can ensure that we make your visit as comfortable as possible.

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Are your records available on the Internet?

The records themselves are not on the Internet, however, many of our catalogues - including those for parish registers, are available and can be searched on-line. See the a2a (Access to Archives) and NRA (National Register of Archives) websites for details (these sites can be found at the bottom of the page in the external links box).

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Can you transfer the records to my local Record Office?

No. Archives are not transferred to other offices for viewing. If you are unable to visit our office to look at the records, you may like to use our Research Service. More details can be found by following the link labelled, "Enquiry Service" from the related pages box below.

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My question doesn't appear here, what should I do next?

If your question has not been answered by the information on this website, please contact us. Email archives@herefordshire.gov.uk or see the contact details (follow link in related pages box below).

We will do our best to help you and aim to answer all enquiries within 15 working days. We look forward to hearing from you!

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