Colleagues
I've been asked to participate in a panel discussion on the "Future of Family History Societies" - in particular the falling membership numbers, low attendance at meetings etc. (I hope they show up!)
Is there a correlation between falling membership numbers and falling visitor numbers at record offices? I was wondering if any of you have views on this - are visitor numbers continuing to fall at record offices? I've had a look at at the discussion on this list from about 2 years ago and there were a couple of exceptions in the North West. But most record office staff I speak to refer to falling numbers of visitors continuing. Certainly here in Sutton we've gone from a high of just over 3000 in 2000/01 to just over 2000 in 2003/04.
Are falling membership numbers in FHS only down to demographics? or Is the internet affecting FHS the same way as record offices? I'm assuming so.
All thoughts gratefully received and treated with confidentiality if required. Will summarise for list.
Many thanks,
Kath
Ms Kathleen Shawcross
Borough Archivist & Local Studies Manager
London Borough of Sutton, Central Library, St Nicholas Way, SUTTON, Surrey SM1 1EA
Tel: +44 (020 8770 4745), FAX: (020 8770 4777)
web site: www.sutton.gov.uk
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