Hi Bruce
I think Helen is right in that HER's could charge for people to come in, but on the basis of the staff time needed to deal with them rather than for accessing the information they are looking at.
We charge contractors if they come in to use the PC terminal to check things for themselves, rather than pay us to do the search for them, but on the basis that I usually have to show/remind them how to use the system and thats my time. I think you could also argue that the fact that I fire up the PC and log them into HBSMR takes my time too, and thats an hour fee (or part thereof) straight away. Similarly, they can print out as much as they like, but they then get charged per sheet.
Also, even if all they ask me is "where's such and such a report" it then takes my time to find it or tell them. All of which means I think a desk fee would be defendable as a charge.
Indeed, I have to review our charging policy this year, and a desk fee is going to be something I will consider (though I didn't know what I was going to call it - thanks Helen)
That may appear pretty hard line, but to be honest, the funding in LA's being what it is, that is increasingly the way things are likely to have to be.
best wishes
Nick Boldrini
Historic Environment Record Officer
Heritage and Environment Section
Development and Countryside Service
Business and Environmental Services Directorate
North Yorkshire County Council
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Northallerton
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Saturday 21 February 2009, Hambleton Forum, Northallerton
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>>> "HOWARD, Bruce" <[log in to unmask]> 29/10/2008 12:16 >>>
Helen
Just had a look at what IFP2 has to say about charging etc - see http://www.ifp-plus.info/Part_F.htm#F.4 , but I think that the most relevant bit is:
F.4.2 Commercial value of HER information - "Whilst HERs should not charge for 'information', reasonable costs could be recovered, when dealing with commercial users, by charging for staff time and the cost of replicating and sending the information to the user. Recovery of costs from all users for photocopies, photographs and other copy materials is common practice."
HERs should not charge merely for access to information and I think that a "desk charge" could be seen as that, even if only being applied to Commercial visitors. Obviously if a large amount of staff time is involved then this could be charged at an appropriate rate (cost recovery) but this would need to be clearly explained to visitors in advance.
See also F.4.1 Public information - http://www.ifp-plus.info/Part_F.htm#F.4.1
Regards
Bruce Howard
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