While TNA is obviously not a comparator for most record services, as a user (and mystery shopper for the Master's programme of course!) I've found its current approach to digital photography very user-friendly. With the exception of flash photography there are no restrictions on photography and no charges; a previous requirement to register a camera before use has now been discontinued.
An increasing number of searchers appear to have and use cameras as a routine piece of equipment on their desks; there are also 20-odd fixed camera stands in fairly constant use. In terms of the research process, it's clear that searchers are now often using their time in the searchroom primarily to *collect* data for later analysis; this seems a sensible use of the restricted time available in situ. Having used TNA, it's then extremely frustrating to visit a service where digital photography is not permitted!
Of course TNA is in the enviable position of holding largely Crown Copyright material, but IPR aside(!) the benefits to the 'searchroom experience' of being able to carry out one's own digital photography are enormous!
Margaret
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Margaret Procter
Dept of History, University of Liverpool
9 Abercromby Square
Liverpool L69 7WZ
www liv.ac.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: Archivists, conservators and records managers. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gary Collins
Sent: 05 May 2011 12:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Use of digital cameras by researchers
Hi all,
The Children’s Society Records & Archive Centre is updating its policy on the use of digital cameras by researchers and I would be grateful for any comments or copies of guidelines, policies etc. Issues include whether or not digital photography is allowed, charges made, how to cope with IPR, provision of space for equipment needed for digital photography and so on.
I appreciate that this question has been asked before on archives-nra but I haven’t spotted a recent summary of this subject.
I have seen a 2005 survey on facilities for camera users in repositories (www.btinternet.com/~amsden/archives/camerasinarchives.html) and this has some useful information, but more up to date details are required.
I will provide a summary of responses and information.
Regards,
Gary
Gary Collins
Archivist (Temporary)
The Children's Society Records & Archive Centre
Block A, Floor 2
Tower Bridge Business Complex
100 Clement's Road
London
SE16 4DG
020 7232 2966
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