A new centre for Dorset's History

Recent consultation has indicated support for the idea of uniting Dorset Archives Service and the Dorset Local Studies Collection in Dorchester Library in the present Dorset Record Office. Just under 200 people responded to the consultation. 85% supported the idea of merging the two services.

Currently the two collections are in two places in Dorchester: Dorset Record Office and Dorchester Library.

The creation of a single, combined service point seems to make sense from the users' point of view. It should provide easier access to the Local Studies Collection –it will be on the ground floor and on open shelves for the first time. The integration of complementary collections should avoid duplication. The Record Office has specialist storage and secure access for rare and fragile items in the Local Studies Collection and can provide access to toilets and refreshment facilities for users of the Local Studies Collection. Above all we hope that the new service will raise the profile of both collections.

To bring the two collections together successfully, the Record Office's public rooms will need to be adapted. The Record Office also needs building works throughout the public areas to improve access for people with disabilities. Both programmes of work will be carried out at the same time to minimise inconvenience and keep the closure time to the shortest period.This will mean closing the building from 12.30 pm on Saturday 4 December 2004 until 9.00 am on Saturday 8 January 2005 – usually the lowest month for use of both collections.

People were also asked for their views on a new name for the new service. The favoured name of 'Dorset History Centre' received 72% support from the 165 people who responded.  'Dorset History Centre' does seem to catch what both parts of the new service are about – Dorset's history and that of its people, communities and organisations.

When the new Dorset History Centre is launched on 8 January 2005, it will bring together for the first time on one site:

        ·        The Archives of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole – several miles of written records, film and sound recordings – the whole dating from 965 to the present day.
        ·        Dorset Local Studies Collection of about 15,000 books and the Dorset newspaper collection.
        ·        It will also merge two collections of postcards, photographs, printed maps and ephemera.

Hugh Jaques
County Archivist
1 November 2004

Note: telephone, fax and email enquiries will be dealt with as usual through the closed period

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