In Warwickshire I describe the SMR as a collection of published and
non-published books, journals and photographs that are accessed through a
computerised database and maps. The emphasis is on the material that comprises
the SMR but we have been in a position to create dedicated research space. In
Warwickshire the space that we used to create a public area was previously a
dark corner that no-one else wanted - with a new carpet and lick of paint we now
have the best space in the office. I hope Bob Sydes is able to find a workable
solution to the problem of public access.
I do not know of any research into whether enquirers would prefer to have
requests fulfilled without visiting the SMR but in order to make an informed
judgement researchers would need to visit the Warwickshire SMR at least once to
appreciate the range of material we hold.
I am aware some researchers are not in a position to visit the SMR and
responses by letter or digital email responses are valid methods of answering
enquiries. In some instances the information can be provided through the post
or increasingly by digital methods.
I am concerned that if people are excluded from visiting the SMR they loose the
potential to discover unexpected facts, to find new resources, or to interpret
source material for themselves. In fact we deny people the intellectual
process of discovery and interpretation if they do not have access to our
collections.
Would anyone suggest that researchers could complete local history studies
without actually visiting the County Record Office?
However we choose to provide our enquiry services, we are all faced with the
same old problem of staff time. I do not know of any SMR Officer who is in a
position to spend enough time dealing with routine enquiries but that is another
issue!
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