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
Telephone: 01305-250550
Fax: 01305-257184
Email: [log in to unmask]
