If you are unable to undertake research in person or are perhaps having difficulties with a particular piece of research that you are working on you may wish to make use of our Research Service. The minimum period of time that can be requested is half an hour. Thereafter research can be requested in half hour blocks of time up to a maximum of three hours per request. Follow up requests can be made following advice from our researcher.
We can undertake research across any of our collections – Archives, Local Studies and 3D artifacts. We can also supply photocopies or digital copies of items relevant to your research. The cost of providing these is not included in our standard Research Service.
Additionally, it may be possible for us to search records which are closed to general public inspection. Where applicable, evidence of family relationships will be requested and it may be necessary for us to seek permission from the relevant depositor.
All applications for research must be presented on the Research Application Form and accompanied by the appropriate fee. Please note: there is no guarantee that the information requested will be found. The results of your research will be posted or e-mailed to you in the form of a comprehensive report.
When we receive your application form and payment we will send you a receipt confirming payment and notification of the date that you can expect to receive your report. All applications are dealt with in order of receipt. Please note that research can take up to 6 weeks to complete. Clients wishing to receive research results more promptly may wish to use our Express Research Service which is charged at double the standard price. This service guarantees results within 2 weeks.
When you receive your report it will set out the results of our research and will include any suggestions that may yield further information. You will also be notified if any photocopies or digital images/prints are available to complement your research request.
Use the links below to download the necessary forms, to make an application for research or request for copying:
Research Application Form
Copyright Indemnity (Required when copying Building Plans)
Colour Prints or Digital Copying
Copying from Microfilm / Microfiche
Photocopy Request Form
Copy Estimate Form