Archives - frequently asked questions
The most frequently asked questions - and our answers - are
listed here
What's an archive?
An archive can be two things. First, its a collection of
documents (which can be in any format) that has been created by an
individual or organisation. These records provide evidence of
the creator's activities and functions. The records or documents of
the collection can also provide information that can be used for
other purposes. For instance, records created by the Council's
planning department include plans of buildings that were the
subject of a planning application. A house owner, wishing to make
alterations to his property may not be interested in how the
planning application process worked, but would need to know if a
plan of his house was passed, and what that worked involved.
Somebody else may be interested in the plan because of its
aesthetic quality or because their ancestor had lived in the
building
Secondly, the repositories of archival
collections have come to be known as Archives. These can be
whole buildings, like the National Archives of Scotland in
Edinburgh, or part of a building like Perth & Kinross Council
Archive, which is based in the AK Bell Library building.
What sort of records do you have?
We have a wide variety of records, mostly in paper formats,
including plans, maps, photographs, ledgers, volumes, files,
documents and letters. As the archive repository for the
Council, a large proportion of
our records reflect the administration of Perthshire and
Kinross-shire, including the burghs, over two hundred years. We
also have
gifts and deposits which include estate records, business and
industrial records, records created by various organisations,
associations, trade incorporations, trade unions and societies, and
collections created by individuals and families. Summary
descriptions of all our collections can be found here
Can I see the documents over the internet?
Just a few. Some examples from our collections can be seen
at on our
pages on Flickr. Our school admission registers have also
been digitised and are available at Ancestry.co.uk
(pay per view). But these are all just snippets of what we hold and
we have no plans to digitise all our collections.
Can I give you my records?
We welcome the opportunity to gain new collections from
individuals, business, organisations and communities - in
fact from anyone who has a connection with Perth and Kinross.
Have a look at our
collections policy and
terms and conditions of deposit, then contact us to see what
can be arranged
Can anyone use the archive?
All are welcome to use the Archive. We have wheelchair access
and an induction loop for the hard of hearing. Children need to be
accompanied and supervised by an adult. And it's free!
Should I make an appointment?
You do not need to make an appointment, but if you are
travelling some distance, it would be wise to
call us beforehand simply to check that we are open and that we
hold the material you want
Will someone help me when I visit the archive?
Of course. Our staff will be happy to tell you which collections
would best answer your enquiry, and show you how to use the finding
aids in the searchroom. Find out more on how we can help
you and what to expect when you visit us
When are you open?
We are open Monday to Friday, 9.30am -5pm, excluding
public holidays at Christmas, New Year and Easter.
How much will it cost?
You do not pay to consult the archives. Charges are only made if
you want documents reproduced, or if you wish
us to do the research for you.
What's your oldest document?
Our oldest document belongs to the Rossie Priory collection
(MS100). It is a charter, dated c1172 by William, King
of Scots, in favour of Radulf Ruffus of the lands of Kinard [sic].
Our oldest council document is an early fourteenth century copy of
another
charter of William I, dated c1205, outlining the privileges and
regulations of the burgh of Perth (B59/23/1)
Can I borrow any of the documents?
Because our documents are irreplaceable, we do not let them
leave the Archive searchroom. If they are not too fragile or
subject to copyright and other restrictions, we may photocopy
individual items.
What's the difference between the Archive and Local
Studies?
Whereas the Archive holds unpublished and unique material, Local
Studies contains published and rare collections, such as old
postcards, books and newspapers. The Archive and Local Studies
staff work very closely together to ensure users have access to as
much material as possible.
Can I use my laptop?
Yes, one person at a time can plug in their lap-top (at
their own risk). If this facility is busy, other laptop users will
need to use their battery power.
Can I use my camera?
You may use a digital camera only if the Archivist deems there
to be no risk to the document and if you complete the necessary copyright forms. No flash photography of any
kind is permitted.
What can I find out from your collections?
What are you looking for? The value of our collections really
depends on what you wish to find out. Many records have not
survived the years to end safely in the Archive. Records have been
lost through disasters such as fire and flood, or have been
destroyed through carelessness and thoughtlessness. Nevertheless,
our collections have proved useful to genealogists, to those with
an interest in their homes, their street or village, to solicitors
and council officials who need to check past decisions or
transactions, to academics, school children and students
investigating specific themes and historical events.
What do the Friends do?
The Friends support the work of the Archive and
some are involved in projects which are aimed at making access to
the collections much easier. You are welcome to join the Friends
and take part in their projects and activities
