Archives - frequently asked questions
The most frequently asked questions - and our answers - are listed here
What's an Archive?
What sort of records do you have?
When are you open?
How much will it cost?
Can anyone use the archive?
Should I make an appointment?
What's your oldest document?
Can I borrow any of the documents?
Can I use my laptop?
Can I use my camera?
What can I find out from your collections?
What's the difference between the Archive and Local Studies?
What do the Friends do?
Can I see the documents over the internet?
A1 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 renovate or 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.
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.
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A2 What sort of records do you have?
We have a wide variety of records, mostly in paper formats, including plans, maps, photographs, ledgers, volumes, and individual 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 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. More details can be found here
A3 When are you open?
We are open Monday to Friday, 9.30am -5pm, excluding public holidays at Christmas, New Year and Easter.
A4 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.
A5 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.
A6 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
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A7 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
A8 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)
A9 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.
A10 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.
A11 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.
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A12 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.
A13 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.
A14 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
A15 Can I see the documents over the internet?
No. Some examples from our collections can be seen at Online Treasures but we have no plans to digitise our collections.
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