With the new lockdown now in place, we asked our Reprographics Officer Jo to give us a bit of an insight into the work she does to help customers get hold of records remotely, a service which is ongoing despite the new restrictions.
—
The Reprographics department at Dorset History Centre has been slightly reduced over the past few months. We are still able to copy documents, but it might just take a bit longer than usual!
The service can supply high quality copies of any documents, volumes, photographs and audio recordings that are currently housed in the archives. Whether a medieval deed, a photograph of Great Grandma’s wedding or registration details of a vintage tractor, images of original documents always help enrich and validate personal research.
The majority of copy requests are for DHC’s users and visitors, but the department also provides illustrations for books; displays for museums, art galleries and heritage centres; as well as educational resources. Working closely with the Conservation team, fragile documents can be repaired and then digitised to preserve and protect them for future generations. External clients can also bring their precious archives to be repaired and copied.
Documents come in a range of sizes ranging from photographs the size of a postage stamp through to large parchment maps. These monsters need to be photographed in sections and often require more than one person to manoeuvre it on to the camera hoist. Not only can this cause problems with social distancing restrictions, but the team have been known to go to extraordinary lengths to capture an image. One thing is for certain, the job is rarely boring. You never know what will turn up in the inbox…
Alternatively, when we can open again, you can take your own photos by buying a camera permit, available for visitors for £8 per day.
Please note that Data protection and copyright legislation is always observed on sensitive records, photographs and artistic works so some documents will be restricted or unable to be copied without consent.
Hopefully one day we will have images that can be easily accessed on our online catalogue, but until then if there is anything that you see either by looking at our catalogue online or you spot on your next visit to DHC, then just let us know.
