Frequently asked questions

Will I have to pay to use the catalogue?

No, searching the catalogue is free. It is also free to visit the Archives and Local Studies Service in the Treasure House to view the results of your search.

I have found what I am looking for. Can I view the collection/item?

You can simply drop-in to the research room but to ensure that you have a seat and avoid disappointment we recommend you book online. Visit the book a viewing page for more information.

How do I find a local studies book.

You can use the option 'Type' in the advanced search. If you select Local Studies/Book this will only search the local studies book collection.

What information do I need from the catalogue to view a document?

To view an item in our catalogue, make a note of the item's finding number, then book a viewing using our online request form or simply drop-in to the Treasure House, visit the book a viewing page for more information.

You will need to make a note of the ‘FindingNo’. This is the archival reference number for a document and the class number for a book. You will also need to make a note of the ‘title’ and ‘date’ for a document and the ‘author’ and ‘title’ for a book.

The catalogue says that the item is ‘closed’, what does this mean?

This message is a warning to say that we will not produce this item on demand. There will be some kind of restriction, usually because the document contains personal information or for conservation reasons. This does not always mean you cannot see it. You should contact a member of staff and get some advice. You may be able to get information from the document or view it by asking to see it under Freedom of Information laws. We have to treat each of these requests on a case by case basis. ‘How can I see closed records’.

The catalogue says that the item is ‘awaiting conservation’ or ‘in conservation’, what does this mean?

‘Awaiting conservation’ means that the item is damaged and may be too fragile to handle. You may still be able to see it on the advice of our conservators and if you are very careful with it. ‘In conservation’ means that the item is being repaired. You may still be able to see it but will need to contact a member of staff and get their advice.

I cannot visit the Treasure House to view records, is there any other way I can see them?

If you cannot visit the Treasure House you can contact us to see if it is possible to provide copies. Visit the how can I get copies page for more information.

If you need records in our collection searching then we can offer a time limited ‘research service ’. or we can provide you with a list of record searchers.

Can I get copies of items in the catalogue?

We can provide copies of many of the documents. Visit the how can I get copies page for more information.

Will I find people’s names in the catalogue?

The catalogue consists of detailed descriptions of documents and includes the main names in the document. However, the catalogue is not an index to names and does not usually contain all the names of people in a document such as a parish register. A list of these special cataloguing projects is here.

We have added many names to individual records in our catalogue.

What is the Champney collection?

The Champney collection is the library of John Edward Champney, a local benefactor, which he donated to the town of Beverley in 1929. The library consists of a collection of specialised antiquarian books. This catalogue has been made available online as a result of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Why do you display the Heritage Lottery Fund logo on your catalogue pages?

We have received invaluable support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the development of this catalogue.

The ‘Reaching Out Across The Riding’ project in 2003/4 enabled us to turn our typed lists into an electronic catalogue. This work means that we can provide a comprehensive catalogue for every item in the catalogued archive collections.

The ‘Blood, Thunder and High Society’ project in 2007 enabled the cataloguing of the Strickland Constable and Wassand Hall family and estate archives and their addition to the catalogue.

The ‘Champney’s Vision Realised’ project enabled us to add the Champney book collection to the online catalogue.