Library Archives

The Archives department holds a wealth of records and information covering the whole of the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough. Copies of materials such as parish records, old title deeds, wills, local photographs, maps and newspapers are all available for public access.

The Local Studies collection includes:

• books and pamphlets including theses or dissertations
• local newspapers (mainly on microfilm)
• census enumeration returns (microfilm or microfiche)
• the International Genealogical Index (IGI) for northern counties of England and Ireland
• other local publications
  - annual reports and newsletter of organisations
  - church magazines
  - council minutes
  - ordnance survey and other maps

Who can access library archives

Access is available to all members of the public.

Everyone is welcome to use our search room to consult our records. They are often used by people with a wide variety of interests, including:

• the research of local and family history
• house history
• school and college projects

Access for people with disabilities

The majority of library buildings have access suitable for the physically disabled, the only exception being Monk Bretton. Toilet facilities for the disabled are available at Central, Goldthorpe, Priory,Thurnscoe and Wombwell.

The Central Library has a lift to all floors, a ramp into the lecture theatre, a hearing loop for groups using the meeting rooms and a coffee bar for refreshments.

Guide dogs are permitted in all service points.

Where to find them

You can access information through the Search Room at:

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies Department
Central Library
Shambles Street
Barnsley
S70 2JF

All visitors are asked to sign in the Search Room register.

Helplines

Telephone 01226 773950
Fax 01226 773955
EMail archives@barnsley.gov.uk

Charges/Fees

Everyone is welcome to use our search room free of charge. You will have to pay a standard charge for any photocopying you require.

A leaflet is available giving our photographic, reproduction and copyright fees or simply ask us for information on our charges when you contact us.

Methods of Payment

You may pay fees and charges using cash or cheques.

Opening Times/Locations

We are located on the top floor of the Barnsley Central Library, Shambles Street, and opening hours are as follows:

Monday 9.30am - 7.00pm
Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Wednesday 9.30am - 6.00pm
Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday 9.30am - 1.00pm

How the customer can help

We are always interested to hear of any documents, maps, illustrations or photographs relating to the Borough that are of historical interest. We are prepared to offer advice on their preservation and can accept records gifts or loans. Please contact us for further information.

You can also help us by adhering to the following rules:

• readers are asked to handle documents with care and not mark them
• pencils only must be used
• only a notepad, and/or loose paper, is allowed into the search room
• no eating, drinking or smoking
• all bags and coats to be left in the appropriate place
• no documents can be requested within 15 minutes of closing on an evening and all material including microfiche and microfilm must be returned 5 minutes before closing
• no photocopying to be done within 10 minutes of closing time
  archive items must only be looked at on the appropriate tables

Leaflets

Archives and Local Studies information, commitments and Statement of Service
Newsline (bi-annual newsletter)

Distribution Points

All Barnsley Branch Libraries, Barnsley Central Library, Cannon Hall, all archives and local studies offices in South and West Yorkshire.

Legislation

Local Government Act 1972
Government Policy of Archives 1999
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964
Library Byelaws

Support available to you

The Barnsley Archives and Local Studies Department promises to:

• always have a member of staff available to help you when you visit the Department
• always answer your enquiries by letter or email within 10 working days, or by phone or in person within 5 working days
• produce your photocopies and reader printer copies within 5 working days
• produce your photographic and map copies within 20 working days
  bring material in from our out stores for you to study within 2 weeks
  
• take all steps possible to protect, preserve and conserve all documents deposited with us
• continue to work towards the standards for the care of all historic records laid down in British Standard 5454 and by the Royal Commission of Historical Manuscripts
• provide you with indexes and catalogues and other forms of finding aids to help you identify the records you need for your research
• organise at least two exhibitions every year
• continue our outreach programme
• keep you advised of all the Department's activities through our Archives and Local Studies Notice Board and Newsletter
• check the Internet every 2 weeks for new useful web sites

Owner Officer Contact Details

Archives and Local Studies Officer
01226 773950

Email archives@barnsley.gov.uk