Enquiry service
If you cannot get to the archives in person, archives staff can spend up to 15 minutes researching an enquiry on your behalf. We aim to respond to all written enquiries within 10 working days. For more in depth research see below for details of local researchers in the area, offering a fee based service.
Reprographics
Photocopies can be supplied in most instances however, every case has to be considered independently due to the nature of original records. The reprographics policy (including a list of fees) is available in the searchroom and below. We aim to send photocopies by post within ten working days from the date a request is recieved. Personal reprographics equipment, including cameras and scanners may only be used by members of the public with prior authorisation. A self-service photography application must be completed and signed by the person making the copies and a copyright declaration form must be signed.
Photographic quality images can be purchased of images on the Picture Memories, Local History Photographs system. Images are charged at £5 per A4 copy. Order forms have to be completed and returned to the Archives service and images will be supplied by post within ten working days. Customers who require images for commercial purposes must contact the Archives on 0161 253 6782.
Talks and events
Bury Archives Service is involved in talks and events hosted by Bury Art Gallery and Museum. Representatives from the Archives Service will attend external events and give talks to groups on request. However, staff are not able to write new presentations on demand. If you would like a representative from the service to speak at an event please contact the service. There is no charge for this service, however, donations to our conservation fund are welcomed.
Education
The archives space can be used to host small school groups and teachers are welcomed and encouraged to use our unique resources to teach sessions. We can run workshops in conjunction with Bury Museum. The archives service has created a unique resource for Key Stage 3 History and Citizenship which is linked to the new 2008/09 curriculum. The resources can be accessed at our cotton threads project website. This resource is also available on CD. This can be loaned through Bury Libraries.
Volunteering
On occasion the service undertakes projects that are suitable for volunteers to participate in. These opportunities are open to those with interest in local history and archives. The service has a volunteer policy. The service will also provide opportunities for work experience, for individuals interested in pursuing a career in archives or post-graduate study. If you are interested in work experience please write to the archivist and provide a CV.
Depositing material with the Archives Service
In addition to the official records of the borough council and its predecessors, the archive service takes in a wide variety of records from private donors and depositors and makes them available to the public. For more detailed information on this aspect of the service please follow the link on the left of this page.
Publications
The service publishes a quarterly Archives and Local History newsletter. Current and past issues can be viewed via the link to publications on the left of this page. The service, in conjunction with the Reference and Information section of the library publishes a guide to family history which has been updated in 2008. This can also be viewed in full via the link to publications on the left of this page.
