New Kent Archives at Maistone

[panda40]

I'm going here for my first visit to the new centre at the end of the month. Just wondering if any chatters have been and what you thought of the new centre?
Just trying to book in was a case of being passed from one person to another and then I needed a library card number as well.
Whats it like once you are there? Any thoughts and comments would be helpful.
Regards panda

[scintilla]

Here's a report of someone from NWKFHS visit http://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/kenthistcentre.htm

[panda40]

Thanks for the link. I had fun just trying to book a space for when I visit so it will be interesting to see what my day will be like.
Regards panda

[watney]

Having visited the New Kent Archives I have to say it was a great disappointment.
I have been researching my family history for many years now and have visited numerous archives, some old and some built more recently, but I have never felt so let down as I did in Maidstone, the staff were under great pressure, they admitted that they had not had much training, you had to fight the lockers to get them undone, there were  too few viewers and I'm told that in future you will only be able to book for one hour at a time, no where to eat a packed lunch and to cap it all the toilets are UNISEX! when a researcher commented on this she was told

'You're in the 21st century now'

 However having asked one of the staff if they also had to share the answer was 'no'.

It was extremely noisy as the major part of the room is occupied by the library and there were a number of children running around, all in all research was very difficult.

On the plus side the staff were very pleasant and trying their best under very difficult circumstances.

[panda40]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who came away feeling somewhat let down. I parked outside along the river and you are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 4 hours. Not allowed to return to space until an hour has passed. I raised this point with the person on the desk as I had arranged to stay for the whole day. She was not aware of the parking restrictions???

I used the archive research room first after depositing my belongings in the locker (which did work) The security card reader didn't work to open the door and the staff had to do this for me. The staff were very helpful until they went on tea break and the member of staff sent to cover didn't have a clue. I ended up telling her how to book my documents in and out (can I have  job please?)
I agree the micro film viewing area is a major disaster and poor planning. You are in the main public library part. I use a small net book PC to record my findings. whilst returning films to the drawer and getting the next one out I had to leave my belongings on public display. I was not comfortable with this arrangement and didn't stay long.
As Canterbury is closed at the moment they had made no provision to cover the east side of Kent with parish records so the centre is lacking in fulfilling its full role.

I won't be returning for a while and long for Canterbury to reopen (counting the days)
Regards panda

[Hampshire Lass]

I won't be returning for a while and long for Canterbury to reopen (counting the days)
Regards panda

.......but I understood that when Canterbury reopens after the roof repairs etc they won't be having the same records available for family research and Maidstone was our only choice?

I must say that judging by everyones experiences at the new office it sounds as though it's no longer the exciting experience it once was.

Things can only get better 

[panda40]

Yes I know Canterbury is supposed to have less information when it opens which made me check out the new Centre at Maidstone. If they are not covering the east of the county then where are the  extensive records for that area going to be kept? Dover library have only a limited supply available.
At least in the archives at Canterbury it is quiet, you can get on with your research at a pace that suits you. You can move freely around the room and use various resources available to help you clarify information without the fear that someone might make off with your research notes!

I feel the archive section at Maidstone should be all placed behind the security section which a separate public display area for some of the records to give those who are interested in their local history a taste of what the archives hold. This way anyone doing research can get on with it and feel comfortable while they are doing so.

Regards panda

[Hampshire Lass]

Yes Panda, Canterbury Archives are lovely and quiet and peaceful and being in such an old building you can really feel the history.....I love it there.
I really don't like the sound of the new Maidstone office but perhaps things will improve with time.

Best wishes HL

[bearkat]

I have heard from other people that although the new archives is a lovely new building, somethings are not ideal. Unless people leave feedback/complain things will not change.

Put it in writing and they should respond and hopefully act.