The following additional record offices have acknowledged receipt of their copy of the database (I am awaiting replies from five others):
Beverley (NGI)
Doncaster (NGI)
Durham (NGI)
Glamorgan (WGI)
Hawarden (WGI)
Leicester (EGI)
Woodhorn (NGI)
Two further record offices will receive a copy in August:
Bexley Library (GLGI & SEGI)
Reading (SWGI)
Two questions have arisen from record office responses. One asked what happens if one of their customer’s wants a copy of the database. The answer is that explicit consent is required from me. Consent will not be given to requests from individuals although due consideration will be given to those involved in serious academic research. The work itself is not academically oriented. It is easy to understand and designed for quick access to surnames but it is also comprehensive and therefore invites analysis of general principles.
Another record office asked for the freedom to act upon its own initiative. The work is available under new legislation, dated 6 April 2013, which governs the deposit of non-print publications such as CD-ROMs. Record offices will administer it in accordance with database right and copyright rules. Visitors will not be permitted to make a copy from the CD-ROM.
Several months ago the database was freely available to everybody but there was an insufficient number of responses and the work is too important to be in the hands of the few. Record offices have been chosen to administer it because they can provide copyright protection while enabling visitors to obtain family information. The rules laid down are tough and they will prevent anybody from being victimised by the data.
The CD-ROM should be available on a single computer terminal under supervision. If researchers wish to see other databases, from the collection of six, they can apply through the record office of their choice as described earlier in this thread. They still cannot make a copy of the other databases.
Going to a record office is no big deal. It requires finding its location, proving your identity, and making an appointment (not always necessary). The following website usually has the most up to date information and rapidly connects you to the relevant record office website.
www.ancestor-search.info/A few weeks ago I discussed the possibility, with Berlin Bob, of adding the database to Rootchat’s website but there were several technical problems.
My database is very large and it would take years to change the format.
It is designed in a particular way so that related information is close by.
It is more complicated than those using the Chapman Codes, it takes into account the 1974 county boundary changes, and shows exactly where the primary sources can now be found.
There has never been anything like it before so researchers are advised to do some planning and study the 40 page Introduction beforehand. Otherwise abbreviations might be a problem.
TL
