Federation Of Family History Societies

Good News from Colindale

In June we reported on plans to close the British Library's Newspaper Collection at Colindale and put the whole collection into storage at Boston Spa, Yorkshire. The intention was to have access only to digital or microfilm copies (known as surrogates) in London (St Pancras).

Removal of the paper copies of newspapers was to be phased in over the period 2007 to 2011 with Colindale closing in 2012. Even by then it seemed unlikely that sufficient digital copies would have been produced to maintain the scope of newspapers available to view. In fact it was thought that a further five years would be needed before digitisation replaced all viewable copies placed in storage. No viewing was to be allowed at Boston Spa.

The good news is

• Paper copies will not be removed until 2011.
• Where no digital or microfilm copies exist, it WILL be possible to view the paper copies at Boston Spa provided the quality of the material is not too poor.
• Where digital copies exist, it is expected they will be freely viewable in both St Pancras and Boston Spa.

It is encouraging to think that the views of readers have been taken into account. The British Library is happy to answer any question on the strategy and what it will mean for readers and the collection. Emails can be sent to . Other contact details can be found at www.bl.uk.

In addition to the above, we understand that where copies are on microfilm, they will be viewable only in London.

16 October 2007
Roger Lewry
Archives Liaison Officer