Thursday 24 March 2016

Consultation begins on major changes for PRONI users

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has opened a public consultation on proposals to improve access to records held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).

The proposed draft Statutory Rules will, among a variety of changes, remove copy fees and allow visitors to PRONI to photograph documents free of charge using their own equipment, or cheaply by using PRONI equipment. PRONI users will also be able to purchase high quality digital and paper copies of many records.

A DCAL spokesperson said: “It is important that PRONI users get the best value from the archives and these proposed new procedures, if implemented, will help achieve that while also ensuring the ongoing safety and preservation of the records.

“The proposed new system will help PRONI become more sustainable in the long term and also deliver more options to help make PRONI more accessible for users.

“We want to hear from anyone with views on these proposals to submit a response to the consultation and make their voice heard. All responses will be taken into consideration.”

The proposals and details of how to submit a response are available here on the DCAL website.

The consultation opens today and will run until 9am on Monday 23 May 2016.