Access to the archive collections

We provide direct public access to the archive collections in accordance with our Collections Management Policy, our Access Standards and our Searchroom Rules and relevant legislation. See the statutory framework below.

We make archive collections available to people who:  

• hold a current ARA Archives Card  
• have registered their presence in the searchroom 
• agree to comply with the Searchroom Rules  

We make archive collections available unless: 

• there is a statutory exemption prohibiting access 
• the owner of the collection has placed a restriction on access 
• access is likely to cause physical harm to the archives  
• there is a surrogate or other alternative copy available  

People visiting Lancashire Archives and Local History in person to use the archive collections may:  

• use a variety of guides, lists and indexes to identify archive collections which may assist their research   
• pre-order archives to look at when they visit 
• research original archive material  
• use access copies of sound material and born-digital material. We recommend that people enquire in advance whether a particular recording can be made available.
• use surrogate copies of archives held here or elsewhere 
• use the extensive Lancashire Printed Collection to provide secondary source material to enhance their research   
• access the internet free of charge in connection with their research 
• consult staff about the archive collections, research skills, and other avenues of research 
• order copies of archive material (chargeable) 
• take their own photographs of archive material (for a facility fee)