Local Studies
The Local Studies Service provides current and historical information on all aspects of Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
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Local Studies Research/Enquiry Service |
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We are currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for our research/enquiry service in Local Studies.
As a result, from 1 November 2009 we are temporarily suspending this service as a short term measure. All enquiries received from this date by letter or e-mail will be held on file until such time we are in a position to respond to them. We regret having to take this decision and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. |
Resources in our Collection
Books and Pamphlets:
Our bookstock ranges from sixteenth century early printed books to the latest local publications and covers the whole spectrum of local studies:
- Parish and local histories
- Biographies and family history
- Education, literature and architecture
- Local authority minutes and development plans
- Electoral and valuation rolls
Newspapers and Periodicals:
Local historic newspapers are available on microfilm. View or download our leaflet on Newspaper Resources on Microfilm (PDF 2.4M)
- A newscuttings file covering both people and topics was maintained for many years.
- The British Library 19th. Century Newspapers database includes the Aberdeen Journal.
- Various local periodicals, both historical and current, are held, such as The Deeside Field, Leopard Magazine, Northern Scotland and Roustabout.
Directories:
We hold a complete file of the Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1824-1982 and the Aberdeen Almanac 1753-1933 (early years incomplete), succeeded by the Northern Year Book 1934-1952.
Maps:
We have a series of maps and street plans of the City, dating from 1661, with harbour, estate and railway plans for North East Scotland. In addition, we hold an extensive range of current and historical Ordnance Survey sheets for the same areas.
Maps can be photocopied depending on size and condition. For Ordnance Survey maps published within the last 50 years, only one A4 copy is permitted.
Please note: We are not permitted to supply OS mapping for the purposes of Planning or Building Warrant application.
Family History Resources:
Visit our
Family History page
Publications and Leaflets
Visit
Local Studies Publications & Downloads
Photographs:
Local Studies holds an extensive collection of historical photographs covering buildings, streets and harbour scenes in the City.
Special collections include:
- George Washington Wilson Archive
- A comprehensive record of air-raid damage suffered by Aberdeen during World War Two
- A unique collection of fishing vessels including herring drifters and steam trawlers
- The SCRAN website is an online learning resource base of images and multimedia files on all aspects of Scottish life. The database contains 300 images of Aberdeen from the Local Studies Photographic Archive. Access to SCRAN is in the Central Library only.
Appeal for photographs:
We are always happy to receive donations of photographs and postcards covering Aberdeen and the surrounding area. (Originals can be copied and safely returned).
Catalogue
All Local Studies books and pamphlets added to stock after 1993 can be found on the Talis on-line catalogue. Go to: Library Catalogue
Items in stock prior to 1993 can be located on the Local Studies Author card catalogue in the Information Centre. Please contact Local Studies if you need to check a title is in stock.
Please note that non-book formats are not included in the catalogues.
Selections of the Month
Photographs and Advertisements selected each month by members of the Local Studies team. View here:
Selections of the Month - February
Scottish Local History Week 2010
The theme for 2010 is "Gan the Messages: shops and shopping in days gone bye". For more information and to see how you can contribute, please go to our Shops and Shopping page.
Exhibitions
Throughout the year we mount a number of varied exhibitions within Information Services. Some mark annual events such as Adult Learners Week or Local History Week, others may be of topical interest and some will be on subjects selected by staff to showcase our varied holdings. Please go to: Information Centre Exhibitions
Facilities
Enquiries:
View or download our Local Studies Charging Policy from Jan 2010 (PDF 80Kb) for letter, E-mail and telephone research enquiries.
Photocopying:
Photocopying is permitted if the condition of the original is sufficiently good.
Copyright restrictions will apply to some material.
Microfilm Readers/Printers
Copies can be made from material held on microfilm but please note that the quality of copies can vary.
We do not operate an advance booking system for the microfilm readers but during busy periods, sessions will be limited to 1 hour maximum
Computer Access:
Dedicated PCs provide access to websites relating to family history and local studies information sources. Access is free but print-out costs apply.
Photographic Reproduction:
We can supply digital copies of photographs from our collection of photographs and illustrations.
Price List for Digital Copies including VAT at 17.5%
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SIZE |
FORMAT |
PRICE |
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A5 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£3.00 |
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A4 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£6.00 |
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A3 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£12.00 |
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Scan to CD |
TIFF file B&W or Colour |
£2.50 per image scanned + £3.00 per disc |
VAT is not applied to overseas customers outside the EU.
Written permission must be obtained for the reproduction of any historical images, and a Reproduction Fee of £50.00 is normally payable.
Opening hours
Monday & Wednesday 9am to 8pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am to 5pm
Location
Local Studies is located within Information Services on the first floor of the Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct, at the east end of the building. It is fully accessible to disabled visitors via the lift and ramped entrance.
The Central Library is located on Rosemount Viaduct, at the end of Union Terrace, adjacent to St Mark's Church and His Majesty's Theatre. It is approximately 10-15 minutes' walk from the railway station. Car parking facilities are available at the rear of the building at the Denburn Car Park, Skene Street. Charges apply.
There is a café, ' 'The Quiet Cup,' located within the Media Centre, open Monday Saturday 10am 4pm.
Contact Details
Aberdeen Library and Information Services:
Local Studies,
Central Library,
Rosemount Viaduct,
Aberdeen City Council.
AB25 1GW.
Tel: 01224 652512
Fax: 01224 624118
LocalStudiesLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Please remember to include your full name and postal address in any e-mail enquiry to assist us should we need to send you copies of relevant material.
Local and family history related websites
Back to Library Home Page Aberdeen Library & Information Services
