Local Studies
The Local Studies Service provides current and historical information on all aspects of Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
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 Parish and local histories
Newspapers and Periodicals:
Local historic newspapers are available on microfilm. View or download our leaflet on Newspaper Holdings (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:
Sources available for consultation include:
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Old Parish Registers of baptisms, marriages and deaths up to 1854 for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Kincardineshire on microfilm
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Census returns 1841-1901 for the same areas on microfilm
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Microfiche indexes to baptisms and marriages
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International Genealogical Index 1992 edition for Scotland arranged by counties
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Published family histories
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Transcripts of a number of Episcopal Church records and local monumental inscriptions
Download our guide to our to Family History Resources (PDF 1.6Mb)
ScotlandsPeople Public Library Voucher Scheme
Aberdeen City Libraries can now offer customers a discounted rate to access the ScotlandsPeople website. The website is the official government source for genealogical data for Scotland. It provides access to most of the Statutory Registers of births, marriages and deaths from 1855, the Old Parish Registers prior to 1855, Census Records from 1841 to 1901,Wills & Testaments from 1513 to 1901 and Coats of Arms from 1672 to 1907.
Instead of registering online and purchasing 30 credits for £6.00 to view search results and images, library customers can now purchase £6.00 Starter Vouchers to get 60 credits or £4.80 Top-up Vouchers to get 30 credits. Vouchers are now available for sale in the Information Centre in the Central Library. Information Centre staff can also help customers to use their vouchers and advise them on how to search the records on the website. For more information, contact Local Studies (Contact details at bottom of page) or download the
Scotland's People Leaflet
View
Scotland's People website
Ancestry Library Edition is now available free on the PCs in the Information Centre of the Central Library. Ancestry is one of the most popular family history websites, offering access to billions of names and thousands of searchable databases. The collections cover mainly the United States but also other countries, including Scotland. The collections include historical records, stories & publications, photographs & maps, family trees & messages boards and charts & forms. Search hints and tips are also available to help you use the website.
Download the helpful
Ancestry Leaflet
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Getting Started With Your Scottish Family History Display |
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Getting started with your Scottish Family History leaflet (PDF 400kb.) A separate file can be downloaded containing the
Record of Ancestors & Continuation Sheets (PDF 50kb) |
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).
Local Studies Catalogue
- Books and pamphlets added to stock since 1993 can be found using the Library catalogue.
- However, a large majority of the stock is still only listed in the card catalogue within the Department.
- We are undertaking a retrospective cataloguing and re-classification project of Local Studies material to improve accessibility. Until the project is concluded there will be a number of sequences on the open shelves, particularly in the Dewey classification area numbers 914 and 941. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please do not hesitate to consult the Local Studies staff for assistance if you cannot locate items.
- Advance notification is required for certain items of stock and visitors are advised to telephone first
Publications
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BOOKS |
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"Aberdeen Remembered" A Stenlake publication featuring historic images from our photographic archive. |
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POSTCARDS |
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We sell a wide range of Postcards of historic views of Shown here are samples of our postcard range with These postcards are on sale in all libraries at 29p each. |
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Copies of publications can be posted. Contact Local Studies (details at bottom of page) |
Selections of the Month
Photographs and Advertisements selected each month by members of the Local Studies team. View here:
Selections of the Month - July
Information Centre Exhibitions
Greetings from Aberdeen: a selection of Aberdeen Postcards dating from early 20th century to the present day.
On display from 1 July - 29 August 2009. See a sample at the
Information Centre Exhibitions page.
What Was On in Aberdeen 50 Years Ago
Welcome to our new feature during the Year of Homecoming in Scotland with highlights from the Aberdeen What's On during 1959.
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What's On in Aberdeen June 1959 |
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Art Gallery June British Water Colours Music Hall 6 June Fashion Show Gaumont Cinema Art Gallery June Evening Express Sports Pictorial Exhibition Showing at the Theatre His Majesty's Theatre: 1 June Dear Delinquent – comedy 8 June Dead on Nine – thriller 15 June Guardsman's Cup of Tea – comedy 22 June The Brides of March – comedy Tivoli June Johnny Victory Show Sport Cricket - 1959 season at Mannofield Wrestling in the Music Hall Aberdeen Gliding Club - holiday courses start on 29 June Greyhound Racing at Holburn Stadium, Bridge of Dee, |
Showing at the Cinema Cinema goers could choose from at least 7 Regal – Shiprow Playhouse – Union Street Palace – Bridge Place Odeon – Justice Mill Lane Curzon Cinema - Diamond Street Majestic – Union Street
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Royal Highland Show 23-26 June Hazlehead Estate |
Music and Dancing Music in the Parks Bon-Accord Ladies Pipe Band Open Air Dancing Beach Ballroom Marcliffe Hotel, Queens Terrace |
 Beach Leader Bill Ramsay |
During the summer season, the Beach Leader will arrange competitions such as beautiful babies, ugly grandfathers, bathing beauties, and glamorous grandmothers. He will also be available at his hut on the sea front to deal with any problems and give out helpful information Throughout the summer season the amusement park at the sea beach will open to the public. A new sensational ride, "The Hurricane Racer" will be a special attraction |
 Pleasure Beach Advertisement |
Facilities
Enquiries:
View or download our policy on Local Studies Charges (PDF 80Kb) for letter, E-mail and telephone research enquiries from 6 April 2009.
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 15%
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SIZE |
FORMAT |
PRICE |
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A5 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£2.94 |
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A4 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£5.87 |
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A3 |
Digital print B&W or Colour |
£11.74 |
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Scan to CD |
TIFF file B&W or Colour |
£2.45 per image scanned + £2.94 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
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