From January 1, 2005 the Freedom of Information Act gave you new rights of access to information held by public authorities.
Much of the information held by the Archives and Local Studies Service is already freely available for you to look at. This 'public archive' can be viewed in the research room at the Treasure House.
Some of our collections are 'closed'. Archives can contain personal information or sometimes a depositor can ask for their documents not to be seen yet. Our online catalogue will display these records but will note that they are 'closed'.
'Closed' means that the records are not fully open. You can still ask for information in 'closed' records by making a Freedom of Information request in writing.
Your request will be assessed by us and we will tell you if you can see the record or have the information given to you. We will also tell you if the information has to remain closed and why. You have a right of appeal to the Information Commissioner.
If you are doing academic research that does not involve the processing of personal data, then you might be able to see 'closed' records if you sign a research agreement. You will have to agree to process information in a way that does not infringe the Data Protection Act. A copy of this agreement is provided below.
This might help you get access to records if, for example, your research will only publish statistical summaries of information in 'closed' records. You will still need to make a Freedom of Information request.
We suggest that if you want to make use of this research agreement that you contact the Archives and Local Studies Manager on 01482 392785 to discuss your research first.
The following leaflets tell you how to ask for information under the Freedom of Information Act:
