New archive search facility launched at Cregagh Library

A new microfilm service which gives the public increased access to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRON)I records during the period of relocation was launched today.

The self-service facility at Cregagh Library will be available until PRONI opens its new Titanic Quarter headquarters in 2011. The facility enhances the existing online service which already gives the public access to thousands of entries of information from the comfort of their own homes.

Launching the new facility, Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said: “As Keeper of the Records, I am responsible for ensuring that the millions of records held by PRONI are catalogued, packaged and transported to the new headquarters safely and appropriately. This is a mammoth task which is not being undertaken lightly. PRONI are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to the public during this time and that is why this microfilm service has been made available. This is one of several measures that my Department has taken, ensuring the public have continuing access to the archives.”

Earlier in the year, PRONI launched the 19th century street directories online. The online service contains over 29 directories, approximately 20,000 pages, and covers Belfast and provincial towns in Northern Ireland and in counties Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan from 1819 to 1900. The street directories are in addition to other information databases available online such as the Ulster Covenant, the Freeholders Records and the Wills Indexes.

The Minister concluded: “I welcome the partnership between PRONI and LibrariesNI, who have worked closely together to provide this excellent facility to further enhance access to heritage resources and assist family historians in continuing their research. Positive feedback has already been received from users of the self-service facility and I know that it has also caught the imagination of library members at Cregagh.”

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI said: “Libraries NI is delighted to accommodate PRONI in Cregagh Library. We recognise the importance of the historical, social and cultural resources provided by PRONI and are pleased that we can help provide the public with access to them.

“Libraries NI has an extensive heritage collection and the PRONI self-service facility will complement and enhance our work in this area. Our combined collections provide an invaluable resource for historians, researchers, genealogists, students and many others, bringing past events and people to life with great immediacy and in rich detail.”

PRONI closed its doors to the public at its Balmoral Avenue site on 3 September 2010 as it began moving 40 kilometres of archives to new premises at Titanic Quarter. The new state-of-the-art building is due to open to the public in April 2011.

Notes to editors:

• Material held on Microfilm includes some of the most popular family history resources such as church records, copies of will books and copies of the Registry of Deeds.
• The self-service facility will be available at Cregagh Library, 409-413 Cregagh Road, Belfast, until PRONI re-opens at Titanic Quarter in 2011.
• Ten microfilm readers, a microfiche reader and a microfilm reader printer is available.
• A booking system is in place for five of the microfilm readers with the remainder available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Visitors will be able to reserve hour-long slots up to a maximum of two hours per day. Advance bookings for microfilm readers may be made by telephone (02890 255900) or in person at Cregagh Library.
• For details of opening hours or other enquiries: http://www.proni.gov.uk or 90255907
• Libraries NI are planning a series of local history events. Further details are available on the Librariesni website
• Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Communications Office - Tel (028) 9051 5047 or email: communications@dcalni.gov.uk
• Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.