How do I access documents I have found in the catalogue?
Documents and objects described in the catalogue are held at Bromley Local
Studies, Archives and Museum Service at Central Library, Bromley.
For details of how to find us, and of our opening hours, please visit
http://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/1062/libraries-local_collections/377/local_studies_library_and_archives.
What information do I need from the catalogue to view a document or
object?
For archive records please note down the reference provided by the catalogue and
for museum objects note the Object Number. You can only request archive
documents which have the level marked as ‘item’. We request that you provide us
with 24 hours notice prior to a visit to view archive material. This helps to
ensure that the material will be ready for you on your arrival.
From November 2015 assisted access to items from the museum collection can be
provided by appointment. Some items may not be accessible due to their
condition.
Can I see images of the archives and objects in the catalogue?
The catalogue provides textual descriptions of the archive material. Currently,
archive documents can only be viewed in person. The museum catalogue presents
images along with a description for the majority of the museum objects in the
collection.
Why can’t I find what I am looking for?
Please visit the ‘How to search the catalogue’ pages of this website to ensure
you are getting the most from your searches. However, not all our archive
material is included in this online catalogue as it is still in the process of
being fully catalogued.
What is the Biography Index?
The Local Studies Biography index is also included in the archive catalogue. It
gives brief particulars of significant people with local connections, not all of
whom appear in the archives. References take the form BIO/ followed by the first
three letters of the surname and a running number, e.g. BIO/DAR/3 for Darwin.
This reference does not relate to any documents in the archives. If you type a
name in AnyText without specifying ‘BIO’ you will get all references to that
individual.
To search the Biography index only, type BIO in the RefNo box on the search
screen and a name, place or term of your choice in AnyText. You can search for
specific individuals or for people related by a common factor such as occupation
or place of residence. If searching for an individual type Surname, Forename or
Surname alone. If searching occupation a general term is recommended, perhaps
using a wild card, e.g. sport* for sportsman or woman, politic* for political or
politician, music*, art*, medic*, clergy*, etc.
The entries are being input gradually from a card index in the Local Studies
Library, please consult staff if the name you seek does not appear.
How do I search for books about Bromley?
Books and pamphlets which make up the Local Studies collection can be searched
using the
Bromley Library catalogue.