Local Studies Centre
How to obtain a copy of a document or object
The Local Studies Library at Valence House has many resources relating to the history of the borough and for family history research. It acts as the reading room for the borough's archives and archival collections.
Print-outs from microfilm
The Local Studies Library holds copies on microfilm of the parish registers for St Margaret's, Barking, (1558-1947) and St Peter and Paul, Dagenham (1598-1948). The originals of these registers are held at Essex Record Office.
The Local Studies Library also holds microfilm copies of census returns for the local area, and several local newspapers spanning the period 1898-2001. There are 5 microfiche readers, but only 2 reader/printers, available for use by personal visitors to the library. It is recommended that you telephone in advance of a visit to book the use of one of these machines.
The cost of printing is 35p per sheet. Payment must be made to the member of staff on duty.
Print-outs from CDs
The Local Studies Library has a growing collection of CD-ROMs which include the Crow Lane cemetery burial index and local trade directories.
A print-out costs 10p per sheet for A4-size to library visitors.
Owing to shortage of staff time, staff will only do a maximum of 2 print-out copies from a microfilm or CD-ROM on behalf of a reader.
Photocopies of original documents
A photocopy of an original document, other than those available on microfilm, may be obtained if the document will not be damaged by the photocopying process. The condition of each document - its age, material, size, condition and level of use - will all be assessed by a member of staff when a copy is requested. Hand-held scanners are not allowed because of the likely damage to documents.
Bound volumes, large plans and other outsize documents, rolls or deeds with seals are not photocopied owing to the difficulty of copying and the risk of damage.
Photocopying of original documents will be done by the member of staff on duty.
Photographs or digital reproductions of original items
The library is able to provide the name and contact details of a local photographer should an enquirer wish to obtain a copy of a professional standard. We would require the completion of our Request for a Copy of a Document form beforehand; this is available from the Local Studies Library.
The cost would be agreed directly between the photographer and the enquirer.
Visitors to the library are normally permitted to photograph documents or objects using their own cameras but it would be necessary to make arrangements in advance. Again, it is necessary to sign a Request for a Copy of a Document form beforehand; this is available from the Local Studies Library.
The cost is £1.50 per page or object.
Please remember that the library is a busy place with space at a premium; complicated camera equipment will not be feasible. The use of flash is not permitted.
Copies of archive photographs
Where copyright has been cleared, the library has the capability of making digital copies of photographs. These can either be sent digitally as an email attachment, scanned to CD or printed onto plain or photographic paper.
Printing can be done in either black and white or in colour - although it must be remembered that the majority of photographs in our collections are black and white.
A photograph will be scanned once and printed onto photographic paper if a researcher wishes. Costs for this service are shown below; these figures include 17.5% VAT.
Digital form only (for sending by email) £3.60 per scan. Please note: Images can be put onto a CD at an additional cost of £1.50
Plain paper
A4 black and white - £3.60
A4 colour - £5.80
A3 black and white - £9
A3 colour - £7.60
Photographic paper
A4 black and white - £4.20
A4 colour - £10
A3 black and white - £11.60
A3 colour - £20.56
For all orders except email, an additional cost of £1.50 for postage and packing will be charged.
Photocopies from printed books
Photocopying of pages from printed items on the library's open shelves may be done by visitors to the reading room.
Photocopies cost 10 pence per sheet for A4-size and 20p for A3-size.
Orders by post
Where it is not possible for a researcher to visit the Local Studies Library, a maximum of 2 photocopies will be made by a member of staff. There is a minimum charge of £1.50 for postal orders which covers staff time, postage and packing.
Full payment must be received in advance. Please make your cheque out to London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It is not possible to do extensive or complicated photocopying.
Copies for publication
If you intend to use copies of any material for publication, rather than private study, it is necessary for you to obtain permission from the copyright owner of the document before you proceed.
Copyright request form 
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