Visiting the Society
Members and non-members are welcome to visit the Presbyterian Historical Society Library and Archive. However, if you are not a member you might consider becoming one or giving a donation for the service provided. The Search Room can accommodate 6 researchers at a time with 2 microfilm reader places. If you are coming from a distance it is advised that you book in advance for access to the microfilm readers. Please note that we have no facility for printing out from microfilms.
Registration of users
When you visit the library and archive for the first time and you are not a member you will be asked to register and complete a registration form and Data Protection form. You can download the registration form, print it out and complete it before visiting. You will also be asked to sign the Visitors' book.
When you arrive
Bags, briefcases, books, newspapers, coats, umbrellas, and food and drink are not permitted in the searchroom. Lockers are available at the back of the ground floor. A full set of rules and regulations will be given to you on arrival or you can download them and read them in advance of your visit.
Services
The Presbyterian Historical Society provides a number of services to help you with your research.
- Enquiry Service
We offer help and advice to both on-site visitors and to remote enquirers. If the Society is the only holder of a particular document we can offer a paid search service (charge is £10.00 per hour). Please note, however, that we cannot offer a full genealogical research service. If you require research carried out and cannot do it in person you should contact a commercial genealogical organisation. Details on organisations offering this service can be found on the website of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk).
- Reprographic Service
We provide a black and white photocopying service (A4 and A3)and colour computer print-outs as well as digital scans. Print-outs from microfilm are not available. Anyone requesting a copy of a document or pages from a published work will need to complete a copyright declaration form to ensure that the copy is being used for private study only and that it will not be used for commercial purposes.
You can download a copy of the copyright declaration form with details of the reprographic charges.
Permission to Publish
Should you wish to publish material held by the Presbyterian Historical Society you must request permission in writing and provide details regarding the extent and nature of what you intend to publish.
Tours
Tours of the facility can be arranged at out of hours times for individuals or small groups (no more than 10 at any one time). These must be booked in advance. While no charge is made for these a donation would be very welcome.
Organised Talks
If your group would like a talk on the history of Presbyterianism in Ireland or on the resources held in the Presbyterian Historical Society or on any aspect of Presbyterianism you can book this in advance.
