Public Use of the Records (Management and Fees) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules.)

These Rules replace the Public Record Office (Public Use of the Records) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1992 and the Public Use of the Records (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995.

These Rules:—

1.  do not include the hours of opening because of the introduction of more flexible working hours.

2.  provide in general terms for the payment of fees (which may be charged on other than a daily or annual basis) for the use of the Northern Ireland records, some of which are increased;

3.  provide that fees may be dispensed with in cases where study or research is being undertaken otherwise than in the course of a business;

4.  provide for the formalities to be completed by members of the public before they are allowed to use the Northern Ireland records, including the requirement to produce evidence of identity before registering;

5.  provide that on the first occasion any person seeking admission to the Search Room or Reading Room must view the visual aids supplied for the information of readers;

6.  provide for restrictions on various personal articles which can be taken into certain areas of the PRONI and used in those parts, as well as placing restrictions on the use of any electric or electronic equipment in the PRONI.

7.  provide for the number of records which can be issued/ordered at any one time;

8.  provide that certain records not described in the indexes, calendars or the other searching aids will be produced at the discretion of the Deputy Keeper;

9.  provide that the Deputy Keeper may issue specific directions as to the handling of records;

10.  provide that tracings of records cannot be made without permission of the PRONI staff and that only pencil shall be used in the Reading Room;

11.  provide that members of the public are responsible for the records which they are inspecting;

12.  provide that where members of the public leave the Reading Rooms for a period of more than one hour they must remove all their personal property; and

13.  provide the circumstances under which members of the public may be excluded from the PRONI.