I'm very supportive of record office rules about leaving bags in lockers, only using pencils etc. After all they are the guardians of our documentary heritage. When I worked in Norfolk Record Office I used to wish I had a pound for every time some idiot said "are you going to strip search me" because they didn't get why they should comply.
But, I've been on my travels again the last two weeks, so have been to several different record offices again, and it never ceases to amaze me how differently they each apply certain rules. One is photography. They all charge different rates and some don't charge at all (Lincoln for example). Most say no flash can be used. But the reasons given why are often different, with many staff not seeming to know why they don't allow it. Others won't allow you to use a tripod, usually because of space, which I get, but again the rationale varies enormously from place to place. Others have a special area where you have to photograph everything and show the staff what you are doing. Essex is one of these but their photographic table isn't big enough to put maps on!
Some will let you photograph the screen of a film or fiche reader. Others don't but don't seem to notice when people do. I've never got the point of doing this anyway as I've tried it and the quality is very poor.
Some don't allow photography at all, or only of certain items, whilst others insist photographs can only be taken by their staff for a hefty fee.
I think this is just one area where perhaps different record offices could share notes at annual meetings and perhaps come up with a more standardised policy that is based on common sense.
I think I'll leave my thoughts on booking policies for another time in case my blood pressure hits the roof.
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