Can I bring my bag into the Family History Research Centre?
You may only bring clear plastic bags with pencil and note book into the Family History Research Centre. We ask that you do not bring in folders, plastic binders, personal computer cases etc.
Where can I put items I am unable to take into the Family History Research Centre?
We provide free lockers for safe storage of your bags and other material while researching.
What if I am a new member and have no membership card?
Before your membership card arrives, present your receipt to the Library Assistants at the Welcome Desk on duty and sign-in manually.
Can I bring in my reference work?
You can take your working notes into the Family History Research Centre. Please ensure you label your notebooks with your name. The Library Assistant on duty may ask you to leave large folders in a locker.
Do I need to be a QFHS member?
Is there a phone available?
There is no public phone at the Family History Research Centre. However, if you wish to make an urgent call, please ask at the reception desk for assistance.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Please switch off your mobile phone or switch it to silent mode. If you wish to use your phone, please use it outside the Family History Research Centre building.
Is there a lunch room available?
We have a members' lounge where tea, coffee, and biscuits are available on an honour system. You can use the microwave oven and refrigerator. Our members' lounge is a very friendly area and much helpful discussion takes place on family history research.
Please note: no shops are within walking distance of the Family History Research Centre.
What should I do when I arrive at the Family History Research Centre?
QFHS members should scan their membership cards at the Welcome Desk near the front door. Plase ask for assistance with scannng your card from the Library Assistant (LA) on duty, if necessary.
We request you wear your membership card in a cardholder while in the Family History Research Centre. Cardholders and lanyards are available from the LA.
Visitors should ask the LA on duty for assistance to check in at the Welcome Desk. Visitors are requested to wear a visitors' badge.
We request that all bags, books, folders, and computer cases are stored in the lockers provided.
Can I use a pen?
You may only use pencils within the Family History Research Centre. If you do not have one with you, pencils are available from the front desk. To protect our records, we do not permit the use of pens. This is standard practice in archives and libraries worldwide.
Is someone available to help me?
Two or more voluntary Library Assistants will be on duty each day that the Family History Research Centre is open. One Library Assitant will be on duty at the Welcome Desk; the second will be at the Help Desk. Either can provide assistance and advice from their own personal experience and expertise.
The LAs can also refer members and visitors to others within the Society, such as Special Interest Group convenors, who may be able to assist.
What do I do when I am ready to leave the Family History Research Centre?
You may be asked to show the Library Assistant your research notes for inspection and pay a small sum for any printing.
Retrieve anything you placed in a locker.
QFHS Members: Scan your membership card at the Welcome Desk to sign out.
Visitors: Sign out at the Welcome Desk and return your visitors' badge.
Do you have computers available?
The Society has six networked computers for members and visitors to use.
Can I use a personal computer or tablet?
Yes, but please leave the computer case in your locker.
Can I use WiFi within the Family History Research Centre?
Yes, you can access the Internet and some of our subscription databases. Instruction for connecting and the security number are available within the Family History Research Centre.
Can I book to use a computer?
Prior booking is not an option. However, you will find a booking sheet on a table just inside the door of the computer room. When the Family History Research Centre is busy and members are waiting to use the computers, we ask you to book for one hour only.
Is there a digital microfilm or microfiche reader available?
Our ViewScan microfiche and microfilm readers allows you to print images or save them to your USB flash drive.
Can I use a removable storage device?
We do not permit the use of removable storage devices (for example, USB flash drives and portable hard drives) on our computers, with the exception of the digital microform reader.
Can I save an image from a website or electronic collection?
You can email information to your home computer if you have web-based email service. Subject to copyright regulations, you are welcome to use a digital camera, mobile device or a handheld scanner within the Family History Research Centre.
Do I need to book to use microfiche and microfilm?
We have two digital microform readers available on a self-serve basis.
What is the procedure if I want to view fiche?
Find the fiche you wish to view. Place the numbered card corresponding with your microfiche reader into the fiche position in the drawer. Then you will be able to return the fiche to its correct location.
Can I print or photocopy documents?
We have printers and photocopiers available for your use. Please observe copyright regulations.
If you wish to scan a document or one or more pages of a book, you can save these to a USB at no charge.
Please pay, at the Welcome Desk, for any printing when you sign out.