With so much information at the touch of a button, it seems everything is going digital! The problem is that real people are a font of knowledge and the most useful resource and will soon become a distant memory.
Ok, so it sounds a bit dramatic, but knowledgeable people who can access original documents when asked are likely to be replaced under a new scheme set to replace North Devon’s Record Office and Local Studies centre.
So what can I do? I hear you screaming from the rooftops! Well, let us tell you to sign the petition on the following link:
That's for starters!
Secondly, ensure that anybody you know that is interested in local heritage uses the Centre regularly! Customers who use this facility (whether they are locals or Friends from further afield) all contribute to the local economy in terms of heritage tourism. They can research their ancestors in the place of their origin and therefore provide the community with an enormous amount of cultural heritage.
The current proposal is based on a service point model, which will be entirely dependent on online resources. Thus not having access to knowledgeable staff! It will only occasionally be used to gain access to original documents. Doesn’t sound like a great plan now, does it? It is not only 'not fit for purpose' but this proposal will result in a diminution of quality of service and a consequent inequality of opportunity between North and the rest of Devon.
So if you are passionate about North Devon and all its historical roots, please sign the petition to keep these buildings just the way they are – Perfect!
