Research Centre

Facilities

• Microfiche & microfilm readers/printers
• Computers
• Large library of research materials in paper, microform, CD ROM & database format
• Refreshment area
• On-hand assistance from volunteer staff

History of the Research Centre

At the AGM in April 1991 the idea of acquiring our own premises was floated. This was followed in May by an appeal for donations in money or kind and for interest free loans. At an EGM in October the Treasurer reported that she could make available a total of £13,925 and the Council was given permission to go ahead with the plans and to borrow up to £10,000 towards the project.

Coffee mornings, thrift shops, silent auctions all augmented the funds and in April 1992 we took possession of a rather derelict shop. Joiners were employed to make the premises secure then members completed the remainder of the fitting out in time for a September opening.

We were fortunate to be gifted several fiche readers and a photocopier but had to purchase two film readers. Donations of lair records, directories, maps, MIs etc. augmented our basic collection of IGI for Scotland, OPR indexes, OPR and Census microfilms. The official opening by the Lord Provost of Dundee took place on 16 November 1992.

In a short time it became obvious that our premises were not big enough so when the shop next door to the Research Centre fell vacant we began protracted negotiations leading eventually to it's purchase in late 1997. The original loan was paid off and another £10,000 borrowed. A team of members spent the next three years in an orgy of demolition and reconstruction and the Centre was officially opened by Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore on 30th September 2000.