What to expect when visiting HERoNI

Booking in advance

Our collections are stored at multiple sites, so we may need to transfer the items you require from an offsite store. Booking in advance allows us to ensure the items you wish to see will be available on the day of your visit.

Conditions of entry

On your first visit, you must register both with HERoNI and PRONI if you are to use the buildings archive facilities. Information on how to register with PRONI is available. HERoNI accepts the same forms of identification.

Visitors attending HERoNI are asked to note that:

• your visitor pass must be always worn
• the documents available for consultation are unique and irreplaceable and should be handled with care.

Taking items into the Search Room and/or Reading Room

You can bring the following items into the Search Room or Reading Room:

• pencil, notebook
• laptop, tablet
• camera, smartphone

All other items, such as pens, bags, coats, food and drink must be left in the lockers on the ground floor.

Cameras

You can use your own device to take photographs in the Search Room and Reading Room. If you would like to take photographs during your visit, please speak to a member of HERoNI staff. Many of our collections can be photographed, however some may have restrictions in place due to copyright.

Wi-Fi access

We have a free public Wi-Fi service available.

Staff assistance

HERoNI staff will be available during your visit to provide advice and guidance. However, they will not be able to undertake research on your behalf.

New visitors will be shown how to search for information using the HERoNI databases and how to order files and documents. 

Leaving your desk during your visit

You can leave your desk, but documents should be returned to the Issue Desk for periods of absence from the Reading Room or after consultation. Documents should not be removed from the Reading Room. Items left unattended may be removed.

Returning documents to the Issue Desk

All documents should be returned to the Issue Desk by 4.00pm.

Copies of documents

You can make your own copies of documents using a smartphone or camera.

You can purchase a copy card from the Issue Desk to make copies using the scanners and printers provided in the main Reading Room.

Handling documents

Thank you for helping us preserve the documents by handling them with care:

• make sure hands are clean and dry; do not wet your fingers to turn or separate pages.
• always handle photographs and negatives by the edges - Never touch the image surface as oil from fingerprints leave stains and cause deterioration.
• never mark a document or book in any way. 
• never use writing paper on top of a document as this can cause damage. Do not remove paperclips, pins or staples from documents.
• do not fold, crease or bend any documents- great care must be taken when turning pages or unfolding documents. Do not permit documents or maps to overhang the edge of the table.
• documents in protective transparent sleeves must not be removed from them. Documents in envelopes or folders within files should be replaced as found.
• documents should be kept in the order as found. Re-assemble bundles with care.

Remote enquiries service

If you are unable to visit us in person, our enquiries and digitisation services are available to help you access the collections.

Enquiries can be made by email, and staff will confirm if a record is held in our care. Please note staff cannot carry out research on your behalf.

Digitisation and licensing requests can be made by emailing HERoNI@communities-ni.gov.uk.

Group visit or information session

HERoNI offer visits free of charge for community, educational and professional groups. These include an overview of how HERoNI can be used and a display of records for attendees to browse.

We can also provide information sessions to community groups, local libraries, specialist networks and educational settings. These introduce HERoNI collections and demonstrate how to use our online resources to learn more about your local area.

Contact HERoNI to enquire about availability.

Unsatisfied with the service provided?

If you are unsatisfied with any aspect of our service, you should speak to a member of HERoNI staff. If you remain dissatisfied, you should complete a Comments and Suggestions form available in the HERoNI Reading Room to address this to the HERoNI manager.