Dudley Archives re-accreditation achieved

Dudley Archives and Local History Service has successfully renewed its accreditation status

The accreditation allows it to retain its Place of Deposit status so that the council can officially lodge records that need to be kept for future generations. It looks at how an archive service acquires, preserves and provides access to their collections over the long term, through the management of risks and by planning for change and future needs.

Dudley Archives and Local History Service collects, preserves and makes available archive and local studies material relating to the Dudley borough to help the community understand the past, live the present and shape the future.

It holds original archive material including business ledgers, maps, school records and local authority correspondence and minutes. It has over 15,000 books and pamphlets and around 26,000 images relating to the borough.  Dudley Archives and Local History Service also holds an extensive collection of trade directories, returns, electoral and parish registers from the Dudley borough and further afield.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, responsible for libraries, said: “Dudley Archives and Local History Service offer an outstanding range of resources and specialist knowledge, with dedicated and knowledgeable staff always keen to help visitors to the centre.

“This re-accreditation shows that the service continues to deliver to the high standards they set for themselves and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this achievement.”

GLL Partnership Manager, Stephanie Rhoden, added: “Our staff always work incredibly hard but they really pulled out the stops with this one. It’s a huge amount of work to deliver a service to this standard, year after year and to prepare for an inspection. 

“I’m really proud of the team and the service they deliver for all users, whether local people researching their family trees or academics digging up hidden treasures for their studies, Dudley Archives and Local History Service is there for everyone.”

Dudley Archives and Local History Service is managed through partnership with Better, a not for profit charitable social enterprise group.