DEVON-L Archives

Archiver > DEVON > 1998-09 > 0905042826


From: John Lerwill <>
Subject: Re: Devon Records for sale?
Date: Sat, 05 Sep 1998 17:47:06


Hello Carole!

At 16:16 5/9/98 -0700, you wrote:

>I've been reading the comments with increasing bewilderment.... since
>the DFHS have hardly anything to sell, how on earth can internet access
>affect their financial position?
>
>The majority of DFHS publications for sale, back editions of the
>magazine, burial books and car stickers etc. don't really have an appeal
>for those of us living far away and needing pre 1813 material.... have I
>missed something???
>
>Carole #2439
>(Sheffield UK)
>
>

I think that Brian Randell (see his e-mail to-day - to the Devon List -
timed at 11.01) partly answers your point by giving an analysis of what
other societies provide.

What the DFHS might choose to provide on the Internet is certainly their
decision, but, as you know, there is much information in their Exeter
research centre that *could* be loaded onto the Internet, at least,
perhaps, as regularly and well-maintained lists of what is
available.....plus surnames interests etc. etc. It is Brian that took the
trouble to provide a subject index of the DFHS members' magazine, but I'm
pretty sure that that effort was not initiated by the DFHS.

I think I mentioned in an earlier e-mail that an elderly historian, "with
Internet can't travel", asked the DFHS about being able to do certain
research on-line, which request was somewhat snubbed by the Society. But it
is not only he that is an example but also our many North American and
"down under" friends and cousins who also would be greatly helped.

You are right, that there is a need to specifically identify what can and
should be done, but Brian's analysis and comment certainly gives a clue,
surely?

Very best wishes,

John Lerwill, London, England
***************************************************************************
For Devon History and also Research help, please see my webpage
at: http://members.tripod.com/~lerhistor

This thread: