Can I search for a specific date?In Advanced Search, type a year in the Date field, and a search will be made of that year plus or minus 10 years. For example, typing '1960' in the Date field will give results such as 1472-1979, 16th century - 20th century, mid 20th century, c1970, Aug 1960.
Can I sort my search results? Click on one of the headings (Catalogue No., Title, Date) and the results will be sorted alphanumerically.
How do I request a copy? Copies are available of many of our records. However, some records cannot be copied because of their physical condition, or because of the access conditions placed on them.
Commercial use of any of the images in the catalogue usually requires payment of publication and reproduction fees plus printed acknowledgement (if appropriate) to the owner or source of the image(s). The commercial use is restricted to the purpose for which it was granted, and further reproduction of the image is prohibited without further documented permission and payment of a further fee. Commercial use includes publication on websites, in printed format such as books and calendars, framed or mounted views in business premises such as pubs and restaurants, use in television programmes, and pre-recorded format such as DVD.
If you want a print or a photocopy of an item in the catalogue, you need to contact us to find out whether this can be done, and for a quotation of the price. Please make a note of the full reference and click here to contact us.
To see our current list of charges, click here
What about copyright? Permission to quote from archive material in a published work should be obtained in writing from the County Archivist, who will contact the depositor where appropriate.
Any document quoted in research or a published work should bear the reference 'West Sussex Record Office' ('WSRO' subsequently), followed by the title of the Collection (e.g. Goodwood MS) and the appropriate number.
Commercial use of any of the images you see usually requires payment of publication and reproduction fees plus printed acknowledgement (if appropriate) to the owner or source of the image(s). The commercial use is restricted to the purpose for which it was granted, and further reproduction of the image is prohibited without further documented permission and payment of a further fee. Commercial use includes publication on websites, in books, newspapers, magazines, calendars, leaflets etc., framed or mounted views in business premises such as pubs and restaurants, use in television programmes and videos.
Copyright disclaimer - We have made every effort to include only images which are out of copyright, or which were donated to the Record Office to use as it chooses. If we have inadvertently used an image for which you claim copyright, please let the Record Office know, including evidence of copyright ownership, and we shall remove the image from the database.
We have not always been able to identify every person in an image. If an image of you has been used, whether you have been named or not, and you would prefer it not to be included, please let the Record Office know, and the image will be removed.
Although we have taken great care in selecting images and compiling the information in Search Online, there may inevitably be inaccuracies that occasionally occur. Please let us know if there are any inaccuracies or you have information to add.
What about data protection? This database contains some personal data. We have taken all reasonable care to ensure that we operate within the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. If you believe that any of the data in this database which relates to living persons causes or is likely to cause substantial distress to you or any other person, please contact us with specific details.
Does the Freedom of Information Act affect what I can see? Records in this database may be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Act relates to information held by public authorities such as West Sussex County Council. Anyone has the right to access that information unless the information is exempt within the meaning of the Act.
Some of our catalogues relating to records which are now subject to the Act will still state that closure periods exist for some classes of records during which they cannot be consulted except by special permission of the depositor.
Anyone wishing to consult 'closed' records should understand that these closure periods are not absolute. However, much information contained in formerly closed records remains sensitive (for example personal medical data). Requests to gain access to such information will still need to be monitored and referred to the depositor for guidance. Access to the information will then either be granted in full, granted with restrictions, or refused. If refused, the reason will be clearly given in accordance with the Act. The Act does give a right of appeal against such a decision. Any appeal will be dealt with through the County Council's Complaints Procedure.
If you require access to information in records which fall within the FOI Act but which our catalogue suggests are still covered by a closure period please contact us outlining the information you are seeking. We and the depositors of the records will then liaise concerning your request. You will be notified of the decision within 20 working days (30 if we need to consult a government department because the records are defined as public records).
To find out more about information held by the County Council and the West Sussex County Council Publication Scheme, click here