Genealogy Chat

It all depends on how easily you can get access to a fiche reader. Also what information that you are after. I live well away from the areas of the country where my family originated so I have nowhere local that I can do research. I have bought quite a few fiche which I occasionally go back to so it is still handy having my own fiche reader. I also bought part of the 1891 Census on fiche a couple of years before it starting appearing on CD-ROM. Have a look through the catalogues of FHS in whatever areas of the country interest you. See what records are available only on fiche and decide whether a short session in a library will be enough for you. Fiche readers are not that expensive especially when you make allowance for travelling costs, hotels etc. Martin

Paul As with all things connected with family search a microfiche is a 'hit and miss'. At £1.00 each, plus P@P plus the cost of a Reader it would work out quite expensive. It would be OK if you were doing research for others who would pay a nominal charge for its usage, otherwise, forget it! I speak from personal experience because the two I bought and read at my local library were disappointing to say the least! Don't waste your money - there are other ways of getting the info you are seeking. Pearl Harries

Paul, I have used one at my local Family History Centre, but some of the Family History Societies will lend you one. June,Preston.Lancs.

Paul I bought a fiche reader off ebay. It was only £70. I have only bought one set of fiche so far, but I reckon that if you live far from the place you are researching, you save the money that it costs by not having to spend on petrol. You don't have only a limited time to look at the fiche and can always have another look if you need to check something. Margaret

Ive seen microfiche readers for sale, and wondered whether its worth buying one then getting individual microfiches for areas/record types. Does anyone have any experience of this, does it just work out to be very expensive?