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Family History during the Pandemic

Our Virtual Helpdesk


When the Covid-19 epidemic prevented us from providing our Helpdesk at Manchester Central Library, we set up a Virtual Helpdesk to provide remote support to those with Manchester or other research problems. We also created a series of short videos and hope you will find these helpful.

Whilst restrictions were in force we opened up our Virtual Helpdesk to members and visitors alike, but now that restrictions are eased, the Virtual Helpdesk will revert to being a privilege of membership from 1 October 2021.

MEMBERS ONLY

To submit an enquiry to our virtual Helpdesk, members may click the button below.

The team aims to answer any queries within a day or so, If you don't get a reply, please check your SPAM folder.

Hints from the Helpdesk Video Library

 

Our wonderful, friendly helpdesk volunteers turned their attention to creating these free videos to help you with your research whilst we all stayed to home during the pandemic. The videos have been very popular with our visitors and our members, so we are continuing this service, and hope that you find the material both interesting and helpful in your research.

What can you discover in the 1911 census and how can you get the most out of the 1841 census? Find out more about the GRO records and the National Archives Research Guides, watch our presentation on DNA, organise your files on your computer and learn a lot about your digital legacy. Seasoned reserchers will also enjoy these videos from our helpdesk volunteers!


A New Pace

Our Virtual Helpdesk

"Changing Times" aptly describes life during the pandemic and how our Helpdesk provision had to change in accordance with each change of regulation. Our Blog for October 2020, "A New Pace", sheds more light on what we provided and how our volunteers continued to provide help to family researchers.


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