Abstract:
Examines the historiographical and practical problems of using newspapers in historical
research. Studies the methods of different types of professional and non-professional
historians, to evaluate the value of newspapers as historical documents and the
problems particular to them. Examines the difficulties associated with newspapers in
library collections from both the perspectives of newspaper users and custodians.
Seeks to provide recommendations for both groups to facilitate the use of newspapers. The research adopted essentially qualitative methods. Using questionnaires and
interviews, the opinions and experiences of historians in Wales were studied. Case
studies of newspaper collections in Wales were undertaken to examine current policies
and strategies at a local level. The research was also undertaken with collaboration
from the British Library Newspaper Library and with specific reference to the work of
the NEWSPLAN project. Concludes that newspapers are an important source for all manner of historical
enquiries, but that historians often require further guidance in order to search, use and
evaluate them. Different patterns of use were observed among different types of
historians. Also suggests that newspapers are unlike other historical documents,
because of their nature and role in society. Specific techniques are provided to assist
the historian using newspapers. The use of newspapers is also shaped by the policies
and strategies of both local and national newspaper collections. Thus, guidelines and
recommendations are provided to assist these organisations. Further work is urged, to
understand the needs of historians and the specific problems that newspapers present,
following the five million pound Heritage Lottery Fund Award for the NEWSPLAN
project in March 1999.
