It's more difficult to book a slot now that it was during the first few weeks after reopening. I've been, I think, 7 times since they reopened and have always managed to get a slot for the week I wanted. You need to keep checking the page as they release new slots each week when people cancel
There's a lot of (legitimate) grumbling on Twitter from people who have repeatedly failed to secure a visit despite virtually waiting for the slots to open every time they come up. There should be a waiting list.
Managed to secure a seat yesterday for the first time in five weeks. They really need to be thinking about the long term now. Extend the reading room across the first floor; reconsider the 72 hour document quarantine based on more recent research on the viability of Coronavirus on porous surfaces; extend opening hours back to five days a week, full days; and get more staff back to work. Sure it can be accomplished in a safe way for staff and readers.
Not really. Life must jog-on. The files do (not belong to them) they do a job! Just imagine has a wagon driver if i decided not to deliver the needs of Kew? A shit responce in my eyes. They need to get a grip. Sorry if I'm being blunt. I'm sure they will please has they will. Its not cricket in my eyes.Simples. Regards Stu. Edit, Sack the waiting list & stop the pants & knickers from having dark marks.
I don't understand why anyone would need to wait to get a slot for 5 weeks. I agree that recently, being on the Eventbrite page at 10 am on a Monday, all slots are already taken, but I asked them for an explanation of that. The only way to get a slot is to keep checking throughout the week for slots due to cancellations
I'm waiting for a air of normality to return. In the meantime.... I have around 6,000 complete war diaries in my archives
Very interesting . Glad it’s not just me . It is like booking concert tickets. Trying to sit by the computer at 0959 on a Monday. Most of us do bloody work etc. as for the “ keep checking all week for cancellations etc “ , again , I suspect most people can’t sit hoping for a vacancy at a screen 24/7 and then can’t drop everything and hurtle off to London for a few hours at the drop of a poxy hat announcing to work and wife that you won’t be available at 3 seconds notice . The system is Ballox as it stands
As Charley mentioned, there's a lot of frustrated people on twatter. Feels like the frustration pre-dates 'virus issues' too. Been bubbling under for a while as regular users' tone went from joking about officialdom to genuine irritation at new systems & changes. Think there's another thread here about current problems. Should maybe merge this.
My pre Covid annoyance was the introduction of a maximum number of docs a day allowed to be ordered in a day, not being allowed to order docs after 1630hrs (or 1600hrs, It's been that long since I've visited) on a 1900hrs closing and not being able to order a document until 0930hrs on arrival. I'm sure there's more
Current suggestion by TNA is that you walk or cycle to Kew, rather than using public transport. All very well and good if you live a few miles away. For me it would mean drive down approx 250 miles; stay overnight nearby; spend the next one day that you are entitled to visit per week at TNA; then drive 250 miles back home Ridiculous!!!!!!
How long before they start trumpeting as a positive the environmental benefits they've achieved by dissuading visits from the provinces? Or the 'not as many people are using our sevices so we can cut them'?
And ever single day to to last on 30 October , none of which I could use , gone by 10:01 How the hell is anyone supposed to use this system ? RIP research, hell I’m all for keeping people safe but this is just now head butting
October 1349 Woe alack I have been trying to get a desk at the great abbey library but still I am refused. Some nonsense that the monks keep dropping down dead - it's no excuse - how am I going to complete my essential research into the prophesies of St Ottwake?
People are immensely frustrated by a booking system. A system that lies at the heart of what the forum's often about, and even several members' actual livelihoods. The criticism of it is growing from 'public' historians to jobbing researchers. Cue facetious Black Death equivalency comment. (I'd say 'joke', but with some members' businesses crashing/crashed around said issue it doesn't seem very jokey, more a tone of personal sneering attack.) Ever wonder why you put people's backs up online?..