Dumpling in a Hanky

Well after all my moaning before about the National Archives of Scotland, and how slow they can be to get a document to you, I have to say, the in-person service is a different matter altogether! I spent a good chunk of 2 days last week rummaging around in there, and the staff couldn't be more helpful. From the security guard at the door to the Duty Archivist, everyone was happy to explain what they were doing, walk me through the processes and procedures, and help me find what I was looking for. Unfortunately, some time between 1968 and today, the document I was looking for was vapourised by either the Scottish Office or the Scottish Government...*sigh* But, it just goes to show - the service you receive remotely can never compete with being able to go, in person, and ask the staff for help...so thank you NAS for your great service last week!

Seriously, the problem with large bodies like the National Archives of Scotland is there's no pressure on them to be better, or faster, or to compete, as they're the only body that holds certain items. Which means that the speed they deal with enquiries is, just well, what ya gotta accept. Which doesn't help when you started an enquiry a week ago, they got back to you the next day for details, then the following day they tell you they have the item, and ask you to pay. You pay within an hour, and wait...and wait...and wait. 3 working days later, there's still no sign of the materials, and of course they're wanted urgently. Urgently, as in last week, when you thought you'd sorted things. *drums fingers impatiently*