Repackaging research or rewriting a book
William Spencer's first new record guide, Medals: The Researcher's Guide, was published in June 2006 and, for the first time in one book, brought together essential information about medals and their associated records held by both The National Archives and the British Library. His second new publication, Family History in the Wars (December 2007), provides the reader with key information about records relating to British military service between 1899 and 1953. Unlike many previous books about military records, Family History in the Wars contains vital information about records that reveal how civilians, such as aliens and internees, were affected by war.
Although much of the information in William's three rewritten guides (Army Records, Air Force Records and First World War Army Service Records) is the same as in previous editions, the revised works are, in many ways, significantly different. They enable the reader to benefit from the latest research and an increased understanding of the records themselves, as well as providing details of new ways to access records knowledge online. Readers interested in the War Office's Service Medal and Award Rolls Index (series WO 371), for example, can now access digital copies on The National Archives' DocumentsOnline service.
Therefore, while these hard copy records guides may appear to be somewhat old fashioned in the context of The National Archives' many online services and finding aids, they continue to perform a vital function. The primary research underpinning them, resultant improved cataloguing and the process of rewriting older guides continue to enable William and other specialists to open up records that have lain undisturbed or underused for many years.
