| Administrative History | A Brief Overview:
The Local Ephemera collection is part of the Record Office’s Local Studies library collection. The collection consists of printed materials from a wide variety of sources, including local governments and their services (including libraries, museums, housing, etc.), cultural venues (such as theatres and music venues), political parties, local businesses (including restaurants), and more. The Local Ephemera collection is made up of over 3,500 subject files.
Ephemera will also be found in archive collections.
What is Ephemera:
Ephemera is a broad term which refers to materials created for a limited-time purpose, and are not intended for long-term preservation. In the Local Ephemera Collection, we specifically hold printed ephemera relating to a wide range of subjects and local events, venues, and organisations. Below is a list of the most common types of ephemera you are likely to find in this collection:
Leaflets:
Leaflets are sheets of paper, either flat or folded (sometimes multiple times) which is distributed (usually for free) to provide information, or to advertise a service. A leaflet is considered ephemera when it contains the following (note: these are examples, not an exhaustive list):
Information about upcoming elections, including local candidates, party manifestos, electoral processes (e.g. voter registration, polling places, election procedures)
Tourist information, including information about specific local attractions, events calendars, heritage trails, etc.
Specific advertising information - for example, a leaflet promoting a new publication, product, or service, which contains a concise description of the product/service being promoted, and may include additional information, such as an order form, prices, etc.
Information about local organisations and societies; including how to become a member, how to donate, and what they do.
Takeaway menus.
Information about new laws, regulations, guidance,or policies.
Flyers:
Flyers are paper advertisements printed on a single sheet. They are usually distributed through the post, handed out in public, or posted on visible surfaces. They are primarily materials, containing less written information than a leaflet (note: some modern flyers contain QR codes which link to web pages providing more information). Flyers will commonly advertise the following:
A handbill for an upcoming performance (play, music, comedy, etc.) at a specific venue - will often give the date (but not necessarily the year), time, and venue.
Specific events, including elections, protests, public meetings, festivals, film screenings, exhibitions, etc.
Specific businesses and facilities, including shops, leisure/sport/recreational facilities, skilled trades.
New products, publications, or services (typically with less information than a leaflet on the same subjects; additionally, may be designed for display rather than distribution).
Posters:
Medium to large-format paper advertisements intended for display; primarily visual advertisements, but also used to disseminate information. Posters may contain the following:
Upcoming events or performances at a local venue, such as a theatre, music venue, conference centre, public park, cinema etc.
Dates of festivals, fun fairs, sports days, fairs, etc.
Election information, including polling stations, election candidates, etc.
Appeals for information about missing persons, crimes, etc.
Information about company/organisational policies, services, who to contact, etc.
Programmes:
A leaflet or booklet containing information about a specific performance or occasion; at minimum, it (usually!) gives the following information:
The name of the performance, event, or occasion, and the venue or location where it took place; may also give dates of upcoming productions
Date(s) (may not include year; also, souvenir programmes for touring performances may not list the dates at all, or they may be hidden in the back of the programme…check carefully!) and time(s) of performances or events
Names of organisers, sponsors, production companies, directors/conductors, and performers. Theatre programmes in booklet form will often include the names of production crew, and suppliers of costumes, props, etc.
Advertisements for local shops, companies, and services.
*Note: Some programmes may be autographed, or contain ticket stubs, newspaper cuttings, or information about last-minute performance changes.
i. A leaflet or booklet containing information about multiple performances or events over a period of time; can be monthly, seasonal, or annual.
E. Pamphlets: Small booklet or leaflet containing arguments on a specific subject.
F. Timetables: Timetables, usually for public transport services; may also include heritage railways, tours, and other timed events.
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