Comments on: New Zealand BDM Search is now online

By: shirley o'connor

shirley o'connor — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:35:18 +0000

Jude please look in State Library of NSW for up to late 20th C
information.

By: Jude

Jude — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:12:16 +0000

Well, I have found the service to be great – impossible otherwise to find this informaiton from Australia.

By: Carole

Carole — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Yes, it is free. It’s a shame that they haven’t sorted these problems out yet. It’s still quicker and more convenient than looking up the microfiche!

By: Pythinia

Pythinia — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:20:21 +0000

The site is always falling out or going slow – one has to constantly email them asking questions and why the cut off dates, no one born after 1910 is listed etc.
One can get around this but very time consuming.

I suppose the only thing going for it is – it’s free

By: Carole

Carole — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:46:36 +0000

I agree that there are problems with the database, including indexing errors and general usability issues. I still find it an enormous improvement over the microfiche, which I can’t access from home and never seem to have time to pore through when I’m in town.

All of these online databases have teething problems and I prefer to give applause where it is due. Many Australian states still do not have online indexes, and the more recent ones are not especially friendly. The NSW BDM indexes, which I have most experience with, have been through a few iterations until they have reached the standard they now enjoy.

If we can stop abusing the NZ site perhaps the staff will find the time to stop being defensive and address the errors we find.