Hi Paul,

While I think it is excellent that the MNH is digitising the records from parish registers, census returns, property and land deeds and Manx newspapers, which hopefully will ensure their preservation, I wonder how much research the Tynwald did before deciding that keeping the records to themselves would result in thousands of visitors flocking there (in Frances's words).
I can't see how keeping digitised records within 4 walls would bring a single extra person to the IOM, because when there you can look at the existing ones anyway. You don't spark people's interest by withholding information.

The opinion in Scotland following their record scans (ScotlandsPeople) being put online was that this had the effect of increasing tourism, and to the whole of Scotland, not just to the repositories in Edinburgh. When people living at a distance found out about their ancestors and exactly were they lived, they were keen to go there to see for themselves. They became interested in the social and local history of the area, and many were keen to help financially with local projects such as cemetery M.I. repairs. Some people, especially from the USA, return repeatedly to join in the increasing homecoming events in their "home" area.
And of course ScotlandsPeople have made a lot of money selling access to the scanned records, while keeping some indexes free.

People will still come to the IOM to see the beautiful scenery, friendly people, and where their ancestors lived, but can make better use of their time if they have researched their family history in advance. They are not going to want to waste much precious time sitting in front of a computer screen.

Sue