[Genealib] Declining use of collection

[James Jeffrey]

Mary

I believe we have all seen such patterns.  The challenge is to remind researchers that you are there.  At the Denver Public Library we have a rather aggressive outreach program.  Classes at the beginner and advanced beginner level are offered each month. Special geographic, subject, or methodology classes are offered on a quarterly basis. A walking tour of historic sites, neighborhoods, cemeteries, records offices etc. is offered each month. Librarians and archivists from the department are out and about in the community lecturing, offering tours, serving on committees, etc. all the while reminding citizens of the resources of our collection and raising our profile. Becoming media sluts by seeking as much media coverage as we can gather. All the while working the desk and attempting to curate the collections 40 hours a week.

The other thing  that has really helped is that I attempt to invite people in for a monthly Coffee and Conversation. 

Several of the genealogical societies, along with hereditary and lineage societies use our meeting spaces. 

Another important process is I attempt to let the local genealogical community know what has been added to the collection and I have even been known to write the occasional article highlighting a resource that should seduce them into getting away from their computers, getting into their cars and coming downtown to the library.

Most importantly I have 109 volunteers who work on projects. These people are active in their local genealogical societies either in town or in the surrounding suburbs. They are ambassadors for the library and especially the genealogy collection. They get the word out and about the library and there is nothing like a personal reference.

Are libraries obsolete. No, we just can not compete with the home genealogy experience. And most importantly we need to remind and show people the value of a good reference librarian in their life.

 
 

James K. Jeffrey
Collection Specialist in Genealogy
Western History and Genealogy
Denver Public Library

>>> "Mary Van Orsdol" <MvanO at ci.carlsbad.ca.us> 12/6/2006 4:42 PM >>>
Over the past 5 years, we have seen a decline in the number of
researchers who come in to use the Carlsbad City (CA) Library Genealogy
Collection. I would like to know if other genealogy departments have
seen declines in usage. And, I would like to know about programs,
publicity, or other efforts taken to increase usage.
 
Thank you.
 
Mary Van Orsdol
Genealogy Librarian
Carlsbad City Library
1250 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 434-2930
mvano at ci.carlsbad.ca.us