[Genealib] Re: Obituary look-up policy & stats

[Tom Vajdik]

I will expand on a few points which I omitted.

When we receive requests (e-mail, telephone or mail), we inform prospective researchers of the charges involved, and if they wish to proceed, they must contact us again with the details of their research. Fees can be paid by cheque or credit card. We can fax information or mail information out. We do not charge for postage. Pre-payment is not necessary. If there is a possibity that the research time will extremely high, then the customer can ask us to only work on their requests for X amount of hours. 

We send out an invoice form with the requested requested, or in some cases the reports stating the unsuccessful attempt to locate information.

 Requests for obituaries  are handled within a period of 2 to 3 days (Sometimes, same day turnover.) Requests are processed as they are received. E-mail and telephone requests are usually processed sooner, as consent can be given by patrons over the phone, or e-mailed back relatively soon. We will proceed with mailed requests as soon as we receive their communication acknowledging the fee rates, and their consent. 

Tom Vajdik
    Genealogy and Local History Librarian
    Windsor Public Library
    850 Ouellette Ave.
    Windsor, Ont. 
    Canada
    tel: 519-255-6770 ext. 4434
    e-mail: tvajdik at windsorpubliclibrary.com

>>> kgaitken at gmail.com 6/3/2006 11:35 am >>>
Intersting, Tom. You do not account for postage or cover letter, or time to
take your search from copy to mailroom/ fax /scanner or whatever delivery
system you use.Nor do you deal with extra billing, or processing of credit
card.  Nor is there  anything to cover replies without results or replies
asking for clarification. Again, nothing on responding to requests asking
for costs, or requests without prepayment.

Most of these people probably are not from your area. What priority are
these? Same day turn around?

Ken

Kenneth G. Aitken, MLS
Family History Education Services
Regina, SK  Canada
kgaitken at gmail.com 

Check out my blog! www.genealogy-education.com