[Genealib] Digitization vs. Keeping old records

[Local History]

If they can not be convinced to keep them, then perhaps there is another library or archive that would be willing to take them in? Are there any state laws that govern city or county records? I would strongly advocate for microfilming the records.  If they desire digital versions for access then the microfilm could be digitized. Despite all the advances in digital preservation, microfilm is still the preservation standard.  
Here are some great links for microfilm guidelines and standards:
Library of Congress Microfilm Guidelines 
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/usnpguidelines.html
OCLC Microfilm standards
http://www.oclc.org/preservation/microfilming/standards/default.htm
NEDCC microfilm information 
http://www.nedcc.org/oldnedccsite/welcome/micro.htm
See Harvard's Preservation Program for links to the standards for microfilm
http://preserve.harvard.edu/resources/microfilming.html

Julie H. Bartlett
Archivist
Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum 
Hampshire Room for Local History
Forbes Library 
20 West St. 
Northampton, MA  01060
(413) 587-1014
jbartlett at forbeslibrary.org
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Pam Cooper 
  To: Librarians Serving Genealogists 
  Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007 12:59 PM
  Subject: [Genealib] Digitization vs. Keeping old records


  Since digitization has been brought up, it reminded me of what I am potentially facing in the coming weeks.

   

  It may be a possible stand-off with my county officials about their old records. We are relatively a young county and the County Commissioners have not faced the issue of storing or preserving their old records. They will soon move into a new building in June. I have been told they are digitizing and will be throwing away the old records. They do not want any of them in the new building. Yikes!

   

  I am trying to stop this and find a way to put the records in our library. I am hoping to receive some good arguments against trashing the records from those of you who are experienced in the archive field. Or, am I out of date???

   

  Your help would be most appreciated.

   

  Pam

   

  Pamela J. Cooper, Supervisor 

  Archive Center & Genealogy Department

  Indian River County Main Library

  1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960

   

  772-770-5060 x108 - Fax 772-770-5066

  Email: pcooper at irclibrary.org 

   

  Need a guide to our collection? 

  See our pathfinders at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~flindian/ircl/

   



------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  _______________________________________________
  genealib mailing list
  genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
  http://mailman.acomp.usf.edu/mailman/listinfo/genealib
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.acomp.usf.edu/pipermail/genealib/attachments/20070203/628c804e/attachment.html