[Genealib] Inhouse Genealogy Consultations

[Wilson, Donald L]

We schedule one morning twice a month for three genealogy appointments
(we chose the first and third Thursday of each month, a morning when all
of our staff are on duty).  We call it "The Genealogy Doctor is In."
Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes, with a 15 minute break in
between.  In reality appointments often last the full 45 minutes.  We
try to concentrate on one or two brickwalls, going over what they have
already done and listing possible plans of action.  We can also use this
time to work with individuals who are just getting started.

If the regular appointment day is inconvenient, we are willing to set up
appointments at other times.  We've been doing this since 2001.  It has
been very favorably received and, along with our regular monthly
programs, has helped encourage use of our collection.  There is no
charge for this service.

Donald L. Wilson, Virginiana Librarian,
Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center 
  for Genealogy and Local History (RELIC),
Prince William Public Library System,
Bull Run Regional Library,
8051 Ashton Avenue,
Manassas, VA  20109-2892.
703-792-4540.
www.pwcgov.org/library/relic


-----Original Message-----
From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne
McCarthy
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 9:22 AM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] Inhouse Genealogy Consultations

Hi everyone,

we are considering expanding our genealogy programming at the Halifax
Public Libraries, here in Nova Scotia.

An idea came up about offering a one-on-one genealogy consultation
service for our patrons. We already do this for our business patrons,
introducing them to materials and resources inhouse. We also make
referrals to other agencies within the community who offer like-minded
service. We typically book them for 45 minutes before the library opens
so they get one on one service

Am thinking of doing the same for genealogy. We wouldn't be doing the
research,but showing patrons how to use primary source indexes, local
history, how to manuals, internet, as well as suggesting courses of
action. Ie) "have you looked at census records yet"...

Does anyone offer this type of service and would be willing to offer
advice or suggestions on how to pull this off? Does anyone charge for
this or consider this a free service, etc, etc.

all the best
Joanne

Joanne McCarthy
Reference Librarian
Halifax Regional Library
5381 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1E9
902-490-5813 (phone)
902-490-5746 (fax)
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca                                 

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