[Genealib] Finding local history books in your state (Laura Carter)

[Mary Bakeman]

At 10:00 AM 5/30/2007, you wrote:

>Hi!
>   We have a problem in Georgia finding out about local history and
>genealogy materials that have been published.  Another genealogy
>librarian and I are trying to figure out how to create a clearinghouse
>of these publications about Georgia that can be easily used by
>librarians and by researchers looking for materials.
As the owner of a genealogy/local history bookstore that specializes 
in Minnesota and the surrounding area, my experience tells me that 
this is a very difficult task! The advent of new self-publishing 
software has made it possible for almost every person and 
organization to publish materials. While Park Books has been around 
for several decades, there are still genealogical and historical 
societies here in Minnesota who are unaware that we exist, and are 
willing to help them distribute their materials.

To try to stay on top of new materials, I subscribe to (and read) 
newsletters and mailing lists from many groups, ask customers to let 
me know of new materials, visit giftshops of museums and historical 
societies when I travel around the state, visit websites of 
organizations, etc., but know that I am unable to find everything. 
(For example, I don't even try to stay current with family histories, 
something that libraries often seek out.) I'm sure that the other 
regional-type publishers and bookstores do similar things -- your 
local genealogy groups will know who they are.

If your library has a mailing list or even a bulletin board, you 
might try letting people know what materials you would accept into 
your collection as donations, and what materials you are willing to 
buy. At least it's a place to start!

Mary

Mary Bakeman
mbakeman at parkbooks.com
Park Genealogical Books
http://www.parkbooks.com