[Genealib] local history room features

[Cherry, Kevin]

The processing room is REAL important if you are going to continue
collecting local history materials-letters, diaries, genealogists'
papers. And ample storage units in this processing room to hold unfilled
documents cases and other supplies. I would make sure you can control
access to and from the room-since single sheets of paper, old postcards,
etc. can slip away so easily. Security cameras are a nice feature.
Hanging lateral files work well for the collection of loose family
notes, and the like that people will donate copies of. I like closed
stacks for manuscript and other unique local history materials. You will
want to be able to store your use tapes away from your master
tapes-although digital recordings are changing this. But you still need
two separate computers or places for videos and audiotapes. A good small
exhibit case is worthwhile so you can draw attention to new acquisitions
or develop exhibits on some local history event using your materials. 

 

Give your local history collection as much storage as you can afford.
Since weeding is light in these collections, they tend to run out of
space quickly!

 

Kevin Cherry

 

________________________________

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Deena Butta
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 3:46 PM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] local history room features

 

Hello, all,

 

we are designing a new library, which will include a genealogy and local
history room.

 

have any of you recently designed a room for this purpose? what features
do you think sre important to include?  what do you wish you had
included that perhaps you did not?

 

we have a special collection that we inherited from a local genealogist,
it is about 400 volumes in a locked case.  we also have old phone books,
a couple hundred titles of bound magazines, and a reference genealogy
collection of about 350 titles.

 

i am thinking we need to be sure about security, climate control,
blackout shades to control sun and heat, and work space for volunteers
to do indexing projects, orah histories, etc.

 

what am i forgetting?  i will be grateful for your suggestions.

 

thank you!

 

deena

glenview public library

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