[Genealib] summary of features for local history room

[Deena Butta]

hello, all,
 
thank you to those who shared ideas with me about features they find to be important in a local history / genealogy room.
 
here is the summary:
 

In your new genealogy / local history room, make sure there is:

 

--change machine

 

--climate control: temperature, light, and humidity control

 

--copy machine:  one that is easy on fragile old books; keep it close to the service desk 

 

--film and fiche reader-printer

 

--floors that are extra strong:  this collection will not get weeded, and will continue to grow; be sure the floors can support the extra weight

 

--lighting that is not harmful to archival material: each area should have a light switch that can be turned off (to avoid heat and UV damage); buy filters for the lights

 

--lockers for staff, patrons, and volunteers

 

--map storage

 

--place to leave materials people are finished using

 

--power sources:  lots and lots of electrical outlets; heavy duty circuits; abundant access to power for laptops, desktops, copiers, film and fiche readers, scanners, and printers.... have it at convenient level for seniors, NOT on floor level.

 

--printer

 

--processing room:  keep the door from public view; control access; storage units within this room to hold unfilled documents, cases, and supplies.

 

--rest rooms near by

 

--seating:  comfortable chairs for patrons who sit longer than the average patron

 

--security: security gates, with security strips added to books

 

--shelving:  extra- wide shelves to accommodate document boxes; make sure you buy non-reactive shelving

 

--sight:  be sure your desk looks out on the area where people enter and leave; keep a line of vision for the entire room

 

--space:  have abundant laptop workspace; larger than usual table space; avoid carrels.

 

--storage:  walk-in storage closet; kitchen-type cabinets (top and bottom) with drawers.; 

 

--vertical files

 

--wifi

 

--windows:  keep windows to a minimum, and to a reasonable size; buy UV protective film or filters

 

--workroom:  staff and volunteer work area with sink; built-in desk space

 

 

If you have not already done so, considert the following:

 

--catalog and / or index the collection

 

--market and promote your collection to local genealogy societies, and your county's USGenWeb contact.  See if your items are in OCLC to see if your items are unique or common

 

--develop policies about borrowing not circulating / not copying / what can be borrowed, and what can be copied, and by what means; e.g. copier? Digital camera without flash? Etc.;  adopt a pencils-only policy, and provide pencils and sharpeners

 

--prices:  set prices for mail or email research

 

--unique items:  check to see if your holdings are in OCLC, and if not, market them as such

 

 

Deena Butta

Glenview Public Library 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deena Hartray Butta
Reference Librarian / Genealogy Specialist
Glenview Public Library
1930 Glenview Rd.
Glenview IL  60025
dbutta at glenviewpl.org
(847) 729-7500 x152
Deena Hartray Butta
Reference Librarian / Genealogy Specialist
Glenview Public Library
1930 Glenview Rd.
Glenview IL  60025
dbutta at glenviewpl.org
(847) 729-7500 x152
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