[Genealib] summary of features for local history room--revised

[Deena Butta]

Hi---
 
after I sent out my last email I realized I forgot to include a few
items, so here is the revised edition...thank you to everyone who shared
their ideas:
 

  

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

 

--artwork:  local art and artifacts

 

--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 

 

--exhibit case

 

--files:  vertical files, and also hanging lateral files

 

--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 cameras; 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; avoid blocking vision
with bulletin boards etc

 

--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.;  

 

--tape storage: for video and audio tapes

 

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

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