[Genealib] summary of features for local history room

[Carole Stuart]

Thank you for this summary.  The Collingwood Public Library is in the design stage for a new library, and hooray, they have provided for a large area for the Local History/Genealogy Department.  I had a list of priorities for this area, but there are a couple of  items in your summary that I had not considered. 

Carole Stuart
Coordinator, Collingwood Local History/Genealogy Dept.
Collingwood Public Library
100 Second Street
Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 1E5
cstuart at collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca
(705) 445-1571

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Deena Butta 
  To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu 
  Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 8:52 PM
  Subject: [Genealib] summary of features for local history room


  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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