[Genealib] Decrease in onsite visitors to yourhistorical/genealogical library

[Susan Scouras]

Please post all replies to the list.  This is of vital interest to many
of us.
 
We are faced with the same situation, having had our Archives and
History Library Reading Room (public space of the State Archives) deemed
"underutilized."  How do we explain that although the number of warm
bodies entering the room are fewer, the staff still has more than enough
significant work to do?  
 
I am hoping most libraries can hold the line on their budgets and staff
levels for at least another year.  There are indications that
genealogists who have used only the Internet up to now are finally
discovering the value of primary records and expert advice.  Plus, as
you stated, digitizing and indexing records and putting them online
requires not only staff, but funds for hardware, software and other
equipment.  
 
 
Susan Scouras
Librarian
WV Archives and History Library
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV  25305-0300
(304) 558-0230, Ext. 742
 

	-----Original Message-----
	From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Cindy S.
Drake
	Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 9:56 AM
	To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
	Subject: [Genealib] Decrease in onsite visitors to
yourhistorical/genealogical library
	
	
	----- Original Message ----- 

		From: Cindy S. Drake <mailto:cdrake at nebraskahistory.org>

		To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu 
		Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 11:42 AM
		Subject: Decrease in onsite visitors to your
historical/genealogical library

		I believe I have seen this topic mentioned before so I
am hoping this group would be able to help refer me to previous posts or
other articles on this topic.  Our director wants us to report on how we
will justify funding for staffing in the future as fewer patrons use our
facility onsite.  Our patrons expect more of our material to be made
available online, but a lack of funding for staff and technology is
making it difficult to proceed in that direction.  What avenues are
historical/genealogical libraries using to justify revenue to maintain
staff for patron services and technical support? 
		 
		 
		Cindy S. Drake
		Library Curator
		Statewide Cemetery Registry Coordinator
		Nebraska State Historical Society
		1500 R Street, P.O. Box 82554
		Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
		cdrake at nebraskahistory.org
		Voice: 402-471-4786
		Fax: 402-471-8922
		To learn more about the histories we share visit
www.nebraskahistory.org

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