[Genealib] Local Author: definition needed

[Tom Kemp]

I have seen collections based on the state, "area" or just a city. When I
was with the University - the approach was to have a "Faculty" book
collection - and the focus was on the books they wrote before, during and
after they were with the university. Our annual receptions for faculty that
wrote books the previous year were always a huge success and built serious
good will.

I'd suggest that libraries collecting "city" authors frame their collection
scope on all authors that have or currently reside in the town - collecting
their books regardless of when they wrote the books.
You could create a bibliography of all of these titles - and acquire only
those titles that you can reasonably afford. This would allow you to avoid
offending an author when you don't buy their books - because your decision
is based on your real lack of funds and not a slight on the author for not
having lived in the town long enough. The list then also becomes a record
and a wish list.

As a current local resident he is demonstrating an interest in the library,
a pride in his newly adopted community and of course a pride in the books
that he wrote (you couldn't even buy lunch with the royalties from one or
two copies of a book sold).

This type of collection is a terrific way to build rapport with the
community. Authors - particularly retired ones just might bring their
grandchildren in to see their books on the shelf. Retirees are also a good
source of donations.

Use the collection as a point of civic pride and interest - connected to the
people that call your town home and not just for the time they "wrote"
there.

As the bumper sticker says: "I may not have been born here - but I got here
as fast as I could"

And don't forget - not enough local residents express interest in your
library - always leave them positive and upbeat - do whatever it takes to
get them what they ask - and if you just can't afford it - tell them - but
always look for ways to not say no to their suggestion.

Onward,
Tom

Thomas Jay Kemp
Thomas.J.Kemp at gmail.com

On Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 6:02 PM, Mara Munroe <
Munroe at oshkoshpubliclibrary.org> wrote:

>  Friends,
>
>
>
> We were recently approached by a man who wanted us to buy copies of his
> publications for our Local History Collection.  Catch is, he wrote them
> before he retired here.  They were scholarly items, not suitable for our
> circulating collection and quite expensive.  Some are available at the local
> university library.  So we declined and he was miffed.  Do you have a set
> number of years of local residency in your definition of Local Author?  Any
> other advice?  Thanks.
>
>
>
> Mara
>
> Mara B. Munroe
> Local and Family History Librarian
> Oshkosh Public Library
> Oshkosh WI 54901-4985
>
> "History is where the evidence leads us; heritage is what we choose to
> remember and celebrate."  Edward T. Linenthal, May 2005
>
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>
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