[Genealib] RE: GEDCOM in the library

[Heather McLeland-Wieser]

I couldn't agree more.  Until a universal electronic format is developed that is perfectly transferable between storage media I can't be thrilled with this type of donation.


>>> "Larry Naukam" <lnaukam at mcls.rochester.lib.ny.us> 6/12/2008 12:19 PM >>>
I would argue that the library in and of itself is meant to be a community
resource and not an attic. By this, I mean that it is nice to receive a
donation, but then in the case of a GEDCOM, you feel like you have to
provide a method to read it, manipulate it, keep a golden master, provide a
way to print it out, possibly allow copies, have to provide machines to use
the file, and keep up to date on what the formats used are -  plus having
the staff expertise to help patrons with it. {And that's just the first few
thoughts that came to mind]

While I very much applaud sharing of information, it would seem from my
point of view that it's WAY too much work for the staff to take on, for the
minuscule amount of benefit obtained by the chance that someone might in a
the future find a link through that GEDCOM.

Essentially, there are specific genealogical web sites and clubs that can do
this. Libraries should not start down that road. Keep the CD if you want,
but don't bother providing a program, a computer, etc. But that's a grumpy
guy's opinion....




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