[Genealib] Genealogy Room Set-up * & online ctalogs *

[treviawbeverly]

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Wylie 
  To: 'treviawbeverly' ; 'Librarians Serving Genealogists' 
  Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:15 AM
  Subject: RE: [Genealib] Genealogy Room Set-up * & online ctalogs *


  Trevia and all,

  Gee, I sure didn't mean to paint all genealogical collections with the same brush. 


    Talking libraries is just like doing the apples & oranges bit.  Size, type, administration (city & individual library), etc. will all find their way into a particular library.  My points have been only to "do your homework" before going. Learn all you can if there is a good website but even then you'll want to find out about 'hidden' sources.  I tell my classes to 
1) put the smile on so the staff does not dread to see you come  2) if you are a fist time visitor don't hesitate to say so - and what you hope to fine.  first thing you know, some staff member will be bringing you something they think you might be interested in (of course this depends on # of staff and how busy they re) and 3) sit as close to the reference desk as you can. If you're able to do your work and keep one ear open, you'll sure learn a lot from other people's questions and the answers given. And I, also, am one who loves to browse. If you're in your own home town, be a volunteer - the best education you can get is shelving books. It is a little like working in the courthouse - no, I don't have time to read all the wills, etc. but I can learn where everything is filed and how to get to it. One of the things I'd like to see on websites is a floor plan - simple; just the location of how arranged ... show me where the vertical files are located, for instance.
  The donation is always welcome - and I give my business card when I step through the door and introduce myself.
Just to make someone aware that I'm there.  
   I can't think of a single library that I've been in that I have not wished they would forget to turn the lights out when they lock the door and leave me in there!   A salute to all librarians and their staff that put up with the rest of us.

   Trevia
 
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