[Genealib] Genealogy periodical usage

[Heather McLeland-Wieser]

We were experiencing a drop off in interest in periodicals until we started featuring journals such as the Quarterly and the Register in our classes.  We started an article reading group as well.  Both seem to have increased interest at least in the national level journals.  Everything we get is cataloged and reference so it is sometimes hard to tell if the public is paying much attention.  We have seen an ever increasing demand via ILL both to lend and to request.

Heather McLeland-Wieser, C.G.
Manager
Art, Recreation, Literature, History, Travel & Maps
Seattle Public Library
206-386-4092

-----Original Message-----
From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu [mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Ross, Nancy M
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 11:58 AM
To: Librarians Serving Genealogists
Subject: RE: [Genealib] Genealogy periodical usage

Nancy,
     I've not done a formal survey yet, but plan to now that Polaris is
up and running.  I have, however, done an informal survey by going to
each periodical title and looking at the issues.  As a result, we are
canceling some of our subscriptions (or not renewing) for both area and
instructional periodicals.  I hate doing it, but both room and money are
at a premium!  
    I've also found that most of our instructional materials are not
circulating.  I've transferred a few to the main library and discarded
others, but there are some I just
can't see not having.  The main problem seems, to me, to be that patrons
are only browsing and the majority don't seem to be willing to get down
into the real (tough and
productive) research.  It's almost as if we have "true" researchers who
look for any and
all records on the people/place/time, then there are the "moderate"
researchers who do work at their research but don't "have time" to go
into true record digging; then there are those who only want the fast
and easy (internet) route.  I have very few "true"
researchers and I love them, even when I'm going crazy trying to answer
their questions.  The "moderate" researchers category is going away and
the fast and easy
route is flourishing.

Nan Ross
Carnegie Librarian
Carnegie Center for Brazos Valley History

_______________________________________________
genealib mailing list
genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
http://mailman.acomp.usf.edu/mailman/listinfo/genealib