How many special collection/archives reading rooms do you
maintain?
There are 2 Special Collections Reading Rooms in our library: Genealogy Room - published family histories, vital record books, city
directories, local history printed books, probate record indexes, genealogical
periodicals.
Archives Room - manuscripts, photographs, architectural drawings, Civil War
correspondence, rare books, maps, pre-1800 printed books.
Soon there will be a 3rd the Art Room - library owned art on paper, early
19th century prints, pre-1850 printed books on art and music.
How many hours a week is each opened?
33 hours each week for the Genealogy and Archives Rooms. The Art Room is yet to be determined.
The Archives and Art Rooms are by appointment only. Genealogy welcomes
walk-ins.
Do you use students or volunteers to staff reading rooms by
themselves?
Absolutely not! Genealogy Room requires that a trained professional be on at all times to answer questions and direct patrons in their research. The same holds true for the Archives and Art Rooms with one added element - Security of the collections require that limits be placed on access. Researchers do not browse shelves in the Archives and Art Rooms. Materials are paged by the Archivist and Art Manager for use. Call slips are employed to keep a record of access. Do you have more than one person on duty for a reading
room?
Not always.
Glad to be of help.
Tina V. Furtado, archivist
Archives Room - New Bedford Free Public Library 613 Pleasant Street New Bedford, MA Tel : (508) 961-3104 Fax: (508) 991-6368 e-mail : tfurtado@sailsinc.org
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