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Re: Reading Rooms and Staffing



 
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
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2000 4:46 PM
Subject: Reading Rooms and Staffing

We are currently re-working our reading room hours and considering how to cover unplanned and planned staff absences.

I would appreciate input from other institutions. Please reply to me and I will summarize for the list.

How many special collection/archives reading rooms do you maintain?

How many hours a week is each opened?

How many staff hours are dedicated to reading room service?

Do you use students or volunteers to staff reading rooms by themselves?

Do you have more than one person on duty for a reading room?

Thanks for your help.


Susie R. Bock
Special Collections Librarian/Archivist
University of Southern Maine Libraries
314 Forest Ave.
PO Box 9301
Portland, Maine 04104-9301
207-780-4269
207-780-4042 (fax)

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