[BHC] Alternatives not explored?

[John P. DuLong]

Georgia Clark [mailto:georgia at corpsie.com] wrote:

>Does anyone know why  the microfilms are in another place?  Is it just
>lack of space or has there been a problem with theft.  Several years ago
>I was able to go to the St. Louis County (Missouri) library where they
>have a genealogy collection and all the microfilms were on shelves open
>to the public. One did have to put purses, bags, etc. in a locker before
>entering the room.   In addition, all (or most) of the microfilm readers
>were also photocopiers;  cost for copies was just $0.10 each.
>
>Also, it wouldn't hurt to update or redo the Burton's finding aids,
>including putting them on the website or some place that would be
>accessible to researchers.

I would assume the major reason the microfilms are not self-serve is that
many of them are not upstairs and they do not have the space or staff to
properly initiate self-service.

As for the finding aids, with a staff down to four professional librarians,
it is difficult to cover the desk, do other basic assignments, and prepare
finding aids.

Georgia, you raise excellent points, and in the past we have all offered
suggestion on how to improve the collection.  Sadly, I think we are at the
point now of just trying to insure the survival of the Burton.  Any
improvements will have to wait.

JP