[BHC] Implications of a Usage Fee for Genealogical and Historical Research

[John P. DuLong]

Folks,

I just thought I would share with you the reaction I received from a
knowledgeable Ph.D. and MLS who I greatly respect.

> You are not ranting, you are accurately predicting.  Just think (as you
> have) of how such a policy will retard research of all kinds, not just
> that of a genealogical nature.  History in particular will be hard hit,
> as most special collections house materials relating to the past.  The
> result would be akin to a person getting Alzheimer's disease where we
> slowly lose track of what really transpired in the past.  Since legal
> work is often a review of what transpired previously, I can see law
> libraries being considered as special collections and fees being
> charged to use them.  Yes, this idea is a cancer that must be removed
> now before it spreads.  And finally, what does this say about the state
> of library education today that a member of the profession would
> propose such an anti-intellectual method of making ends meet?  As a
> former information provider, I would be ashamed if something like this
> ever occurred on my watch and on my turf.

I have heard now from several librarians and archivists about the absurdity
of the DPL usage fee.  I just hope their professional organizations take a
stand on this issue.

JP