November 2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

there were pieces of the book on the floor --that's how fragile it is. We don't think that these files should continue to be handled by the public. The reason why the Studebaker history files contain photocopies that have been taken off of microfilm is because a student walked off with the original Studebaker history files. The library now locks up all of its file cabinets. I walked into the library yesterday and the librarian was not there and I was able to walk out with these two files, because that particular cabinet was unlocked. It is hard for the library to keep track of these files because there are eighteen cabinets with important files in them and these files are used on a regular basis. There are also other problems with these files. The subject headings are very limited and these articles can't be searched by people who are in the article. You would have to digitize that information and you would have to create many cross references and subject entries in order to access this file. When this was done in paper format it was very labor intensive and that is why since 1982 the library has had a computerized automated catalog instead of a paper card file. We would like to retire these files to a locked room that scholars could go to when they really need to use these sources. I would like to retire these files to the safest room in the library's basement and that is the old electrical room because it is safe, dry, and secure. Discussion was then held between Mr. Napoli and commission members. Gerald Ujdak, Virginia O'Hara, and Martha Choitz, Joann Sporleder proceeded to ask Mr. Napoli more detailed questions about the library's digitization project and the library's future plans for the Local History & Genealogy clippings file. JERRY UJDAK noted that there has been a vacancy in the Local History room due to the retirement of one specialist, and that the other local history expert has been transferred to another part of the library. MARTHA CHOITZ noted that when the Local History room was staffed by specialists, the use of irreplaceable local records was closely monitered, without needing to be removed from public use. VIRGINIA O'HAIR noted that she uses the Local History and newspaper clipping files regularly, and works with others who do the same. Based on this experience, she is concerned that the retirement of the clipping to a remote location, such that special arrangements would need to be made for searching them, would be a serious disadvantage to those who would use the clipping file, and to the organizations those people serve. Commission members and staff were pleased with the idea of digitization, but divided as to the proposal to retire the paper files from the local history room. III. REGULAR BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The October minutes have been completed, but not in tome to mail them to you on time to allow opportunity to review them.