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Re: Access to the Stacks



Kathy,

In my approximately six years cumulative experience of working in a special
collections library and now here at CA State Archives, I can say I've often
heard the same stories.

The library I was at was part of a much larger museum institution, and
public service and historic interpretation were part of the regular order.
Naive or uninformed patrons respond best to clear and kindly stated
treatment. I can only suggest to my colleagues that a basic information
sheet or brochure on how an archives or special collections library
functions would be of tremendous help to such people. Not as a substitute,
mind you, for the verbal and personal touch, but as a support or
reinforcement tool.

In performing research at archives beyond this city, I have also experienced
information guidelines written in chilly terms on the back of applications
above the line for patron registry. This is fine as a basic legal tool, but
is a poor (and often perceived as abrupt and hostile) way to communicate
that what we care for and make available is different from public library
materials. This principle applies to the use of "pencils-only; bring in
loose notepaper; turn off your cellphone; sorry-- stacks are closed."

I hope this doesn't sound preachy, for that's hardly my intent. And while
there will be the occasionally cranky or hard-to-please patron (in our
archives???) there will be plenty more good natured folks who just need some
gentle basic training.


Cordially,

Kevin V. Bunker
Student (and hardly a spring chicken) Assistant
CA State Archives
> ----------
> From:         Kathy Gaynor[SMTP:kgaynor@LIBRARY2.WEBSTER.EDU]
> Reply To:     Archives & Archivists
> Sent:         Thursday, September 28, 2000 8:00 AM
> To:   ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
> Subject:      Access to the Stacks
>
> Here at a university archives, we get a number of users who are probably
> using archival materials for the first time.  They are used to libraries
> with open stacks and having to fetch their own books, journals, etc.  When
> these users want to use the archives, they naturally assume they will be
> able to just come in and look around for themselves.
>
> I try to explain to them that everything is in storage and that if they
> tell me what they are interested in, I will try to find it for them.  We
> are hampered somewhat by not having any extensive inventory list or
> database that they can consult.  We have prepared a few finding aids on
> some of the more popular groups.
>
> I sometimes get the feeling that the users think I am an unwelcome
> intermediary (hindrance?) in this process and they don't understand that
> an
> archives works differently than a library.  I try to be patient and
> explain
> these differences, emphasizing the need for security, etc.
>
> Do any of you run into this problem of people expecting access to the
> stacks and have any explanations that work to smooth ruffled feathers?  So
> far we haven't had anyone throw a fit over this but tomorrow is another
> day...
>
> Thanks, as always, for your wonderful advice and entertainng war stories.
> **************************************************************************
> ****
> Kathy M. Gaynor, Reference Librarian            Eden-Webster Library
> (314) 968-6950                                  475 E. Lockwood Ave.
> (314) 968-7113  fax                                     St. Louis, MO
> 63119
> kgaynor@library2.webster.edu
>
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A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!

To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
      In body of message:  SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
                    *or*:  UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu

Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html

Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>