I am sure some of the subscribers to this list has heard of the plans to relocate the Genealogy Department from the main branch of the Jackson County Library to the new "annex" which is in the process of being readied for said move. However, it should also be noted that this new facility will also house the "Literacy Program", and will be monitored by the new Literacy Coordinator, who is not a genealogist or family historian. Then I am also certain that there are many who have not heard of the proposed move. I would like all, who do family research, to know what is planned (and what is not) as of this time. I am not adamantly opposed to the move, at this point, but I do feel there are several issues that need to be addressed to make this move more "user friendly" to the community and visitors to the facility. I met with Mr. Wendell Taylor, Jackson County Administrator, and Ms. JoAnn Roundtree, Library Director on June 27, 2002. We discussed the proposed relocation and how it will affect the users of the Genealogy Department. Below are some questions I asked and the answers I was given: 1. Who will oversee and be responsible for monitoring and supervising use of materials? Answer: The Literacy Program Director. 2. How will security issues be addressed? Answer: The material will be kept in a locked room and the key will be controlled. 3. What equipment will be available for use at the new location? (i.e. micro-film reader/printers, micro-fiche readers, copy machine(s), computer(s), desks and/or tables and chairs) Answer: No plans had been made as this meeting time, for an onsite copier, nor had an order for a microfilm/microfiche reader/printer been submitted. Mr. Taylor asked Ms. Roundtree to go ahead and get an order for a microfilm reader/printer submitted, and he further advised her that he had a copy machine that she could have for the new site. No plans were pending to have any computers dedicated only to the Genealogy Department. After some discussion, Ms. Roundtree did say that maybe she could get one or two computers. Tables and chairs are also expected to be provided. 4. What will be the hours of operation at the new location? Will the new annex be available for use by patrons at convenient hours? (i.e. will there be hours other normal business hours and weekend use allocated for people to use this facility?) Answer: Ms. Roundtree said that the planned hours of operation would be 8:00-5:30 daily, Monday through Friday with no plans for any weekend hours. 5. Is the new Literacy Coordinator qualified to supervise and assist family history researchers? Will she have time to properly accomplish the tasks of coordinator for both departments? Answer: No, but she will be trained. If anyone would like to comment on this subject, you are encouraged to contact your County Commissioner as well as the Jackson County Administrator and Library Director. Their names and message telephone number is listed below. Mr. Wendell H. Taylor (850) 482-9633 Willie E. Spires District 1 (850) 482-9633 Howard J. Glass District 2 (850) 482-9633 Chuck Lockey District 3 (850) 482-9633 Ted Tyus District 4 (850) 482-9633 J. Milton Pittman District 5 (850) 482-9633 JoAnn Roundtree Librarian (850) 482-9631 July is the time for all County Department Heads to submit their new fiscal year budget requests. So, now is the time for Ms. Roundtree to be asking for the necessary funds and support to operate the new "annex". This includes additional personnel, if they are required, to man the facility during hours other than 8:00-5:30 daily. Your support will be appreciated by all who use this facility. Gil Roberts