Linda, That's what I've been saying all along--a home subscription, as most of us live out of state. I've been to the Helen Mathes library, so I know its size. I've been to smaller libraries and they've had home access of at least HeritageQuest. As for me, I have a full-package Ancestry subscription, plus can access it free at any of the dozens of branches of the San Diego library, plus two libraries other town libraries where I have cards offer free home access to HeritageQuest. So I'm more than okay for my own subscriptions. I was just thinking of others who don't have access. Why I considered the Effingham library is that some time back I checked the Godfrey library website and found they, too, are apparently a small library. By literally selling their library cards (which would give free database access) to non-locals, the library can afford the upkeep of their subscriptions. All Godfrey library (and the libraries I use) do is just set up their site so the patron's card numbers can access the databases. That's it. I don't know the cost a library would be charged for a subscription, but by the time several regular-paying subscribers pooled together their normal annual subscription payments, it would no doubt cover a donated subscription so everyone could access it. But if that's too much trouble, instead, anyone could just drive to the closest library that offers free home access of Ancestry or HeritageQuest databases, apply for a library card, and get the free access that way. Delores On 8/17/05 12:06 PM, "Linda Lambert" <ktlkate@extremezone.com> wrote: > I think Eleanor refers to the volunteer time that would be needed to monitor > the usage of the computers at the library, etc., handle problems associated > with a subscription, etc. (Correct me if I'm out in left field here, > Eleanor). > > The Helen Mathes Library is a small library with a limited number of > computers for the entire library, not just the genealogy people. Every time > I've been there, there's been a waiting list for people to use the few > computer terminals that are there (and not necessarily for genealogy > purposes). It would not be realistic (in my humble opinion) to put an > additional load on the library staff and/or the genealogy volunteers. They > are spread too thin as it is (although they do a marvelous job). > > A subscription to Ancestry/others is a wonderful idea. Don't get me wrong. > It's just that I can foresee some staffing problems at the physical library > in Effingham, along with the limited number of computers. If it would only > be accessed from your private computer at home via a library subscription, > that could be a possible alternative albeit workable solution. > > Just playing the devil's advocate.......I seem to be really good at that > <grin> > > As an alternative, have you thought of subscribing to the Godfrey Library? > You have access to their considerable resources and it's only $35.00 per > year as opposed to the monstrous fees that Ancestry and some of the others > charge. I'm on Social Security (fixed income) and Ancestry and the others > are totally out of my budget. So I use Godfrey. It's wonderful! In some > ways, it's better than Ancestry (at least for me). Check it > out......Godfrey Memorial Library: http://www.godfrey.org > > You can join/subscribe on line, too! Can't get much easier than that! > > Linda (in Arizona) > Effingham County IL GenWeb Volunteer > Effingham County IL Rootsweb Mailing List Administrator > Effingham County IL Rootsweb Message Board Administrator > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Delores Rochelle Walls [mailto:Loy_Genealogy@att.net] >> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 11:48 AM >> To: ILEFFING-L@rootsweb.com >> Subject: Re: [ILEFFING-L] Genealogy Databases >> >> Eleanor, >> >> Thanks for the reply. (Rather than send you a personal reply, I know > others >> are probably interested in this subject, so I'll continue replying to the >> list.) From what I understand, the only real obstacle would be the funds > for >> the library subscription. That could probably be pooled together in an >> earmarked fund. Any volunteer time needed could probably be something I >> could do from here in California. In the coming weeks I'll check the >> libraries here and see what their subscriptions cost and what the > specifics >> and time involved would be. >> >> Delores >> >> On 8/17/05 5:15 AM, "Eleanor Bounds" <elpobo@effingham.net> wrote: >> >>> Delores, >>> Thanks for the suggestion. If we were to consider this we would need > someone >>> to guide us through the set-up/use of such a project. Due to a decrease > in >>> income for the coming year, it would be a hardship for the library to > take >>> part in this. Also any project that would require more time/volunteer or >>> otherwise would be out of the question at this time. Eleanor >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Delores Rochelle Walls" <Loy_Genealogy@att.net> >>> To: <ILEFFING-L@rootsweb.com> >>> Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 2:35 AM >>> Subject: [ILEFFING-L] Genealogy Databases >>> >>> >>>> Eleanor, >>>> >>>> Since I know you have local input with the Effingham Co. Genealogical >>>> Society (I'm a long-distance member, myself) I'll address this question >>>> mainly to you. Do you know how the Society and the Helen Matthes > Library >>>> might purchase a library subscription to at least one of the genealogy >>>> database subscriptions offering online census images (i.e. Ancestry, >>>> Genealogy.com, HeritageQuest)? That is, so Helen Matthes Library > patrons >>>> could access free data from their home computers, using library cards > as >>>> "ID." >>>> >>>> Many larger city libraries, such Palm Springs and San Diego where I > have >>>> dual residence, offer these types of subscriptions. After an Internet >>>> search, it seems the closest library to Effingham that offers free >>>> genealogy >>>> subscriptions is the Decatur Library (where they offer BOTH Ancestry > and >>>> HeritageQuest). Effingham deserves something like this as well, >>>> especially >>>> for the researchers on a budget and those that simply can't access > census >>>> microfilm rolls. >>>> >>>> I think this would be a great addition to both the Genealogical Society >>>> and >>>> Helen Matthes Library holdings to provide this service for its patrons. >>>> And >>>> not only local library patrons, but perhaps it could be extended to the >>>> Effingham Genealogical Society members all over the U.S. as well (if > given >>>> actual membership numbers could be used as login IDs in place of > library >>>> card numbers). With this "bonus", it would definitely increase the >>>> Society's membership, which would offset the annual library > subscription >>>> costs. Even if this was part of an "upgraded membership" option, I'm > sure >>>> lots of people would be eager to join. Does everyone else agree with > me? >>>> >>>> Delores Rochelle Walls >>>> >> >