Thanks Linda, I know that you understand the situation with the computers, library staff, etc. Eleanor ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda Lambert" <ktlkate@extremezone.com> To: <ILEFFING-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 2:06 PM Subject: RE: [ILEFFING-L] Genealogy Databases >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 >> >> >> >> >> ==== ILEFFING Mailing List ==== >> If you want to subscribe to this list or unsubscribe from it, send e-mail > to ILEFFING- >> L-request@rootsweb.com or (for the >> digest list) ILEFFING-D-request@rootsweb.com and put the word subscribe >> or >> unsubscribe in the message body. > > > > ==== ILEFFING Mailing List ==== > If you want to subscribe to this list or unsubscribe from it, send e-mail > to ILEFFING-L-request@rootsweb.com or (for the > digest list) ILEFFING-D-request@rootsweb.com and put the word subscribe or > unsubscribe in the message body. > > >