NSW public library wiki

Local Studies Librarians meeting State Library of NSW 26 May 2009

Present: Bruce Carter and Amie Zar (Leichhardt), Tina Graham (Warringah), Kimberly O'Sullivan Steward (Waverley), Libby Watters (Woollahra), Geoff Potter (Gosford),Michelle Goldsmith (Wyong),Leonie Gendle (Blacktown), Melissa Schriever (Wollondilly),Michelle Nichols (Hawkesbury), Susan Shaw (North Sydney), Naomi Bassford(Lane Cove), Kirsten Broderick (Rockdale), Melissa Schriever (Wollondilly), Stephen Coppins (Holroyd), Jennifer Madden (Bankstown), Kathryn Cass (Botany Bay), Angela Phippen (Ryde), Donna Braye (Mosman.), Ellen Forsyth (State Libr Apologies: Noelene Pullen (The Hills), Mala Scorse, Georgina Keep (Randwick), Jo Oliver (Liverpool), Jenn Martin (Auburn), Lynn Bonomini (Southern Tablelands),

Bernard gave an excellent overview of the usefulness of the web in the promotion of Local Studies Collections and activities. He illustrated this talk with online examples and offered to send links to these various sites to those attending. The links are here.

Stephanie is currently on an exchange program working at the State Library of New South Wales. She described the development of the specialist genealogy collection in her hometown library. The collection aims to be as comprehensive as possible in relation to Canadian family history and they are committed to providing hard copies of the resources as well as opportunities to access the on-line versions. The library offers introductory sessions on the collection on a regular basis and has published two extensive volumes to assist researchers.

Geoff Potter led a discussion about the possibilities of adding a Local Studies module to the Ref-ex Wiki. Initial discussions centred on the idea that this would be of use to those starting out in Local Studies. However, it was identified that there was also a need for the professional development of those already working in Local Studies. A number of issues and needs were compiled that applied to both experienced and new Local Studies Librarians. Geoff will assess and assign these to specific modules. Volunteers were then called for to share their expertise and start by writing about one of the topics. It is hoped that once there is some text on the site others will be able to make their contributions. Other uses:

The Local Studies Librarians meeting agendas and minutes will be placed on the LS wiki. A contact list of Local Studies Librarian indicating collection strengths will be complied. It should be noted that email addresses will be “fudged” to reduce spam.

a) ALIA lists. It is felt that this professional opportunity is not used to its best advantage. We all have questions that are unique to Local Studies and this is the ideal place to start as it may save reinventing the wheel. It is an excellent way of finding out who has various resources - such as Ancestry and what the think of it. It is also worth remembering to check the lists’ archives. Ellen will post instructions on how to access these archives. If you haven’t joined please have a look. Go to lists.alia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/alialocalstudiesnsw

Following further discussions about this list Kathryn Cass will investigate the possibility of the NSW list merging with those in other states to become one Australia wide resource.

b) Vertical Files. A few weeks ago a query about the use of the term ‘vertical files’ was posted to the local studies alia list. As the term ‘vertical’ doesn’t seem to have much relevance the requestor wanted to know what other people called these assorted materials. Responses included - topic, research, pamphlet and news clipping files.

c) Local Newspaper indexing. Those present were asked how local papers were indexed and the responses were varied.

Some no longer index relying on such services as Electric Library Some have specific databases such as those provided by Searchtech Some scan articles using Laser fiche A few local Cumberland papers have online indexes.

d) Heritage, Family History and History Week events: Remember the ALIA list is a good way to let everyone know the events and activities you have managed or intended to provide for these significant weeks.

e) Next Meeting. The next meeting will be held at the beginning of November and it was indicate by those attending that Tuesday is the most suitable. It is proposed that we will have Ralph Hawkens for the Society of Genealogists and someone to talk about searching the Land and property records in NSW.

f) Historic Houses Trust field trip 16 June 2009

10.00am-11.30am: Justice & Police Museum Tour (cnr Phillip & Albert Streets, Circular Quay) Lunch 1.30pm-1.55pm: Mint tour with Curator, Robert Griffin (10 Macquarie Street, Sydney) 2.00pm-3.00pm: Tour of the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection with Librarian, Megan Martin. Cost: $8.00

Please let Geoff Potter know by Friday 5 June 2009 if you would like to attend.