Genealogy collections are at the heart of library service to genealogist. This course assists genealogy librarians with the exciting and challenging task of selecting materials from a wide array of publishers and formats. It covers strategies for establishing beginning collections, expanding or taking collections to the next level, and maintaining leading collections.
Course Content
Module 1
Creating A Collection Development Policy-Part I
Overview and Parameters
Advantages
Elements of Collection Development Policies
• Overview or Introduction
• Bounds or Parameters of the Collection
• Time Periods
• Geographic Coverage
• Format
• Language
• Ethnicity
• Exclusions
Module 2
Creating a collection Development Policy-Part II
Describing and Evaluating the Collection
• Collection Description
• Collection Description or Subject Profiles (Conspectus)
• Conspectus Principles
• Evaluation
• Orientation
• Analyzing existing collection strength and collection goals
Module 3
The Selection Process
Budget
• Who?
• How?
• Collection Profiles
• Standards in the Field
Currency
Demand
Authority
Accuracy
Ease of Use
Physical Quality
Longevity
Unnecessary Duplication of Information
Compatibility
Module 4
The Core Collection-Part I
Standard Sources
Instructional Materials
Family Histories
Biographical Materials
Reference Guides
• Specialized Reference Guides
Encyclopedic Works
Historical, genealogical and foreign language dictionaries
Chronologies and General Histories
Geographic Dictionaries and Atlases
Guides to Other Repositories
Indexes
Bibliographies
Module 5
The Core Collection-Part II
Local Collections
• Local Histories
• Indexes to Local History Sources
Obituaries
Local Records
Military Records
Local Publications
Ethnic Specialties
Local Collection Guides
Maps
Unique and Rare Materials
Module 6
Book Selection-Part I
Issues and Techniques for Collection Building
• Authority and Longevity
• Unnecessary Duplication
Classic Methods for Identifying Books and Publishers
New Ways to Locate and Acquire Books
Tracking Books in a Series
The Books Still Here
Module 7
Book Selection-Part II
Representative Titles
• Abstracted Records
• Ancestral Chart
• Bibliographies
• Directories
• Encyclopedic Works
• Family Histories
• General Instructional Materials
• Geographic Dictionaries and Atlases
• Heraldry
• Historical, Genealogical and Surname Dictionaries
• Histories
• Indexes
• Libraries and Research Collections
• Specialized Instructional Books and Reference Guides
• Transcribed Records
Conclusion
Module 8
Periodicals
Genealogical periodicals fall into the following major categories
• Popular Magazines
• Geographically Focused Journals
• Ethnically Focused Journals
• Scholarly Journals
• Newsletters
• Family Name Journals
Decisions
Librarians face a number of decisions and issues when selecting genealogical periodicals
• Compatibility
• Locating Titles
• Cost
• Longevity/Preservation
• Shelf Space
• Cost Savings
• Access/Arrangement
• Alternate Formats
Module 9
Microfilm and Electronic Records
Microfilm Copies
• Microfilm Materials
• Microfilm Suppliers
• Borrowing Microfilm
• Obstacles
Electronic Records
CD-ROMs
Limitations of Subscription Databases
Electronic Evaluation
• Cost
• Demand
• Complements the Collection
• Compatibility
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