This is the fifth in a series of blog posts that responds to some of the suggestions made in response to the recently conducted Library Committee Survey.

Comment: I find the copier/scanner very useful especially for large maps and docs. I just need to be better at using the Irfanview that Ron Madson had a webinar on which was very useful. The webinars have been very useful and I appreciate all the work that the presenters do to educate us.

Response: Well, you will be pleased to learn that Ron and Keith Montgomery just installed a new Fujitsu scanner at the Library that is even better for scanning documents! They are working on a set of instructions and planning to offer training on how to use it. This new device not only scans but has features to make corrections. Maybe it is time to ask Ron to repeat his fabulous Irfanview class.

Comment: I’d like us to have our own air filtering system so we can come in on the weekends and can stay longer.

Response: We are working on this and doing everything we can think of to get the library fully reopened! We miss you as much as you miss the library. Stay tuned, and in the meantime please do schedule a visit on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Comment: I’d like a separate section of “Newly Acquired” genealogy books.

Response: Typically, new books are left out of the regular stacks for a few weeks. Whenever the library committee acquires new books either from a donation or a purchase, we leave those new books on display on top of the map cabinet to the right of the door to the classroom. When we were in Sacramento for the NGS conference, the New England Historical Genealogical Society gave us two wire display racks. When we got back to the library, I drafted one to display our books. It looks great.

Also, on my to-do list is to write a blog post listing all the new acquisitions for 2021 and now the first half of 2022.

Comment: I would like to see CGS continue to purchase family histories/compiled genealogies. They are sometimes not digitized (especially new ones), so the hard copy is the only source.

Response: Good to know there is another vote for this category of books.

Comment: I hesitate to suggest it because I love tangible hard copy books but perhaps the library should eliminate all American Genealogical-Biographical Index books that I believe are available online at FamilySearch for free. It would clear space in the California Room.

Response: Good suggestion but I checked the FamilySearch website and there is a note that says, “Due to copyright restriction, this book cannot be viewed online.” I will check to see if our being an official associate library might give us access to the index in which case, we could reclaim that shelf space.

Comment: We could add some additional newsletters from other genealogical societies.

Response: That’s an interesting idea. If you had specific suggestions, please send me an email at [email protected]. This might be a donation opportunity for members who hold a collection that they are finished with but are reluctant to recycle.

Comment: We’re fairly new to genealogy. We know we  have a lot of research to do, now just trying to figure out what we need and where it may be held. Sorry, that doesn’t help much.

Response: On the contrary – it’s a good reminder that our members have a range of experience and that we are here to serve those with all levels of experience.

The post Library Committee Survey – Part 5: Miscellaneous Comments and Questions first appeared on California Genealogical Society.