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Archiver > APG > 2007-07 > 1183748821


From: "Heather McLeland-Wieser" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Why do genealogists disenfranchise themselves?
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:07:01 -0700
References: <468E5307.1030107@ancestralmanor.com>
In-Reply-To: <468E5307.1030107@ancestralmanor.com>


Sharon said:
<<Escalating digital collections from various public and commercial sources do give us greater information mobility. But I do not know of one digital site that provides the accumulated years of experience and guidance that one finds with large institutions on-site. We also learn
from on-site visual cues that are not included or integrated into the keyhole view that we get with computer screens.>>

Sharon; Much to the chagrin of many library professionals this digitize everything and dump it on the web mentality is even penetrating the Library of Congress. A report released in May of 2007 specifically suggests that LC eliminate creating subject classification and spend the money digitizing more of LC collection. Then people can find things with keyword searching. The rush to bits and bytes ignores the value of shelf browsing, subscription databases and the near impossibility of guessing exactly which keywords are going to get you the best results for your topic. For a fascinating discussion of the importance of a good catalog, browse-able shelves and a knowledgeable reference assistant (be it a librarian or a trained researcher) see the following paper.
http://guild2910.org/Pelopponesian%20War%20June%2013%202007.
As hard as it is for many people to admit in this era of information overload, not all information is equal. This is especially true in history, including family history.



Heather McLeland-Wieser
Manager
History Travel & Maps
Seattle Public Library
206-386-4092


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