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Subject: [NYC] Brooklyn Library discontinuesold directries online
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002 10:18:34 EST
On 1/3/02 (10:20:14 PM EST), Joan () asked,
"I just tried to access the Brooklyn library e resource - US Directories
which had a lot of years in the 1800s for Brooklyn & NY. The screen
told me this database had not been renewed as of Dec. 31st. Does anyone
know why? Not enough users? Not being a NYC resident, I can't really
file a request to continue it, but would some of you New Yorkers do so?
I used it all the time (I use a NYC friend's ID #). Don't know of any
other online source for these. Do you?"
Budget reductions are resulting in a cut back in some library services, as
well as some branch closings (so far mainly the almost entire elimination of
Sunday hours, significant elimination of Saturday hours and some elimination
of week day hours).
Bear in mind that there are 3 separate library systems in NYC: New York
(serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island), Brooklyn and Queensborough.
Each has its own central library, its own board of trustees, its own
executive director. These 3 separate library systems were the only municipal
agencies NOT consolidated in 1898 when the new New York City was formed. (If
someone in Brooklyn dies and leaves money for the New York library in their
will, thinking these funds will not go to the Brooklyn Library, even if this
was their intent; the funds will go to the New York Public Library. I've
been told by several librarians that this is not a theoretical discussion
point, but that it has actually occurred.)
For those of you who may be a college graduate and have diligently paid their
alumni dues, you may want to see if you can access your college's on line
data bases.
Regards,
Walter Greenspan
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