tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995806.post7319078982823555196..comments2009-10-23T11:23:14.236-04:00Myrthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684472865240981715noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995806.post-21537636048180746832009-10-23T11:23:14.236-04:002009-10-23T11:23:14.236-04:00I found the press release to be very misleading. There is nothing being proposed by NARA that will “improve services” to researchers. The only individuals who will benefit from these changes are members of the public who come to view the exhibits and purchase items in the store. However, I am very pleased that NARA will continue to permit researchers to have direct access to the microfilm even if it means that we will lose the room in which it is presently located. There is one point in the press release that is true. The number of researchers using the Archives is dropping. I am doing everything I can to encourage people to visit and use the Archives, but the numbers continue to decline. I am concerned that the actions being proposed by NARA will further discourage people to visit the Archives which will mean even more reductions to the space and services offered to visitors. I was told by NARA that we would lose the physical space that currently serves as the Microfilm Research Room, the Microfilm Drawer Room, the Military Service Research Room, and the Lecture Room (G-24). In other words, one-half of the area on the first floor currently being used by the Researchers is being turned over to exhibits and a gift shop. The Orientation and Registration Room was not discussed specifically but its loss was implied. There is nothing in the statement that disputes these reductions in space. NARA is eliminating space and the functions will have to be made to fit in the remaining space. How can this be described as “improved service?” The functions previously performed in these rooms are being moved to other places on the first floor. The microfilm readers (25-30) will be moved to the Finding Aids room. The consultants will be moved into the Library. A new lecture room will be built at an unknown location. The microfilm “may” be moved to a location near the Microfilm readers. The only space available for the new lecture room and the microfilm is the Research Center Lobby. As for putting the consultants in the Library, this is not the same as Archives 2. I am assuming that the measurements you mentioned are only referring to the tables. It may come as a surprise to management but researchers frequently meet with consultants in the cubicles and at the desks all over the room. Also, I have conducted research on military records on the 2nd floor at Archives 2. The consultants have a room that is separate from the researchers. The do not sit in an open space with individuals who are performing other tasks. The room does have large tables where you meet with the consultant. Personally, when I am meeting with an individual, I like to have some privacy. I prefer to keep my questions and objectives private. Also, I have no desire to hear about anyone else’s research. Again, I am very pleased that we will be permitted to have direct access to the microfilm but I regret that the consultants are being moved into the open space of the library. I wonder if the visitors using the library will view having people talking as “improved service.” I thought you were supposed to be quiet in a library.<br /><br />Harold McClendonHaroldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11930938273294204244noreply@blogger.com