Granny Pam's Genealogical Trials and Triumphs
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Roger Gives Sage Advice

February 27th, 2010 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information | What's going On - (0 Comments)

The library of Michigan is again severely threatened, again. Or perhaps it is “still threatened”. I am sad and upset about the assault on this fine facility, and it’s collection.

You can a statement from the Michigan Genealogical Council on their site. Since MGC is soliciting ideas, please feel free to send suggestions to they at their posted address.

Roger posted a little on the issue, it is a worthwhile read, check it out here.

If you just want to vent, feel free to post “G” rated suggestions right here.

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Michigan Electronic Library and Michigan Electronic Catalog — A Survey

November 6th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information | What's going On - (1 Comments)

You remember last summer, right? Members of two pretty main-stream groups, genealogists and librarians protested in support of the Library of Michigan when funding was threatened.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries was abolished, the Library of Michigan and the services it provides were moved to the Michigan Department of Education. Some subtle changes in the website indicate this, although every “History, Arts and Libraries” banner has not been replaced on the websites.

Today’s topic is: Electronic services provided through the Library of Michigan (and Archives of Michigan) to the citizens of Michigan. The Michigan Electronic Library (MeL) is a large collection of digital resources provided to the citizens of Michigan. A grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services helps fund this group of electronic services.

They are as follows:

  1. The Michigan Electronic Catalog MeLCat is a database of resources in participating Michigan Libraries which allows patrons of those libraries to borrow, books, CD’s movies and other resources, and have delivered to their home library.
  2. MeL Databases containing databases and full-text resources in these categories:
    • Books and Reading
    • Business and Jobs
    • Genealogy
    • Health and Wellness
    • Kids
    • Reference Desk
    • Teens
  3. Mel Michigan – A large collection of on-line resources. This category includes Seeking Michigan which contains the new death record collection and much more, Michigan Histories and Atlases, and many more full-text electronic resources available from home.
  4. Online resources for Educators, including lesson plans and curriculum aids.
  5. Featured resources, a list of current and highlighted topics.

Why am I writing this? If you are a library user, you have may get great benefit from these services. Even if you never leave your home, you can use electronic resources like Seeking Michigan, or Heritage Quest, or the on-line newspaper collection if you have a library card or a Michigan Driver’s license.

According to the Michigan Electronic Library Website:

“The MeL Study is here! In an effort to continue improving MeL and MeLCat so libraries and Michigan residents get the most benefit from the program, the Library of Michigan has contracted with EPIC MRA to study the program. See here for more information or take the survey that applies to you below. “

Please follow drop over to the Library site, check out the resources, read about the survey and take it.

Thanks to Brenda K. Wolfgram Moore, MGC Corresponding Secretary Tom Koselka, and Pam Epple for pointing out this opportunity to me.

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The Library and Archives of Michigan, What Now?

September 12th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information | What's going On - (2 Comments)

This is an article which contains my opinion, and my opinion only.

Governor Granholm has amended her original Executive Order (EO 2009-36) with an additional Executive Order, 2009-43. Both the orders can be read here.

I have read several articles regarding this amendment, but most of the recent press coverage has focused on Last Thursday’s rally at the Capitol. Shirley Hodges wrote an article which has been duplicated on Dick Eastman’s Blog.

Today, I’m posting my own thinking on the situation.

The genealogist in me wants everything to remain the same, the Library and Archives of Michigan including the Museum, my local libraries, and museums, the wonderful electronic world, all ways to find information. As an American citizen, I have become accustomed to getting the information I want. As a researcher, I believe access to records is crucial.

The little girl in me remembers daily trips to the library on the way home from school, and the librarian allowed me to check out the posted limit of books every day. She never censored what I read, she always had good suggestions, and she was still there when my daughters were reading and growing.

The adult in in me understands that information is the cornerstone of of a free society, and that history is a guide for navigating the future.

I know there is no doubt that the rally organized by the Michigan Genealogical Council and the constant bar age of mail, e-mail, and calls from genealogists and other supporters of the Library and Archives of Michigan helped produce the amendment to EO 2009-36. The rally held last week at the Capitol helped to emphasize that genealogists and historians are not the only voters concerned about library services.

The wording in the amendment to the EO is not as clear as some Library and Archives supporters, including me, would like. There is room for interpretation about what collections and services will actually be protected and preserved; and where, how, when, and if, access to current collections will be continued.

It is clear that responsibility for the Museum will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources, and that the Civil War Flag collection will be protected.

It is also clear that the functions of the Library and Archives will be transferred to the Department of Education, and:

“The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall administer the assigned functions transferred to the Department of Education under Section II.B of this Order in such ways as to promote efficient administration and shall make internal organizational changes as may be administratively necessary to complete the realignment of responsibilities under this Order. To achieve efficient administration and effectuate necessary cost savings consistent with appropriations provided by law, the Library of Michigan shall evaluate and implement measures designed to reduce expenditures and eliminate duplicative services. Subject to available appropriations, the Library of Michigan shall focus on the provision of leadership and critical services to libraries and patrons throughout this state, including, but not limited to, all of the following…”

The emphasis is mine, but the implication is clear: critical services will be protected. The services actually itemized are:

  • “..the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and MelCat, the statewide online catalog and resource sharing systems..”
  • “..state-level support for the cost savings and effective delivery of statewide library services achieved through the leadership of the Library of Michigan and the collaboration and resource sharing of libraries..”
  • “Preserving important collections maintained by the Library of Michigan, including the Michigan Collection, the Rare Books Collection, and the Genealogy Collection.”

I am encouraged that support will continue for MeL and MelCat. It is good news and that the Rare Books Collection, the Michigan Collection and the Genealogy Collection will be “preserved”. I also know that preservation is not the same as access.

Michigan is suffering from a severe economic crisis, funds are not available for everything. Cuts will be taking place in many areas, not just libraries. In an ideal world, the Library and Archives of Michigan would remain open on the current schedule in their current location. That may not be possible or realistic. I do believe the most efficient action is to maintain collections in their current location, which was built to house them. Although limited hours and services are not desirable, they are much better than splitting or moving the collection.

Michigan must enact a balanced budget by September 30. I believe that if we want the Library and Archives remain open in the current facility, we must again make our opinions known to the Governor, and our senators and representatives.

For the rest of this month, I request that you contact the Governor, your Senators and Representatives, and voice your support for continuing funding of the Library of Michigan at current levels, maintaining current collections in the current building. Michigan residents may find and contact your representative here, and find and contact your senator here. Now is the time to thank Governor Granholm for amending EO 2009-36, and letting her know that the current facility and funding are of paramount importance. You may contact Governor Granholm here, through her contact page, and via an opinion form which is here. If you are not an resident of Michigan, you may make your opinion known here.

Our next mission should be to contact the Michigan State Board of Education members, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to whom the responsibility for the Library is being transferred. The money for Michigan libraries, including the library of Michigan will be controlled in their budget. The message should be clear, protect the Library and the Archives. Do what it takes to keep free and open access to the important collections housed there.

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Library of Michigan, Department of History, Arts and Libraries

August 24th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in What's going On - (0 Comments)

I received a copy of this message, originally sent by the Michigan Genealogical Council. I am quoting it without comment, you all know my opinion. Please contact the senators listed below, and your own Senators today:

Senator Cameron Brown has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, which if passed by a 2/3 majority in the State Senate and 2/3 majority in the State House would reject Governor Granholm’s Executive Order 2009-36 abolishing the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. This would also repudiate the proposed Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention proposed in this same Executive Order. We need your help, please continue to contact your State Senator, and especially your Representative. This is still an uphill battle and time is running short. The 60-day window from July 13 for the State Legislature to reject this Order is rapidly coming to a close, July 13 + 60 days = September 11.

Please stress in your communication with our Legislators the importance of keeping over 180 years of Michigan history, literature and culture together in one cohesive Library of Michigan collection. If this permitted to be dissipated, it will never be reassembled. Visitors come from all across the country to research at the Library of Michigan. Please STRESS the importance of passing SCR 18. Make your voice heard NOW. Send your 911 letters, emails, or visits to your State Legislators today!

In addition, Senate Bills 503-527 is a twenty-five bill package, which would transfer all responsibilities for the current Department of History, Arts, and Libraries to the Secretary of State, rather than splitting the parts among several state agencies. For a brief analysis of these bills, visit http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2009-SFA-0503-S.pdf

The following are members of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. They are meeting Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. in Lansing. These Senators will make their recommendation to the full Senate on SCR 18 and SB503-527. Please contact these Senators as well.

Senator – E-mail
Sen. Jason Allen, Chair
senjallen@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Judson S. Gilbert, Vice-Chair

Don’t forget the rally at the Library 10th Sept~
senjgilbert@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Tony Stamas
ofctstamas@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Hansen Clarke, Minority Vice-Chair
SenatorHansenClarke@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Tupac A. Hunter
sentahunter@senate.michigan.gov

Michigan Genealogical Council

Don’t forget folks who do not live in MI can still help as this is taking away a lot of tourism.

End of quote

Thank you (That’s from me.)

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Hands Around the Library

August 6th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information - (1 Comments)

I was honored to be among the crowd of concerned historians, genealogists and just plain Michigan citizens who attended the Michigan Genealogical Council sponsored “Hands Around the Library” yesterday. Our car included three members of the Oakland County Genealogical Society and two members of Geneabloggers, but there were four of us. I was the one who is bridges the gap between the more traditional Genealogical Societies and the new media types, since I am a member of both. I am planning to write more on that later this week.

When we arrived at the Capitol, I had to say, “That’s our crowd, look at all the old ladies!” But in fact, there were people of all ages, male and female attending the demonstration. I heard a little boy say, “We have to hug our Library, they are going to close it.” He had a very wise parent with him.

I don’t have a single photo of the event to post here, but my camera was in the van! If you are interested in photos of the event, there is coverage on the Lansing State Journal website. The used to be red-headed granny in the bottom photo is me; I have no idea how that happened. My new buddy, TK Sand also posted some photos, and will be blogging about this issue today. If you are a Facebook member, several genealogists have also posted photos, including Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens and Roger Moffat.

MGC had a good line-up of speakers, and two State representatives who were not on the program also spoke. Everyone was preaching to the choir, but it did feel good to be there among the 500+ people. During the Hands Around ceremony, I found I was standing next to a gentleman from my hometown. I had not met him previously, but his wife was a class ahead of me in high school. I am sorry I didn’t get to see her; they had traveled much farther than our little Detroit area group.

The power of the internet became perfectly clear at the Library, when Mary walked up to me and asked, “Are you GrannyPam?” I was completely floored. Believe me, she hadn’t looked at the photo I have here on this blog, but the one I have on Facebook and Twitter. Also, when TK arrived here to join me for the ride to Lansing, she said, “You look exactly like your picture!” Hmmmm.

I know of no way to minimize the damage that the closing of the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Historical Center will inflict on Michigan researchers and citizens. Destroying the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and splitting the department oversight among various State agencies will result in the loss of a priceless collection of Michigan History. I believe the support for local libraries provided by the department is essential for the continued education of our children.

Several years ago, I coordinated the move of the small, but very valuable Oakland County Genealogical Society library collection. We did it with boxes we begged, borrowed and stole, volunteer labor, and transportation generously provided by The Library Network, which loaded a box or so at a time onto it’s van on its regular route. It was hard work, but it saved a large collection of Oakland County history.

That experience tells me that moving the large collection at the Library of Michigan would be a huge, expensive task. I wonder if it might cost more to move the collection than to just keep the building open for several more years. I wonder what it might cost to remodel the building for offices (the current plan)? Certainly much more than simply renting offices.

Everyone wants to know is, “What can we do?”. Some answers lie in the good old fashioned political process; yesterday was just a start. My MGC representative said, in order of importance, to

  1. Personally visit my representative and senator
  2. Phone their offices
  3. Write snail mail letters to them
  4. E-mail them
  5. Please copy Governor Granholm on every piece of communication

Although electronic communication is simple, it doesn’t seem to carry as much weight. Today is the day to phone, write and e-mail the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee (get their addresses and phone numbers here) to tell them to preserve the Library.

The MGC is following this closely, and has now devoted a page to the issue. Please follow that and act often to save Michigan’s precious historical resource.

Our children and grandchildren are counting on you to demonstrate the importance of Michigan’s rich heritage and act to preserve it.

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Library of Michigan Budget

May 7th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information | What's going On - (1 Comments)

The Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC) is once again appealing to genealogists to contact their legislators with regard to budget cuts affecting the Library of Michigan, and other libraries in Michigan. An executive order issued and filed with the Michigan Secretary of State on May 5, 2009 lists budget cuts to all Michigan departments. You can read the order, number 2009-22, on the State website. The references to the Library of Michigan are listed on pages 2, 10, 11 and 19.

The Michigan Genealogical Council urges everyone to again contact their State Senators and Representatives to express their feelings regarding the Library of Michigan. Under the current extremely difficult economic circumstances, it is quite possible that the Library will be closed, and the collection dispersed to other facilities or put into storage. Even with very limited hours, keeping the collection intact and available in it’s current location is the best outcome.

The Michigan Genealogical Council has made a statement on the front page of their website, regarding the extremely difficult circumstances faced by the State.

Budget Cuts at the Library of Michigan — How Damaging?

March 10th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information | What's going On - (0 Comments)

The Michigan State Senate Appropriations committee will meet Thursday, March 12, 2009. The agenda calls for discussions regarding budget appropriations for the Department of History Arts and Libraries, which is apparently will be dissolved and the functions split among other departments.

A current, partly substantiated, rumor has the Library of Michigan being closed completely, with the collection being parceled out to a “local University”, if they are interested.

While it may not be possible to save the Department [HAL] in the face of the serious budget shortfalls, the Library of Michigan and Archives of Michigan are jewels and deserve our support. The Abrams Foundation has made donations totaling nearly $2,000,000 for the genealogy collection over past years. The people of Michigan should have access to the entire collection, at a central location, with sufficient parking. In times of budget crises, severely reducing hours is certainly an alternative to be considered.

I consider dismantling the collection to be a short-sighted solution to a temporary, although severe problem. Many Michigan citizens benefit from the internet services of the Library and local libraries. This funding through HAL provides internet service for unemployed and disadvantaged persons.

Interested genealogists, citizens and users of the library and archives should call and e-mail their State senators and representatives now. Please do so to express your support for continuing a centralized collection, even if the hours must be severely reduced.

You may also contact Senator Thomas George, chairman of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for History Arts and Libraries by phone at 517-373-2768 to express your support for the Library. You may visit his web page for more contact options.

Do it now, please.

Thank you.

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