Orientation at LBPL

Even though I work in the LBPL my orientation started off with a tour of the library. Very few people may know everything about the library holdings but I have not had much exposure to the reference dept so it was very useful (and some what surprising) to see all the additional materials that would fall under the "local history" label.
There are 2 librarians and 2 additional staff members in Reference. They are responsible for clipping the Long Branch articles from newspapers, training and maintaining the Microfilm Collection, buying and weeding pertinent books (reference and lending material*) on the local, county and state topics in additional to their regular work (reference, computers, etc). Reference material that might be of interest to a researcher includes almanacs, legal and government related texts that are specific to New Jersey.

The reference librarians keep files on the answered reference questions, particularly I'm guessing, reference questions related to local history that might come up again. Not much reason to keep the answer to the date of the NJ primary, for example, after next month but I would have to confirm this theory. It may also be easier to keep everything as long as you can find the information when you need it. But this is slightly off topic. Unless of course the librarian used source material from the local history room in which case I would be very interested in knowing that information.

In addition to the file drawer of questions, there are file drawers for the library archives - board of trustee minutes, friends of the library and Elberon Branch. The Library Archives also include events, programs (actual publicity material etc) that occurred each year. Since none of the filing cabinets are labeled I will be making labels so it is easier to put my hands on the material if necessary.

I have worked with the staff already on different projects, including in particular an evening program publicizing the Microfilm Collection. I helped create the trifold brochure and cover sheet for the Microfilm directory as well as sent mailings to key people in area libraries and historical associations. The librarian in charge of the microfilm has worked for some time with Elsalyn Palmisano on the local history collection and so will be another good resource.

*The library often buys two or more copies of books because the copy in the Local History room does not circulate. One collection question I have is how to decide if you need more than one copy.