Global Searchable Database for Hardcopy media at our libraries
I would like to start setting up a searchable online library catalog for hard copy books, maps, etc. in our libraries, that are searchable from anywhere, and can give patrons the location of the library which has hardcopy, copywrited materials , and text of open source materials that can be viewed online. An audio, video and eBook library would also be helpful.
Using an existing searchable database program, or creating a custom one which every ward or branch library will use, so that every library is consistent would be key, so people from anywhere could find books by subject, title, Family name, similar names, Country, State, City, key words, LOC number, ISBN or ISBN-13 number, Dewy Decimal System number, region (when applicable), and so on.
I would be willing to work on solid parameters for creating a database, instructions, and support for others to be able to use such a database to enter books and other media in their libraries, as well. Once we have the current titles, maps, photos, video, audio, and other media cataloged, only new additions would require additions to the database.
We may be able to use the existing back-end program we have where we search for people, yet instead, create another database specifically for books and media. OR use an existing library management software program, such as Bibliotheca might be more appropriate.
Having a program written so that library staff could enter items into the database (with prompts, so it is easily understandable for everyone, and requires no coding), and then be checked by other volunteers, much like we do for indexing, cataloging and then having others checking the entries, as we do with Census data.
We could also, perhaps , create an inter-library loan system, perhaps charge for the service if hard copies might need to be sent via mail, so it pays for itself?
This all started when I was asked if I could create a database, then upgrade it to a searchable database on the Wiki for our stake's library. If we are going to make it searchable, why not have it uniform to other libraries on Family Search, and available for every library to create a searchable database for their libraries as well, essentially making materials available to anyone worldwide within the library system. It really doesn't take that much more work to go from doing this for a single library to every library, and would make it searchable from anywhere.
Doing this may also bring others into our search, more authors, and a far more comprehensive, cohesive experience on the Family Search website.
I need to work on at least a list of the books here at our library, at least on a spread sheet. Why not make these books available and searchable for all?
As for copywrite issues, we can post excerpts, so patrons have an idea of what is available in any given book, AND we can request digitizing any books or media in which is still under copywrite law, and update these as they are released. Doing that and creating fields for a database all at once would make it so much easier to prevent each library from reinventing the wheel, retyping data, and trying to use a different system, or worse, none at all and thus keeping valuable information away from people who are seeking it.
Please let me know what you think! It may sound like a lot, but it's really not, as far as the scope of what we already do, AND making a database that most any volunteers can enter data into, and thus make it available for anyone online to search saves time, and makes more materials available, an with less work overall.
Carol Reid,
Ojai Ward
Answers
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Maybe I'm missing something, but that sounds like WorldCat to me. I'm not sure if WorldCat is entirely genealogy focused, but I've seen it used for that.
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Here is the newest link to FamilySearch Center operations.
Section 5: Research Materials might provide some guidance.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/fieldops/article/familysearch-center-operations-guide-2023
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@Carol J Reid Your post has been copied to the group "FamilySearch Center Consultants" please join the group here to access your post. This is not something that the Community can help you with. It would be better to discuss this with your Center Director and other leadership.
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