Date post: | 27-Jun-2015 |
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Kennedy Branch – Piscataway Public Library
Kennedy Branch – Piscataway Public Library
• One of two library branches serving the reidents of Piscataway.
• Building was originally constructed in 1965, and has witnessed several renovations over the years.
• The library employs 16 individuals, some of them on a part-time basis, and also benefits from the efforts of about 10 volunteers.
Areas of the Library
Main Stacks
• Popular fiction and non-fiction
• Sizable World Language collection
Kids• Print, audio and audiovisual materials
• Six computers
• Storage space
Local History• Books, maps, and posters
• Newspaper collection on microfilm
• Photographs
Computer Lab
• Contains computers, copy machine, and vending machines
Café Area
• Tables and chairs for eating food from the vending machines or outside food.
Performance Space
• Can be rented for events
• Has small kitchen attached
Preservation Hotspots
Food
• Library contains café area.
• Floor and surfaces of café area easily cleaned.
• Food consumption not limited to café area.
Lighting
Lighting consists largely of fluorescent tubing
No UV filtering sleeves
(insert picture)
Windows/Skylights
Though windows have shades, they are not closed
Very large skylight in center of facility
Skylight in children's area has been removed
(insert photos)
Roof
New sloping roof constructed to address leaking
New roof built over old roof
Roof continues to leak
(insert photos)
Security
Building protected by security system
Coming and going is limited to a single entrance
Exterior of building surrounded by security cameras
Access to keys for secure areas is limited and controlled
(insert photos here)
Fire Suppression System/Extinguishers
Water based fire suppression system running through ceiling above collections
Fire extinguishers placed throughout the premises
(insert photos here)
Climate Systems
Modern HVAC system
No climate data gathered
(insert photos here)
Shelving
Enamel coated steel
(insert photos here)
Book Placement
Books are arranged well and are not falling over
(insert photos here)
Disaster Plan
Were told that it exists (though the location and contents were not made clear)
Local History Room
Overview
Small but growing Created organically through donations over
time Aims to document the history of Piscataway,
and places that have been part of Piscataway at one time
Not expressly managed as an archives, but it does contain “archival” materials, and a semblance of archival procedures have been applied
Preservational Assessment
Storage
• Original documents largely housed in acid-free folders.
• Many maps housed in polyester sleeves to limit wear.
• Many photos in polyester sleeves.
Reformatting/Digitization
• Much of accessible portion of the local history collection consists of copies of originals.
• Some of the oral history collection may be played from online catalog.
• Transcripts of some oral histories have been created.
Accessioning
• No record of origin exists for most smaller local history items.
Description
• A majority of local history items are not described in the library’s catalog. Among the many exceptions are larger gift collections, municipal records, and some oral histories.
• No archival finding aids exist.
How Local History Appears in Catalog:
• Catalog Record: Family Scrapbook
• Catalog Record: Municipal Budget
• Catalog Record: Oral History
Collection Policy
• Policy is to collect items that document Piscataway’s history, natural history, prominent families, etc., and also records pertaining to communities that were part of Piscataway at one time.
• Policy is not in writing.
Staff Training
• Staff not trained in archival standards and techniques.
• Still, Ed, charged with running local history, is a kind and dedicated guy!
Conclusion: Preservation Pros and Cons
Pros
• Separate café area with easily cleaned surfaces
• Window shades
• New sloping roof
• Security system
• Security system
• Limited points of entry and exit
• Tightly controlled keys to secure areas
• Extensive fire suppression system
Pros (Continued)
• Modern HVAC system
• Enamel-coated steel shelving
• Properly arranged (non leaning) books
• Existence of disaster plan
• Acid-free folders/polyester sleeves for local history collection
• Some reformatting of local history materials
• Reasonable collection policy
Cons
• Food consumption not limited to café area
• No UV filters on lighting
• Window shades remain open
• Roof continues to leak
• Fire suppression system is water based, runs through ceiling above collections
• No water alarms
• No climate data gathered
Cons (Continued)
• Little independent ability to control climate in library sections, such as local history area
• Location/contents of disaster plan unknown to host
• No accession records for local history holdings
• Local history holdings largely not described in catalog
• Collection policy not in writing
• Staff not trained in archival techniques