Introducing New Tech to LJCLS Genealogy
Hey guys!
While the LJCLS Genealogy faces new changes and challenges in the upcoming new year, we have a lot of activities and a new tool to share with you. One of our generous patrons gave us the funds to purchase this very cool overhead scanner. The scanner is a CZUR ET Max and I've attached a little video that shows the capabilities this lovely machine has.
While the video shows a lot of creative ways this tool can be used. The primary reason this type of scanner benefits the library is because in the genealogy department we have several rare, out of print books. These books are old and cannot withstand the jostling and bending of spines that is necessary using a flat bed scanner. Another reason we see a great need for it is: ACCESS. By digitizing materials that are out of print (think 1948 Laurel High Yearbook or personally compiled family histories) and providing a platform to share them, we can reach people in Jones County and around the world without them ever having to come to the library personally. While we really want you to come in to the library, we understand that's not always possible. Many of our patrons live in different states and even different countries. Some are not physically able.
The first items that will be available will be the Laurel High, Gardiner, R.H. Watkins yearbooks. We have the 1913 & 1914 Laurel yearbooks (which include Lauren Rogers) that are not accessible to the public due to condition issues and frailty. Those along with the 1948 - 1999 yearbooks should be available to view digitally by the end of first quarter 2027. I have a wonderful volunteer who has offered to help, and I plan to put them to work soon! While we are still looking at options as to how these files will be hosted, I expect we should easily meet the deadline. I'll keep you all posted.
In other news, upcoming events to Genealogy will be a Beginning Genealogy Workshop combined with a children's Coat of Arms craft. So while the grown ups are learning genealogy, children can also begin the journey of learning who they are and where they come from. This event is tentatively scheduled for late January. We will post in plenty of time so those who want to come will have time to schedule it in. We hope to have a good turnout for this and that y'all will join us. It will be a free event. Other programs we are looking at include: silhouette portraits and eventually a hands on digital workshop tentatively scheduled for May 2027.
On a side note, we are teaming up with our MakerSpace Specialist to take orders for tea towels with family recipes printed on them. Imagine your grandmother's pecan pie recipe on a tea towel in her own handwriting. What a unique and thoughtful gift or personal keepsake. We are still perfecting the science, but hope to be taking orders in November.
So again, lots of changes to Genealogy coming up, but stay tuned we have a lot of fun activities and we are always open for reference and general assistance at our normal hours too!
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