February 26, 2005

(5) Comments

In praise of public libraries

Teresa Bodwell

As I was walking the dog through town this morning we passed an open, grassy area with 5 deer. I expect that folks outside of Montana would find that image quite consistent with their view of Montana–though perhaps they would be surprised to learn that we seldom have bear or mountain lions in the middle of town. (I didn’t say never). I wonder if these city folks would find it surprising that we have terrific public libraries here?

I write western historicals and like most writers these days I do most of my research online (you have to be careful–there is a lot of innaccurate information out there, but that’s a different story). For some things, though there is nothing like a book. My current work in progress is set right here in western Montana and I’m finding the library is a great resource. They have many original documents, type written histories and that sort of thing preserved in their Montana room.

Searching the online catalogue, which links to other libraries in Montana, is also getting easier thanks to computer technology. Still there is nothing like the organization that a trained librarian imposes on information in the library. Shelf browsing–something computers have yet to emulate well.

The library is comfortable, warm and inviting. It is full of terrific sources and helpful people, but not over crowded. Large windows give the main reading room an open feeling. If you haven’t visited your local library in a while, I recommend it.

5 responses to "In praise of public libraries"
moos said:
February 26, 2005

Greetings! I’m not sure who posted this or exactly where you are. But it is a wonderful post. I have to travel 60 miles to get to the Billings Parmly Library to be able to do that. Red Lodge is 18 miles away – The Carnegie Library there is a good one, but doesn’t have all the resources that I need. I did visit the museum in Red Lodge yesterday for a few hours of research, though – that was fruitful! The Bridger Library is twelve miles away & it’s also a great library for such a small town. I’ve used inter-library loans, and advise these to people that I resarch for all over the US.

Here’s another great source for anyone doing Montana historical research:

http://www.his.state.mt.us/research/library/interloan.asp

From there you can go back to the Montana Historical Society main page

david said:
February 26, 2005

I haven’t been to a library in years and years…which is odd, because I used to practically LIVE in libraries…maybe it’s time to check out the GF library!

TeresaB said:
February 26, 2005

Hello–
I fogot to click the location. I’m in Missoula. Thanks for the info on other great libraries in Montana.
Teresa Bodwell

Betsy said:
February 28, 2005

Dude, you rock! Thanks! I’m a Montana librarian and it’s the best job anyone could have. GF, incidentally, has a fabulous public library.

One service Moos and everyone else might be interested in is our fledgling virtual reference service, Ask-A-Montana Librarian. No matter where you are in Montana, you can chat or email a librarian- it’s staffed by librarians from all over the state, not just in one library. Missoula has a link on their homepage, or you can reach it through http://montanalibraries.org/.

moos said:
February 28, 2005

David – you need to get your butt into a library – quick!

Teresa B – Glad to hear that someone else is working on the history of my adopted home!

Betsy – You rock! That’s a dream job & thanks for the new link.
Karen

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