I apologize if this is posted twice....it didn't go through the first time.

I have a question for those that work at small museums and historical
societies.
How have you dealt with the dilemma of potential and inherent problems with
newspapers in your collections (storage, $, staff time, etc.) versus
acquiring and archiving microfilm reels??

Our historical society has a very large newspaper collection and we are
trying to assess the SWOTs (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
of maintaining the collection versus its abundant availability on microfilm.
The advantages/disadvantages are most obvious but it is not a 'cut and dry'
situation.

I would like to hear how others have dealt with this issue.  What factors
were included in the final decision?  Was the public involved and if so,
what was their reaction?  Was there a way to positively attract attention to
resolve the issue (extra volunteers, $, more space, etc.)?

Thanks for any responses!


Melissa de Bie
Collections Manager
Rock County Historical Society
P.O. Box 8096
Janesville, WI 53547-8096
(608) 756-4509
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