Wayne,
As a single mother with a limited support system I can understand the circumstances that lead to children being "dragged" along while Mom or Dad work. I have often had to take my son, who is 9 now, to my college classes, into the library for research, or even on appointments with advisors. I am always worried he will disturb other people or worse, damage something that cannot be replaced. However, my worries have always been for not...we bring along a back pack that has all manner of things to keep him busy.
Most institutions have no reservations about this, as long as he remains quiet and leaves other people alone. At one local research center the librarian actually puts him to work helping her shelve books. Often I have heard comments that the Inst.'s have many people who bring children and that the parents are always careful to bring along quiet entertainment. Maybe after your Historical Society creates a policy regarding children they could post it near the entrance to the research area. Parents will appreciate knowing what your position on children in the center is and your expectations while there. I know I always feel better knowing for sure if my son is welcomed.
Becca Hiller
UW-Green Bay
________________________________
From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Heidi Campbell-Shoaf
Sent: Mon 8/16/2004 7:18 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Children in the Research Room
Hi Wayne,
We have had parents bring in their children while they do research in our library. Most are sensitive enough to know that they don't have a lot of time before the young one becomes impatient and brings along some quiet activity for them to do. For those that did not think ahead, we have coloring sheets (photocopied pages from an old local-history themed coloring book) for them. Instead of crayons, which can be a problem if the child decides to color outside the lines and off the paper, we have colored pencils. We try to have them sit at an unoccupied table so there is less chance of them scribbling on books and documents. This usually works well. We do not have a policy regarding children in the research library, aside from them having to be with a parent or other responsible adult.
Heidi Campbell-Shoaf
Curator
Historical Society of Frederick County
24 E. Church St.
Frederick, MD 21718
[log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: Wayne E. Motts <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 10:26 AM
Subject: Children in the Research Room
Recently it seems that we have had a rash of researchers bringing their young children into our facility to do research or to wait at a table or in the hallway. I would like to ask the group what type of policies they have in place at their institutions governing children in the research areas. Obviously, students working on school projects are different from the 10-year-old child with mom to do genealogy. Any advice from the members would be helpful in formulating a policy on this.
Wayne E. Motts
Collections Manager
Adams County Historical Society
111 Seminary Ridge
P.O. Box 4325
Gettysburg, PA 17325-4325
www.achs-pa.org
(Voice) 717-334-4723 ext.203
(Fax) 717-334-0722
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