If you are considering donating your genealogical material to a library or archives, ask first. Do not just make the donation in your will. Not all facilities are willing or able to take genealogical materials. Then consider or do the following:
- organize your materials. Libraries usually do not want unorganized boxes of random materials on dead people. The only people who can get by with donating unorganized materials are people who are well-known, influential, and well-connected.
- uniquify your materials. “Uniquify” is not a word, but if all your materials consist of unsourced photocopies of local records and published materials, the library may simply not want it. Even if it is organized. Ask yourself, “how unique is this material?” The more unique, the more likely a facility is to take it.
- write out conclusions. Written up summaries of information and conclusions (with cited sources)–even if not actually “published” but simply printed and bound in book form–are more likely to be accepted by a library or an archives.
3 Responses
Michael, I was very interested in what you presented because it is basically what I covered in my lecture this last October for my Genealogy Society here in Rockford, IL. I contacted a lot of historical and museums and libraries in the local area and found the same conclusions as you presented about donations. I covered exactly the points for each library and museums on the limitations of donations. The only thing I did not cover was the “conclusion” as you pointed out. If it is okay with you I will include it the next time I give the lecture. I already have two speaking engagement for next year. Thank you.
That’s fine and good luck with the presentations.
Yes, yes, yes!! Please don’t assume the library has a place for it, or the time to sort it all out. Asking in advance will ensure that if the library accepts it, the materials will be catalogued and made available to future patrons.