Written reference services to genealogists at libraries & information centres in the South Island of New Zealand

Abstract

This research project investigated the policies of written reference services available to genealogists at libraries and information centres in the South Island of New Zealand. There had been no previous research on the written communication between library staff and genealogists within New Zealand, despite the growing popularity of genealogy. This research employed three theoretical frameworks that look at how these policies fit within the library management system, strategic planning and the economics of information. A questionnaire, seeking quantitative and qualitative responses, was sent to staff at 100 selected South Island libraries and information centres. A response rate of 79% was achieved with 62 usable responses. Over half of these organisations charged for written genealogical research and as long as genealogists are prepared to pay, staff place few other restrictions on the amount and depth of research allowed. Cost recovery and curtailing demand were the main pricing objectives noted. Few of the organisations that do not charge for research place any limits on research, because they receive few inquiries, deal with them quickly and/or refer genealogists to other organisations.