Technology in the Library

     A few weeks back I visited the Washington Memorial Branch of the Macon County, Georgia, Library for the first time.  They have a large genealogy room there and I'd heard that it held a lot of Revolutionary War resources.

     As I was browsing books I did what I often do now: take photos of pertinent information using my cellphone.  As I sat in the isle (I didn't see the point in hauling a shelf and a half of books about Edgfield Co., SC to a table), a voice behind me asked, "You're not taking photos of the books, are you?"  I found out that the library does not allow patrons to photograph book pages.  Instead, you must make a photocopy (20¢).  I complied, but I was flabbergasted.

     The only reason I can see for this policy is to make money.  And yes, I understand that these libraries are all likely underfunded and need all the money they can make to provide services.  And the photocopy machine costs money to operate.  But to force patrons to use the copy machine if they want a copy of the book pages?  I'm sorry, but it feels greedy to me.  I hate to say that, because it's judgmental.  I don't honestly know the library's reasoning for the policy but, regardless of what the reasoning might be, I don't like it.

     Aside from the money aspect, I have to wonder what their thoughts are considering the technological aspects of their policy.  Every day more an more people, regardless of age, use smartphones.  Genealogists are buying portable scanners and tablets to make research easier when away from home.  Heck, there are cameras in eyeglasses!  The use of digital technology in libraries, archives and courthouses is on the rise. I'm not sure how long this library thinks to enforce this policy, but I just can't see it lasting long.  Technology is growing and changing so fast that there's no telling what it will look like in five years.  I'm betting this policy won't last that long though.

Prepping for My Trip

     I'm on vacation, starting Monday.  I only have one genealogy themed activity planned, but most activities are history related.  I just got my new iPhone on Thursday and have been prepping it for my trip. A friend showed me how to create folders for my apps, so I created a 'Genealogy' folder, as well as a 'Navigation' folder.

My Navigation apps include: Maps  Maps Default TeleNav GPS Plus MapQuest Destinations Travel NC (my destination) iExit Parks Guide Roadside Oh Ranger! ParkFinder

My Genealogy apps include: BillionGraves Ancestry 23andMe Evernote Blogger iTalk GA Marker

   
     Does anyone have any suggestions for helpful apps for either category? For navigation apps, I'm especially interested in apps like 'Roadside' that help me find spur-of-the-moment attractions. For genealogy apps, anything that would help with recording visits to places or with family. I haven't had a chance to try all of these out yet, so any advice is welcome.

Times Change - Thank Goodness

     My sister and I went out driving near her house today, stopping at random cemeteries to take photos of headstones. The Windsor Universalist Church had a small cemetery and this outhouse beyond that. I am so thankful for today's technology.

My Morning Tech Routine

     "What's your Morning Tech Routine?" This topic was pointed out to geneabloggers over at Geniaus, who saw it at ReadWriteWeb.

     I sometimes say I'm addicted to email. I could easily survive without Facbook, but I don't know what I'd do without the ability to check my email throughout the day. In fact, I often start my day by checking my email. My cell phone is my alarm clock and once I turn off the alarm I often click over to check my email accounts.

      After my morning shower I head to my computer to re-check my email, usually followed twitter and blog posts. Once I'm caught up on personal happenings I check the news, usually the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website followed by CNN. I probably won't check Facebook or Google+ unless I have an email notification.  Depending on whether I have to open or close at work that day, I might try and read a chapter on my Kindle or start my day with some online genealogy research.

     The rest of my day is equally filled with tech. I can't imagine how different my day would be without all the technology we have today.