March 12, 2009

Dr. Vogt,

Thank you for getting in touch and providing us with information on how the library will operate when it reopens.

The Northwest History Network remains very concerned about the long-term viability and accessibility of materials in the Oregon Historical Society library.

Your description of the library’s new operations makes no mention of maintaining full access to the manuscript and archival holdings, which are the heart of the institution. This access would include employment of a sufficient number of archivists and research librarians who possess the expertise to maintain the collection and serve the public. We hope that OHS is developing long-term plans for keeping these well-tended and accessible. We also encourage OHS to make an updated public statement about the current and future status of the library.

Since the library closed almost two weeks ago, we have heard from hundreds of students, historians, writers, OHS members, librarians, and architects, among others, whose work requires access to the collections, not just the reference materials. We encourage you to read these to see what users have to say about what the library and staff mean to them: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-the-OHSRL-and-staff. We also invite you to join us in the Park Block across from OHS from 4-5:30 tomorrow to listen to what historians, authors, and other stakeholders have to say about how the OHS collections and staff have supported their work.

We are also concerned about the fate of library’s staff. On a personal level, we have come to know many of them well over the years and are very sorry to see them laid off. On a professional level, we are concerned about the fate of the library’s collections. Without a staff intimate with the collections, how can they be maintained, shaped, and used for benefit of the Oregonians for whom the material is held in trust? When the staff goes, so does irreplaceable knowledge and skills. Furthermore, we believe the collections are at risk without the protection of trained professionals.

Given the economic crisis in Oregon, it is more important than ever that a solution for the library be found. The Northwest History Network hopes you will join us in calling on Governor Kulongoski to convene a task force to find a permanent and sustainable solution for the library.

Respectfully Yours,

The Northwest History Network