Pierce, J. (2003). HISTORY IS ITS OWN REWARD BACK HOME IN INDIANA. American Libraries, 34(7), 46. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier.
Focusing on the Allen County Public Library in Indiana, this article looks into the relationship between the residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the library. It notes that the genealogy department at ACPL has played a significant role in sustaining the economy within the community.
Contrary to most library practices, the genealogy collection has a budget proportionate to other departments. It also holds the largest collection of genealogical materials outside of Salt Lake City. The department constantly watches the antiquities market for books, and solicits unpublished work of family members for the collection. People specifically go to Fort Wayne to do research at ACPL, and the local restaurants and hotels are reaping the rewards. The collection has impacted both local tourism and the town's relationships across the state. Each year, the genealogy department serves between 98,500 and 110,000 visitors, who then have an economic impact of between $7.2 and $9.8 million annually. The library is a local treasure.
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