It's been a while since I have posted. Being a Family History Center Director, even for a small center, is one busy endeavor!
I always viewed myself as a fair researcher, a good teacher, and waited for the time that I could work on my own family history. Maybe even assisting in the "MOTHERSHIP" in Salt Lake City. I had no idea how busy I would be with this church calling to direct, organize, update and staff the center. Research? HA! My family history? HA! I am hoping for a lull so that I can start again.
It has been a little over two years since I began a short stint of a few months as a Family History Center assistant director, then, as the director. My head swims with staffing, substitutes, computers, scanners, office chairs, supplies, reports and training for the FHC staff. I. Had. No. Idea.
Once everything seems organized, someone moves, receives a new calling in the church, retires, or even dies. Staffing is a revolving door. Nonetheless our FHC helpers really do help our patrons. Sometimes it is a team effort.
Here are my musings about 2016:
I always viewed myself as a fair researcher, a good teacher, and waited for the time that I could work on my own family history. Maybe even assisting in the "MOTHERSHIP" in Salt Lake City. I had no idea how busy I would be with this church calling to direct, organize, update and staff the center. Research? HA! My family history? HA! I am hoping for a lull so that I can start again.
It has been a little over two years since I began a short stint of a few months as a Family History Center assistant director, then, as the director. My head swims with staffing, substitutes, computers, scanners, office chairs, supplies, reports and training for the FHC staff. I. Had. No. Idea.
Once everything seems organized, someone moves, receives a new calling in the church, retires, or even dies. Staffing is a revolving door. Nonetheless our FHC helpers really do help our patrons. Sometimes it is a team effort.
Here are my musings about 2016:
- Seven new computers all shiny and new and fast (It took me 6 months before I noticed the DVD drives on the sides).
- A wonderful staff of 27
- A wonderful staff backup of 15
- Youth consultants putting on their own conference
- Real library tables instead of folding plastic banquet tables
- Old books.. only needed after you weed them
- A family history center... a haven
- Never assume
- Not everyone will rejoice when you shred microfische.
- Session sharing lightens loads for your helpers.
- Proving native American ancestry is enticing.
- FamilySearch call staff are awesome. I keep getting a fellow in Bulgaria and he is great!
- A booth at the annual Pioneer Picnic with hotspots (Thanks Wilkinsons)!
- Family Discovery Days...lots of effort, worth it
- I don't do much of my own family history.
- Hope Chest... a lifesaver (see #15).
- A new scanner/copier/printer just this December
- Really terrific youth consultants
- A tenacious assistant director who tirelessly organizes monthly clinics
- Knowing you can't do it all alone
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