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PHOENIX (AP) — Researchers are worried they're going to have less data to trace family histories once the genealogical library at the capitol is downsized and relocated.
Two research groups will discuss the change this week with Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, whose office is responsible for the state's libraries, the Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1Mwljlw).
Reagan's Capitol museum and law library staffers will use the space currently occupied by genealogical records. Part of the 20,000 books, manuscripts and newsletters that make up the library will be moved to a building near the capitol and open to the public by Monday.
Other records will be added to online databases. The remainder is going into storage and can be made available upon request.
Reagan spokesman Matt Roberts says there was no outreach leading up to the decision. Reagan and Gov. Doug Ducey's office have collectively received about 140 emails protesting the change.
About three people visit the library on an average day.
Roberts says the least-used components of the library are being removed.
"All the things that will be eliminated from our collection are things that aren't being used right now," Roberts said.
Tempe resident John Risseeuw says his wife has used the library in the past.
"It certainly hasn't been transparent," he said of the decision to move the records.
Phoenix resident Marianne Cole said moving the library shows disregard for researchers.
"All those documents and manuscripts and vertical files: I want to be able to put my hands on it," she said.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
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