In cooperation with the Silver City Public Library, the Silver City Museum will be transferring its library of resource materials to the Public Library's reference section for use by the general public. The move is scheduled to take place through August with an anticipated completion by mid-September for most of the materials. It is anticipated that the reference book collection will be cataloged and fully accessible to the public by December 2014.

Currently, the materials are housed in the Silver City Museum Annex building available to the public by appointment and/or at a time when a research volunteer is scheduled. By transferring the materials to the Silver City Public Library's collection, the following benefits to the community are anticipated:

• • The library's reference collection is open to the public during all public hours of the library.
  • The reference librarians are trained in the cataloguing and security of reference collection materials associated with the accommodation of requests by the public to view materials from the reference collection.
  • The reference collection is non-circulating and may not be checked out of the library. However, they are available for use during regular library hours. Materials requiring even more security will be closely monitored and secured within the "Treasure" room of library's rare books and materials. These materials are also available during open hours of the library.
  • The combination of the museum's library of resource materials with those of the library's reference collection including its special Southwest collection will provide a central location for residents and visitors to view and use all of the materials for their research needs.
  • Many of the current museum research volunteers who have in-depth knowledge of the materials will continue to provide assistance with public research inquiries at the Silver City Public Library. The library will be working with these volunteers and others as they develop other tools that will allow for greater accessibility of the available research information. The museum will provide a link on its website to directly connect with a new library research request form on the library's website for patrons requesting assistance with their inquiries.
  • During the transition and after the transfer other inquiries that may come to the museum will be directed to either the library or museum staff depending on the request or inquiry.
  • The museum will continue to house its extensive permanent collection of accessioned archival materials, historical objects and artifacts within the Silver City Museum including the collection of historic photographs. Access and use of these materials will continue to be available by appointment and in accordance with museum policy concerning its use, care, and preservation. Research relevant to the development of exhibits, programs, and collections at the museum will continue by staff, volunteers, historians, writers, scholars and others.
  • The Silver City Museum and the Silver City Public Library are municipal government departments of the Town of Silver City. With the transfer of the museum's library resource materials, the Town continues to maintain ownership of all the materials for the benefit of the public.

The Silver City Museum and the Silver City Public Library look forward to the combination of the two library resources into one location providing increased accessibility to the residents and visitors to the community. The Silver City Museum would also like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance to the public that the corps of research volunteers have provided and will continue to provide for both the museum and the library.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching and interpreting the regions unique history. For more information about the museum and its programs please contact Museum staff at (575) 538-5921or info@silvercitymuseum.org.