The Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Local History Department
Policy and Procedures

Department Policy

Department Use Procedures

Research Service Procedures

Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Local History Department Policy
1.1. The Local History Department as an information source at the Community Library of Allegheny Valley (CLAV) enhances the Library's regular collection in size and depth, and extends the Library's commitment to meeting the community's information needs.

1.2 In cooperation with the Tarentum Genealogical Society and the Tarentum History & Landmarks Foundation, the Library is committed to obtaining genealogical and historical resources for the Pennsylvania counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler and Westmoreland.

1.3 Genealogical and historical resources available in the Local History Department are provided equally to all library users. Circulating materials are available only to valid library card holders.


Department Use Procedures

• A visitors' book asking for name, address, date and research topic should be signed upon each visit to the Local History Department.
• Briefcases and bags are permitted in the Department, but not opened on the worktable, as space is limited.
• Visitors to the Department should not reshelve materials.
• Fragile materials, so indicated, must be attended to by staff.
• Certain materials, so indicated, may not be photocopied.
• Do not write on or in the materials.
• No food or beverage permitted. Cell phones and beepers must be turned off if such device makes an audible sound.
• Department users will be charged full replacement cost for damaged materials.

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Microfilm Use Procedures

• A one-hour time limit will be enforced as needed on the use of the microfilm readers.
• Out-of-town visitors may reserve microfilm readers. Reservation will be lost after 10 minutes for no-shows.
• Only one roll of microfilm may be removed from the storage drawers at a time. After viewing the film, leave the film out. Staff will return microfilm to storage drawers. Return to top.
  
  Research Service Procedures
  
  • Our staff will only conduct searches for obituaries. Members of the Tarentum Genealogical Society will research more extensive requests. Please refer to their web site.
  • Limit of 5 names per mailing.
  • Provide name of deceased and exact date of death. If exact date of death is unknown, obituary indexes will be searched. Limited indexes currently exist.
  • Mail request along with a $10.00 check or money order (made payable to Community Library of Allegheny Valley) non-refundable donation to the Community Library of Allegheny Valley, Attn: Local History Department, 400 Lock St., Tarentum, PA 15084. Please add $1 to requests from Canada.
  • Research is limited to our holdings.
  • Requests will be answered in the order they are received as staff time permits.
  • Phone inquiries for general information are welcome; however, research requests must be mailed or e-mailed to our department. Return to top.