New service, digital collections at library; DOE, other collections available online

The Oak Ridge Public Library has announced a new service for the community and new online photograph collections. With Reference by Appointment, individuals can obtain one-on-one, in-depth assistance with research, résumés, or online job applications with a trained professional at no cost.

Anyone may schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian for assistance in the use of the library’s many resources. A librarian can help format résumés, search census records in Heritage Quest, assist with databases searches in Tennessee Electronic Library, suggest research material for a school or work project, and help with basic computer skills. No library card is needed in order to take part in this service.Appointments last from 15-60 minutes, depending on the individual needs. Reference staff will accommodate appointments within the weekday hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff cannot do research or write your résumé, but they can advise on research materials, on formatting documents, or give general assistance with online applications. To schedule an appointment, please call the reference section at (865) 425-3465. A librarian will be in contact quickly to set up the appointment.

One of the most popular collections at the library is the U.S. Department of Energy Photograph Collection, images largely taken by Ed Westcott during his years as Atomic Energy Commission photographer. Over 1,000 photographs depict life in the “Secret City.” This entire collection is now online and accessible through the library’s website at www.orpl.org. Click on the links, Departments and Services, then Digital Collections. A website will appear with a link to the Oak Ridge Room Department of Energy Photograph Collection.

Two other online photograph collections are also available for browsing, the Municipal Oak Ridge Photograph Collection and the Ruth Carey Photograph Collection. Both of these collections are in process and growing in scope. The Municipal Collection currently showcases early Oak Ridge Fire, Police, and Public Works departments. Later online additions will display the Recreation Department activities and the Army-Navy “E” Award ceremony that took place on Nov. 20, 1945, at Blankenship Field. The online Ruth Carey Collection presents only a small fraction of the images from the collection. Library staff and volunteers are digitizing more of Ms. Carey’s negatives and plan on having them online soon.

Library cards are free for Oak Ridge residents of all ages and provide free access to learning and entertainment. Visit Oak Ridge Public Library at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike in the Civic Center. Please see our website at www.orpl.org or call (865) 425-3455 for more information.